The great crossing of the Alps on a trek from Briançon to Nice via the GR5

Today, the main route takes you to a lake with a Canadian feel and a small mountain hamlet. This mountain is the alpine pasture, an ideal summer grazing ground for flocks of sheep. Descend into the Guil Valley to reach Fort Queyras, a true stronghold of the King's army under Louis XIV. Before reaching the valley, keep your eyes peeled. You'll discover an endemic flower: the Foxtail Milk-vetch (Astragalus 'Tail'). Then, the GR trail climbs again: fragrant pine forest, cool larch woods, pretty flowery clearings, and the gentle clanging of cowbells lead you to the Prés Fromage alpine pastures. Next, you'll pass at the foot of Ruine Blanche, composed of dazzling white gypsum, somewhat reminiscent of Cappadocia. Crossing the Col Fromage pass at 2,301 meters allows you to gradually discover, with a panoramic view, the Font Sancte mountain range and the Ceillac plain, a delight for photography enthusiasts.

From Ceillac, you'll discover two high-altitude lakes: Lac Miroir, nestled in alpine pastures near a beautiful forest, and Lac Sainte Anne, at the foot of the Font Sancte massif at 3,385 meters. A short climb leads to the Col Girardin, the "border" with the upper Ubaye valley. A pleasant descent on the south-facing slope then takes you to the hamlet of Maljasset.

A short transfer from Maljasset to Fouillouse, overlooked by the Brec de Chambeyron (3,389 m). Hike to the Col du Vallonnet. A beautiful, wild valley leads to the Col de Mallemort (2,558 m). From there, you'll discover the wartime remains—barracks and a fort—that dominate the valley. After crossing a second pass, descend to the village of Larche.

A beautiful path leads through the small Ubayette valley to Lake Lauzanier (2,285 m) before tackling the final, very steep and rocky slope of the Pas de la Cavale (2,675 m). A short descent through alpine pastures precedes the brief climb to the Col des Fourches (2,262 m). A 45-minute descent brings you to Bousieyas.

The trail crosses the small road and traverses the alpine pastures of the Col de la Colombière. An alternative out-and-back route is possible to the Tête de Vinaigre (2,394 m). Descend to the village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. In less than an hour, you can climb back up to the Col d'Agnelle and then descend again towards Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.

Transfer to Roya. Crossing the alpine pastures, you reach the Col de Crousette. A beautiful ridge traverse leads to the Col de Moulines. Depending on your preferred level of comfort, you will either stay overnight at the Refuge Longon (dormitory) or continue the hike to Roure.

You depart directly from your arrival point of the previous day: Refuge Long or St Sauveur de Tinée. The day offers an easier transition through the hilltop villages of the Nice hinterland, such as Rougios, La Bolline, Rimplas, La Roche, and the picturesque village of Saint Dalmas. It is possible to modify the route and include a rest stop in Valdeblore.

Plan an early morning departure for this long trek to Utelle! A beautiful climb takes you to the Col de Caire Cros. Then, a traverse leads to Mont Tournairet. A short descent takes you to Les Granges e la Brasque before a brief climb to the Col d'Andriani. A zigzagging path then follows the entire ridge of the Utelle mountain before descending to the charming hillside village. Overnight stay at the communal gîte (simple overnight option). For meals, there's an inn in the village or a small grocery store.

It is possible to shorten and modify this step:

• 1 day extension, with overnight stay at Granges de La Brasque, located at the end of the first third of the route, approximately 3 to 4 hours of walking if you decide to follow the ridge rather than the path.

• At your own expense, you can take the regular bus line to reach Le Suquet from Valdeblore (5 hours of walking; 500 m of elevation gain)

A beautiful traverse of the mountain range above the Vésubie valley. The GR variant towards the ridge (orientation table) and the Toasquet valley is well worth the detour. Then, a lovely balcony overlooking the Vésubie, which you cross at Pont du Cros. Next, a short climb to Levens, today's destination. Leave the GR to explore this charming hilltop village. Comfortable overnight stay in a hotel.

A beautiful trail leads to Sainte Claire, followed by a climb up the wooded slope of Mont Cima, offering magnificent views of the Maritime Alps. Descend towards Aspremont with its concentric lanes, then a short climb up to Mont Chauve (optional route + 1 hour 30 minutes). A final gentle descent takes you to Gairaud, the end of this journey through the Alps! All that remains is to take the bus (at your own expense) to reach the sea and enjoy a well-deserved swim!