Crossing the Aravis Alpine Pastures
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrench Alps / Aravis mountain range
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions62.32 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
A multi-day hike in the Aravis mountain range is an unforgettable experience. The verdant meadows , the soaring peaks of the Aravis range, and Mont Blanc in the background provide an exceptional setting. Traditional wooden chalets , alpine farms producing Reblochon cheese, and ibex at the foot of the limestone cliffs add to the charm of this adventure. Thanks to luggage transport, you can fully enjoy this unique route, culminating in a panoramic view overlooking Lake Annecy .
The highlights
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A unique route offering a wide variety of atmospheres and landscapes.
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Accommodation in 3-star hotels, with access to a spa (2 evenings)
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Two days facing Mont Blanc.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
For sporty walkers. Hiker level 3 on a scale of 5.
Mountain route with average elevation gains of 700 to 800 m. Experience in multi-day hiking is recommended.
Average elevation gain: 800 m Maximum elevation gain: 900 m
Average length: 13 km Maximum length: 16 km
Average time: 5 hours 30 minutes Maximum: 6 hours
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 13 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 750 m
- Average daily descent: 634 m
Management
French
Pierre, Laurence or Yves, Mountain Guides (living in Annecy all year round, they know the route and the new variations perfectly).
Program
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Sallanches - Cordon
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 2pm at Sallanches train station. Dressed in hiking gear.
We set off directly from the train station on foot. We quickly leave the town behind and climb the southern slopes of the Aravis mountain range. Walking through hay meadows, the atmosphere is immediately mountainous; the change of scenery is complete! As we ascend, the view of the Mont Blanc massif becomes increasingly spectacular! We finally reach the village of Cordon and our overnight stop. We spend the night in a hotel in Cordon.
Day 1 -
Cordon - La Giettaz
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 800 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We continue our ascent, begun the previous day, through the alpine pastures of Cordon. Then, through wilder forested areas, we reach the Col de Jaillet (1723 m). A magnificent ridge walk then leads us to the summit of Tête du Torraz (1930 m). The panoramic view of Mont Blanc to the south is a true delight, and we also discover the Aravis mountain range to the north, with its highest peak: Pointe Percée (2750 m). Descent to the village of La Giettaz. Overnight stay in a hotel in La Giettaz.
Day 2 -
La Giettaz - Saint-Jean-de-Sixt
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we enter the Aravis mountain range via the Aravis pass. We leave the village of La Giettaz through wild gorges and reach alpine pastures where it's not uncommon to spot chamois! If they're not there, we might observe them with binoculars on the slopes of the Aiguille de l'Etale (2488 m), which overlooks the pass. We continue to enjoy the views of the highest peaks in the Alps all the way to the Col des Aravis (1486 m). A short descent, then a traverse above the La Clusaz ski resort, and we climb back up to the Beauregard plateau (1644 m). Now we're in the heart of the alpine pastures where Reblochon cheese is made! We descend to the village. Overnight stay in a hotel in Saint-Jean-de-Sixt.
Day 3 -
Saint-Jean-de-Sixt - Thônes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We cross the limestone pavement of Mont Lachat via a wild trail where it's not uncommon to spot chamois. The morning unfolds in the shade of a mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, then the path winds through limestone rocks sculpted by erosion. The afternoon offers a panoramic view of the entire route, from the Col des Aravis to the Tournette. The Aravis valleys are even more spectacular than the day before! We descend through alpine pastures and forest to the village of Thônes, the capital of Reblochon cheese! Overnight stay in a hotel in Thônes.
Day 4 -
Thônes - Talloires
- Transportation Car - 00h10 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 970 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Taxi transfer (10 min). There are forgotten valleys scattered throughout the Alps, but full of charm. The Montremont valley, which we are climbing this morning, is one of them.
So it's not unpleasant to walk a little along the road, alongside this intrepid stream, before tackling the climb to the Col des Nantets (1426 m). There, you discover Lake Annecy and enjoy lying down in the grass, counting the paragliders! Through forests and then hay meadows, we reach Verel. A quick look at the spectacular Angon waterfall and the final descent to Talloires (450 m).
Return by bus to Annecy train station. Departure around 6:30 pm.
Weather permitting, it is possible to take the boat that goes around the lake (departures at 4:45 pm or 5:30 pm – approximately €20 to be paid on site) to reach Annecy.
Day 5
Note
This program is indicative; it may be modified by your guide to adapt to weather conditions.
Accommodation
Day 1: Night in a ** or *** hotel in rooms for 2 or 3, bathroom in the room, dining room facing Mont Blanc!
Day 2: Night in a ** hotel in rooms for 2 or 3 people, bathroom in the room.
On August 3rd, we will be staying 3 nights in the following accommodation; a transfer will be arranged.
Days 3 and 4: Overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in double or triple rooms with en-suite bathrooms. This hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and a spa (hammam, jacuzzi, sauna and relaxation area).
Day 5: Night in a *** hotel in rooms for 2 or 3 people, bathroom in the room.
No single rooms, solo registrations will be grouped into rooms of 2 or 3.
Access
Return train:
Timetables available from SNCF Tel: 0 892 35 35 35 or https://www.oui.sncf/
Return to Car:
Train Annecy – Sallanches or private taxi transfer, see section “dates and prices”.
Accommodation before or after the hike :
It is possible to stay one night before or after your stay in Annecy, subject to availability:
See section "dates and prices".
In Sallanches: We do not have a partner hotelier, you can contact the Sallanches Tourist Office, Tel: 04 50 58 04 25.
Go to the starting point
Take the A40 motorway to Annemasse, or the A41 motorway, then the A40 (Autoroute Blanche), exit "Sallanches". Parking is available near the train station.
Price details
The price includes
- Organization costs and supervision
- Accommodation
- Full board
- Access to the hotel spa on day 03
- Luggage transport
- The transfers planned in the program
The price does not include
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Individual equipment
- Extra nights
- The crossing on Lake Annecy (to be paid on site, approximately €20 per person)
- The means of transport to the meeting point and back
Options
- Additional night in Annecy in a single room : CHF105.20 / unit
- Additional night in Annecy in a double or twin room : CHF68.61 / person
- Private transfer : CHF201.26 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- A 35/40 litre backpack with a flexible frame, equipped with a waist belt and snowshoe attachment points.
- Large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- High-quality sunglasses with side protection
- Thermos or insulated water bottle (1.5 liters minimum)
- Opinel -type pocket knife
- Small waterproof pouch for storing: money, ID card, health insurance card, assistance contract
- Toiletries (prioritize the essentials: small containers, samples, travel kits)
- Quick-drying bath towel
- Earplugs or ear pads (optional)
- Toilet paper + garbage bag
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.5 liters) + cup + cutlery
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Survival blanket
- Sleeping bag liner ( duvets are unnecessary )
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
The ideal list: (to be adapted according to the hike and the season)
- 1 sun hat or cap.
- 1 scarf.
- 1 beanie.
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for 2 to 3 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved undershirt in breathable material or a shirt.
- 1 fleece fur jacket.
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex type jacket with hood.
- 1 rain cape or a bivvy bag if you own the jacket above.
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers.
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers such as Gore-Tex (if your budget allows)
- 1 pair of underwear (maybe be used in the evening at the stopover).
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 to 3 days of hiking). Opt for wool or hiking-specific socks. Be careful with cotton as it can cause blisters.
- One pair of hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles (like Vibram). Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been worn for a long time beforehand. Boots and après-ski boots are absolutely forbidden.
- 1 pair of gaiters.
- Underwear.
- 1 swimsuit (optional).
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening.
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening.
