The alpine portion of the GR5 (GRE2) long distance European hiking trail is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and personally rewarding multi-day hiking experiences in the world.

This Internet Site primarily covers the Alpine GR5 – 52, from north to south, as it crosses through the highest part of the French Alps, along the borders of Switzerland and Italy.

You meet the GR5 before Les Houches and cross back over the river at the road bridge in Les Houches. This route requires a climb and descent of about 60 meters (200 feet), and takes …

This trailguide covers both the southernmost part of the Netherlands coastal walking trail (which in part is also the GR5, and the separate part of the GR5. The GR5 in the Netherlands starts at …

For the GR5 Alpine crossing, the normal and best time to go is in July, August, and September. If you begin the crossing before July, in an average snow year you are likely to find your …

The guide books also contain contact information for gîte d’etape and refuges along the GR5 and GR52; and comments on the history, geology, flora, and fauna of the region traversed.

Access Points along the GR5 between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean A star (*) indicates logical, recommended break points for multi-year trips; the others can serve in emergencies.

The final section of the GR5 is through city streets of no interest until you reach the coast. It will take 7 days total from Larche, not counting nights in Larche or Nice.

One GR5 starts from Thonon-les-Bains, a resort town, easily accessible by train from Geneva or Paris, and also by lake steamer from Nyon, Lausanne or Geneva. It will take you …

Regardless, I strongly recommend that you take the GR52 trail to Menton rather than the GR5 to Nice. First, the GR52 Balcon des Mercantour route is 1,000 meters higher than the GR5 and …