GR5 — Grande Traversée des Alpes

The French section of the renowned GR5 (which technically starts in the Netherlands) serves as the 'Grande Traversée des Alpes' (GTA). This majestic 385-mile (620km) route is Europe’s classic north-to-south Alpine traverse. Starting from the shores of Lake Geneva (Lac Léman) in Thonon-les-Bains, it drives straight south through the heart of the Alps—crossing the Mont Blanc massif, the Vanoise National Park, the Queyras, and the Mercantour National Park—before finally dropping into the Mediterranean Sea at Nice. It takes about 4 weeks to complete, offering a journey from green, pastoral dairy country through high-altitude wilderness, culminating in the lavender-scented maritime Alps. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.

The Grande Traversée du Jura (GTJ / GR509) is a premier 400km long-distance trail snaking through the gentle, forested mountains along the French-Swiss border. Unlike the high-alpine peaks of the Alps, the Jura is characterized by vast limestone plateaus, dense spruce forests, and rolling sub-alpine meadows. The route is a contemplative journey through a 'Nordic' landscape, offering silence, deep isolation, and breathtaking views over Lake Geneva to the Mont Blanc massif. It is an accessible yet physically demanding thru-hike that showcases a unique mountain culture defined by isolated dairy farms and ancient spruce woods. Note: Compiled from public sources — not a field report.