Walking the French Alps

Martin Collins is a freelance author, photo-journalist and cartographer, as well as a regular contributor to the UK outdoor media. First walking the GR5 in 1981 kindled a passion for the French Alps that remains as strong as ever. He has since written over twenty books for walkers embracing the coast, mountains and countryside of the UK and parts of Europe. He has three children, and lives in north Wales on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park.

Introduction The 'GR' system and National Parks Travelling to the Alps Accommodation Camping Maps and Waymarking Amenities and Services Clothing and Equipment Mountain Safety Weather Flora and Fauna Photography Key to the Route Guide The Route Stage 1Lac Leman to the Chamonix valley Alternative Start to the GR5 Stage 2The Chamonix valley to the Isere Stage 3Landry to Modane (Vanoise) Main Route - GR5 GR55 Variant GR5E Variant Stage 4Modane to Ceillac Stage 5Ceillac to St. Etienne-de-Tinee Stage 6St. Etienne-de-Tinee to Nice Summary of GR52 variant Summary Table of Route and Timings for GR5 and Variants