2012 DATES
(Saturday PM to Saturday AM - 7 nights accommodation and 6 days of activities)
We are waiting for confirmation
of dates from our guides.
Other dates available on request (minimum of 4). Maximum of 8.
Francetrek reserves the right to cancel if less than 3 persons book.
ACCOMMODATION AND MEALS:
E795 per person is based on minimum of 4 persons, twin share, staying at comfortable small country hotels or gites. Includes 7 nights accommodation in ensuite room, 7 breakfasts, 7 evening meals, guiding service, transfers to and from Chambery TGV station. NOT INCLUDED: day 8 final night dinner or accommodation in Chambery, drinks, and lunches (however picnics can be pre-booked with each hotel for E80 extra). Single supplement on request.
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 | TRANSFERS from Chambery TGV Station is at 5pm on day 1, and return around 6pm on day 8. An additional night’s accommodation for day 8 can be arranged on request. |
Explore the heart of the Chartreuse with your expert guide and enjoy some of the best walks within the region. The average 5 to 6 hour walks reflect the magnificent beauty and challenges of this mountainous region. Only light packs are required as we return to comfort hotel accommodation and excellent food each day. The aim is to enjoy the countryside, the hidden valleys and sweeping views, the scent of alpine woods and wildflowers, and of course, the regions excellent climate.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Remember we can also help with accommodation if you wish to extend your stay.
 Chalet Cirque de St Meme. | Day 1 Saturday. Meet for transfer from Chambery TGV Station at 5pm, taking approximately one hour to reach our accommodation in the Chalet du Cirque de St Meme, St Pierre d’Entremont. Settle in on arrival at the hotel, before ‘Welcome’ drinks and a briefing at 7pm, followed by dinner with your hosts. Remember to order your picnic lunch at each hotel enroute. |
Day 2 Sunday. A gentle and relaxing start to the week as we gradually climb up the valley of the Guiers to Chateau. Here the remains of the ancient Chateau of the Counts of Montbel are to be found. A steeper climb then leads to the Pas Dinay, with sweeping views over the valley. The delightful forest path then wends its way to our overnight stop in La Ruchere at 1042m. Distance 8kms with net height gain of 300m/4.5hrs with stops.
| Day 3 Monday. The day starts with a climb to the Col de la Ruchere at 1407m, and entrance to the grounds of the Monastery of the Grande Chartreuse. We then descend to the Chapels of Notre Dame de Casalibul, passing and visiting the Museum de la Corriere. Here you can learn the history of the monastery and the region. Our day finishes at St Pierre de Chartreuse. Distance 12kms with net height gain of 160m/5.5hrs with stops. |  |
Day 4 Tuesday. A short walk this morning leads to the Eglise de St Hugues, beautifully decorated by the artist Arcabus. The route then traverses some delightful hamlets, through forest and eventually to the foot of the looming Mont Chamechaude. From here a balcony walk leads to Sappey en Chartreuse and onto Sarcenas, our overnight stop. Distance 10kms with net height gain of 150m/5.5hrs with stops.
 Chartreuse high plateau. | Day 5 Wednesday. Today we concentrate on the ascent of Mont Chamechaude, 2082m, the highest point in the massif. You’ll enjoy the fantastic sweeping views over the entire Chartreuse from the summit and possibly also see Chamois as well, if clear. We descend to the Col de Porte, 1320m, for the evening. Distance 10kms, ascent of 950m and descent of 790m/5.5hrs with stops. |
| Day 6 Thursday. Today we climb up through the forest leading to a ridge and then the alpine meadows of Charmont Som. This is a great spot for alpine flowers at 1670m. Here, herds of splendid Tarine cattle, unique to the region, are also to be found. The descent through harsh limestone country is highlighted by the superb views of the St Pierre Valley, our eventual destination that evening, staying at St Pierre de Chartreuse. Distance 10kms, ascent of 600m and descent of 1090m in long easy stages/6hrs with stops. |  Alpage de Charmont |
Day 7 Friday. This is a day of transition, allowing you to recover from previous 2 strenuous days, and the lull before our final days activities. So in the morning we visit the Tourist Office and village before beginning our little forested walk to a balcony, leading, via great views, to the Sommet de la Scia at 1782m. A short descent then leads to our overnight stop at the Gite de la Scie at 1650m, famous for its outstanding and tranquil sunsets, a magical spot, ideal for toasting the enjoyments of nature and life. Distance 5kms with 700m ascent/3.3hrs with stops.
|  | Day 8 Saturday. This is the wildest and most exciting stage of our journey as we traverse the centre of the Reserve des Hauts de Chartreuse. Our one ascent leads to the Col de Bellefond at 1900m, with fantastic views (see photo). From here a long descent leads, via alpine meadows and shepherds farms, down to the famous Cirque de St Meme at 855m. Eventually we arrive back at our first hotel in St Pierre d'Etrement where your bags will be waiting. Our minibus will then take everyone down to Chambery by early evening. Distance 15kms with 600m descent/6hrs with stops. |
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| Sauge des Pres and the Cirque de St Meme |
Don’t forget that we can arrange a further night at the finishing hotel if required, although you may prefer to arrange your own accommodation in Chambery. Buses do run daily to Chambery from St Pierre d'Etrement.
For bookings or enquiries phone us on
0033 475 276 829 or mobile 0033 678 554 023
Email: Francetrek@aol.com
www.Francetrek.com
