Hiking Collection by komoot
Exploring limestone summits — the GRP Tour of Lake Annecy
6 days
5-8 h/day
110km
6,200m
6,220m
The common thread of this GRP is the turquoise blue of Lake Annecy, which you can admire from every pass and summit. The lake is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset, when its waters take on golden, purple or orange hues. It's a truly breathtaking sight, and you can feel lucky to enjoy it for six days.
The GRP is traditionally done counter-clockwise from Annecy, and that's how I did it. You can absolutely do this route in the opposite direction and start it from almost any town on the lake. Here, I’ve divided the itinerary into six stages, with one stage dedicated to the ascent of the Tournette, the fantastic summit that dominates the Annecy basin from its 2,351 metres (7,713 ft) high.
The circuit begins and ends at Le Pâquier, a vast park on the edge of Lake Annecy, popular with locals and visitors alike. This is a starting point that I personally find exceptional, as you have a view of all the peaks you’ll reach on this hike. You can reach Le Pâquier in about 10 minutes on foot from the SNCF train station and the bus station in Annecy while many local Sibra buses also take you there. All stages end at a place where you can find accommodation or pitch a tent, depending on your wishes. Bivvying is tolerated on the entire route, and many huts allow you to camp on their premises.
In addition to the maps below, you’ll be able to use the yellow and red markings specific to the GRP throughout the route.
I recommend hiking this route between April and November, in order to avoid the snow at the passes and summits. In spring and early summer, the flora is particularly incredible and covers the mountain pastures in brilliant colours. I would suggest avoiding this route on the last weekend of May, when the Maxi-Race is traditionally held. Many races of various formats take place around the lake and on a good part of the GRP.
For the Annecy bus routes, check here: sibra.fr/en
Visibility:
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The GRP Tour of Lake Annecy
98.7km
5,580m
5,580m
Last updated: November 21, 2024
Do it yourself!
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Plan your own version of this adventure in the multi-day planner based on the stages suggested in this Collection.
Activities
20.8km
07:04
1,370m
280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
19.3km
07:10
990m
1,510m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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23.8km
08:06
1,250m
1,110m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
16.8km
07:32
1,320m
1,240m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
15.1km
05:44
590m
1,230m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
14.2km
05:50
670m
860m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Collection Stats
Activities
6
Distance
110 km
Duration
41:26 h
Elevation
6,200 m
6,220 m
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