GR©5 stage 1: Saint-Gingolph – Bise (La Chapelle d’Abondance)

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  • quai of Saint-Gingolph (departure)
  • Novel village
  • Alpin chalet from Bise
    Saint-Gingolph

    The GR©5 is one of the most prestigious hiking routes in France. This linear route goes from Saint-Gingolph to the Bise pass. Beyond Bise pass you can follow it to Nice.

    This itinerary takes you to the heights of Saint-Gingolph and the village of Novel, the smallest commune in Haute-Savoie with about 50 inhabitants.
    On the way, magnificent views of the high lake, the Swiss coast and the Vaud Alps await you.

    You will reach the chalets and the lake of Neuteu and then the Col de Bise situated at 1915 m altitude, where you can admire your ascent and enjoy the breathtaking view of Lake Geneva and the Jura!

    You will reach the alpine hamlet of Bise, which is part of the Chablais Geopark network and nestles at the foot of the Cornettes de Bise, a Natura 2000 reserve. Its chalets, with their preserved architecture, include a restaurant as well as a refuge, freshly renovated in 2017.
    In contact with the herds of cows and goats, you will not be able to resist the cheeses sold directly by the producers, including the Abondance cheese for which the region is famous!

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    Further information

    If you want to start the GR5 or ViaRhôna in Saint-Gingolph, and are looking to leave your vehicle parked for several days, the commune of Saint-Gingolph France offers you a system of badges in 3 formulas (10 days, 20 days, 30 days). Information on www.st-gingolph.com/stationnement-itinerance

    Services & Equipment

    • Play area
    • Picnic area
    • Orientation board
    • Accommodation
    • Restaurant
    • Parking
    • Public WC
    • Pets welcome

    Customer base

    • Niveau orange - assez difficile-en

    Opening

    From 30/04 to 30/11.
    Accessible outside the snowy period and depending on the weather conditions. Please check with the Tourist Office beforehand to find out the current access conditions. Recommended season: spring - summer - autumn.

    Animals

    Animaux : Accepted

    Pets are only allowed on a lead as you will be in a nature reserve.

    Age range

    Minimum age : 10 years

    Prices

    Free access.

    Location

    Quai André Chevallay
    74500 Saint-Gingolph

    Starting point: Saint-Gingolph, quai André Chevallay

    Characteristics :

    • Waterside
    • Lakeside or by stretch of water
    • Station district
    • Close to a public transportation
    • Close to GR footpath
    • Close to pleasure port
    • Village centre
    • Forest location
    • Village 2 km away
    • Lake view
    • Mountain view