Hiking Tours

Hiking in the Alps 

This tour features six hikes rated a mix of easy, moderate and difficult (due to elevation) interspersed among the French Alps. The hikes are led by a local professional guide who will share knowledge about the natural elements and history of the area. The air here is pure with lush green meadows, glacial lakes, and surrounding mountain ranges carved by the valleys of the Durance, Clarée, Guisane, Cerveyrette, and Orceyrette rivers. Exclusive to Europe, The Alps are the highest and most extensive mountain range, stretching approximately 1,200 km across eight Alpine countries. 

Quaint Briançon

With its altitude of 1,326 meters, Briançon is the second highest city in Europe, after Davos, Switzerland and the perfect location for travellers who wish to take the road less travelled. Its location has spawned a dramatic history, with famous names like Hannibal and King Louis XIV shaping its path. Briançon is a walled city highlighted by its many fortifications under UNESCO World Heritage status. Explore Upper Town, the true heart of the city and Old Town, where the past meets the present.

Gondola Ride to the Serre Chevalier Ski Resort 

Serre Chevalier is the biggest ski area in the French Alps and in the summer becomes a hiker's wonderland. A ride up the gondola provides 360° views of the valley below. At the top, be rewarded with amazing sites and a fun hike.

E-Bike Through le Vallée de la Clarée

Named after the crystal clear river that flows through it, the Clarée Valley is a protected area, classified as "Site Natura 2000" since 2010. Led by a professional guide, cycle on a closed paved route and have a picnic lunch in a parkette to enjoy the lovely mountain views.  

Forteresse Vauban de Briançon 

Described as an engineering genius, Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, instructed by King Louis XIV, strategically fortified Briançon from its enemies by enclosing the city with four forts (the Randouillet Fort, Trois-Têtes Fort, Dauphin Fort and Salettes redoubt), adding 3km of high walls and walkways. 

In 2008, 12 sites in France, also known as the Fortifications of Vauban, were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among them were the Fortifications of Briançon, including the four forts, the Y communication and the Asfeld Bridge. 

Walking Tour of Torino 

Torino is the capital city of Piedmont in northern Italy, known for its refined architecture and cuisine. Led by a local guide, the walk will allow viewing of the stately baroque buildings and old cafés which adorn Torino's boulevards and grand squares, such as Piazza Castello and Piazza San Carlo.   Torino is renowned for its legendary sweets. In fact, it can proudly claim to be the Italian city with the highest production of pastries. The flagship delight, without a doubt, is chocolate, which has earned it worldwide fame thanks to its exceptional quality

Day 3

1. Lac de l'Orceyrette 

(H2/Moderate – 11km/469m)

Nestled in the heart of the Bois des Ayes Biological Reserve, the Lac de L’Oceyrette is a magnificent glacial lake surrounded by soaring peaks and centuries old larch and pine forests. With your local guide, follow a dirt road to the crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding summits, creating an enchanting landscape reminiscent of Western Canada. 

Be sure to wear comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles are recommended due to elevation up and down

View the Trail Map

Day 4

2. Valley of Clarée – E-bike Adventure!

(H1/Easy – 18.5km/512m)

Travel to Névache, a small mountain village on the Franco-Italian border to meet your guide. After some practice and at your own pace, ride the paved road to the end of the valley. Feel free to stop to take picture breaks. 

View the Trail Map

Day 5

3. Guided Tour of the Citadel of Briançon

(H1/Easy – 3.0km)

Walk through Briançon on paved sidewalks before embarking on a dirt trail to the famous Citadel. There is some elevation there and back.

Day 6

4. La Croix de Toulouse 

(H3/Difficult – 6.1km/680 m)

Meet your local guide at Le Fort des Saletes and enter a forest of Tamarac and pine trees. This well-worn trail is easy to follow but has some uneven terrain.  Perched on a rock 600 meters above Briançon, La Croix de Toulouse, overlooking the Citadel, several forts, and the Durance and Guisane valleys, offers clear vistas and panoramic views. Hiking boots are required and hiking poles are strongly recommended due to elevation.

Those up for the challenge can choose the Via Ferrata option (see more about this activity in the Additional Information section).

View the Trail Map

Day 7

5. Gondola Ride up to Serre Chevalier

(H2/Moderate – 7.6km/ 355m)

This hike begins with a gondola ride to the Serre Chevalier ski resort.  At the top, meet your local guide and ascend the well-worn, narrow path, keeping single file, to the alpine zone where scenic landscapes await. Keep your camera close as you might see some chamois (mountain goats) and marmots.

View the Trail Map

Day 8

6. Le Fort des Trois Têtes and Fort Dauphin

(H2/Moderate – 6.0km/ 125m)

Travel back in history on a well-worn path to discover Le Fort des Trois Têtes and Fort Dauphin, two of several forts built by Vauban, in a strategic attempt to stop enemy invasions.

View the Trail Map

Day 9

7. Lac Chavillon

(H3/Difficult – 10.9km/739m)

The start of this hike is at the Col de L’Echelle, a mountain pass between the French and Italian border. Meet your local guide and enter the forest via a dirt path. The first 3KM is the steepest (about 450 m of elevation gain) with a series of switchbacks but the last 7KM are mostly downhill. Cross the magnificent Thûres Plateau, offering an incredible view of the three imposing peaks of the "Rois Mages" (Three Wise Men) and Mont Thabor.  Enjoy a picnic lunch along the shores of Lac Chavillon. Upon descent, keep an eye out for the yellowish fairy chimney (hoodoo). 

Make sure to wear comfortable hiking boots and hiking poles are recommended due to elevation up and down.

View the Trail Map

Day 10

8. Old City of Torino Walking Tour

(H1/Easy – 5km)

Led by a local guide, this walking tour introduces guests to the rich culture and history of Torino, the first capital of Italia. Marvel at the baroque and neo-classic buildings composed of churches, parks, opera houses, palaces, art galleries, museums, and more. 

Our Local Connection!

This amazing adventure was developed by DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director Pierre Chartier, who grew up in the area and spent his childhood wandering the trails. Enjoy nightly receptions where Pierre will showcase local wine, cheeses and other treats. Experience French cuisine and local culture with a former native!

Manageable Hiking, Rewarding Stunning Vistas

This unique customized small group tour focuses on the experience of hiking in the French Alps. The hikes are manageable for a seasoned hiker, even with elevation factored in.  

Discover Two Countries

With a history dating back to the Roman Empire and home to many UNESCO World Heritage sites, Briançon, France, is a historical treasure trove!

As a bonus, the last day of the tour allows for time in Torino to discover an “off-the-beaten-path” part of Italy. Marvel at the impressive architecture and royal palaces, eat some of the finest chocolate in the world and soak in the Italian culture. 

• Return airfare from Toronto (YYZ) to Torino (TRN)
• Private transfers and shuttles
• Connections Program
• 9 nights of accommodation
• 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners
• Local professional hiking guides 
• All park passes and entry fees for included highlights
• Services of a DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include all applicable taxes.

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• 4 hikes, 1 cycle day exploring the French Alps; 2 walking tours
• E-bike rental, guided
• UNESCO World Heritage Site Forteresse Vauban de Briançon, guided 
• Forts of Briançon, guided 
• Wine and cheese receptions 

Day 1: Arrive in Italy

Travel overnight from Toronto to Torino, Italy. There are options for guests from outside of Toronto to join this tour. Please contact our office for land-only pricing and other flight options.      

Stay: n/a (in flight)

Day 2: Welcome to Briançon

Arrive in Torino, Italy, the capital city of the Piedmont Region in Northern Italy and host of the 2006 Winter Olympics. Meet your DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director and travel by private shuttle through alpine villages and the Col de Montgenèvr, a famous mountain passage used by Julius Ceasar and Hannibal, to the medieval city of Briançon. This historically significant city is our home base for the next few days. Check in to the Centre Sportif d’Altitude de Briançon (CSAB), a specialty sports complex that hosts international athletes annually. Settle into our unique accommodations and freshen-up before enjoying a complimentary wine and cheese featuring regional delicacies and a welcome dinner.

Stay: Centre Sportif d’Altitude de Briançon (CSAB), Briançon FR

Nights:  8

Meals: D

Day 3: Lac de l'Orceyrette  Hike

Following a copious breakfast, travel the deep and narrow roads through the valley of Les Ayes to the trailhead for our first hike. We start at Le Plan du Peyron, interspersed with creeks and meadows. A small path winds along this glacial lake, revealing the reflections of the surrounding mountains. We will have our picnic lunch at the top of the Chalet D’Orcières. Don’t forget your bathing suit if you wish to swim in this mountain lake! 

Upon returning to our lodgings, free time allows you to choose one of several options, such as swimming at the pool, shopping in the historic town, or simply resting and enjoying a refreshment on the terrace. Rejoin the group for a pre-dinner tasting of local wine, cheese, and other local products, followed by dinner.

Meals:  B, L, D

Day 4: Valley of Clarée – E-bike Adventure!

Today’s adventure takes us into the magnificent, pristine Valley of La Clarée. This protected environment is biologically rich, offering over 20,000 hectares of unspoiled nature consisting of meadows, rivers, wetlands, and forests. Recognizing its ecological importance and need for preservation, this area is closed to vehicle traffic during the summer.   Rest your hiking boots and don your helmet as we explore this breathtaking landscape by E-bike. After some practice, follow your guide through the valley, taking time to absorb the natural surroundings. Enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to the rental shop. Tonight, savour a complimentary wine and cheese reception and dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Briançon Citadel

Learn the dramatic history of Briançon on today’s guided city tour. After breakfast, walk to the Old Citdel and meet your local guide. Meander the streets to uncover its secrets and hear how this incredible fortress and now UNESCO World Heritage Site survived histories many battles. 

The afternoon is yours to experience the authentic French culture. Indulge in French cuisine in one of the restaurants or cafés and browse the one-of-a-kind boutiques. Later in the afternoon, get together around a glass of wine and some delicious cheeses and share with each other the afternoon discoveries, followed by dinner.  

Meals:  B, D

Day 6: La Croix de Toulouse Hike

Make sure you eat a good breakfast to pack some energy for the hike of the day, La Croix de Toulouse. Travel by private shuttle to the trailhead, meet your local guide and begin the hike to the top of La Croix de Toulouse rock, a tremendous overlook offering impressive views of old town Briançon. For the more adventuresome hikers, an opportunity to ascend via Ferrata is available by pre-booking. At the top, enjoy a picnic lunch, taking in the incredible vistas before you.  After our descension, we will enjoy a well-deserved beverage sitting on the terrace of a café, taking in the magnificent views of the mountains, before being transported back to the CSAB.  Our usual wine and cheese gathering will be served just before dinner.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Gondola Ride up to Serre Chevalier

After breakfast, explore Serre Chevalier, a large and famous ski resort in Europe. Walk to the base of the gondolas and enjoy the 2300m climb to the trailhead. Gain 200 more meters as you hike the mountain crest to Serre Chevalier, where we will enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by 360° views of glaciers and the towering Alps at over 3200m high.

Returning to the CSAB via the gondola, we will share our observations and pictures over wine and cheese in late afternoon. After dinner, you will have earned a rest at the end of this memorable day.

Meals:  B, L, D

Day 8:  The Forts of Briançon

Dive further into the history of the area with a guided tour of two fortifications, Fort of Les Trois Tetes and Fort Dauphin. This tour captures the captivating stories of the 18th-century barrier and UNESCO World Heritage. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the town. Return back to CSAB for our nightly cheese reception and group dinner. 

Meals:  B, L, D

Day 9: Lac Chavillon Hike

Today features our last main hike of the trip. Travel by private shuttle to Col de l'Échelle, a mountain pass on the French and Italian border, to meet your local guide. Ascend above the treeline through tamarack and pine forests, hiking through a wondrous valley to Lac Chavillon, our picnic site surrounded by three towering peaks. After our transfer back to the CASB, take the time to relax before we walk into town for a special farewell dinner.  

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Turin, Italy Walking Tour

After breakfast, say goodbye to beautiful Briançon and travel by private shuttle to Torino, Italy. Upon arrival and after some direction from your Tour Director, find a local restaurant or café to discover the flavours of Italy. Check out their specialty pizzas and chocolate products.  Reconvene as a group for a guided walking tour of Torino. Learn the fascinating history of Italy’s first capital city, gaze at the beautiful palaces, squares, churches and theatres, and hear stories about the important people who shaped this charming city. The rest of the day and evening is your chance to see Torino, your way. Your Tour Director can provide you with some further points of interest.

Stay: Best Western Hotel Genio Torino, IT 

Nights:  1

Meals:  B

Day 11: Home

Say goodbye to your new friends as we transfer to the airport. Travel home with pleasant memories of hiking in the French Alps. 

Meals: B

Centre Sportif d’Altitude de Briançon, Briançon, FR (8 nights)

Located in the heart of Briançon and walkable to many restaurants, sites, and attractions, Centre Sportif d’Altitude de Briançon is not a typical hotel but rather a sports complex that welcomes training athletes throughout the year.  Rooms consist of 1 or 2 single beds with a private ensuite bathroom and a shower. Amenities include wifi, a restaurant and bar, a sauna, a launderette and a TV room.  TVs are not in each of the rooms.  Access to an indoor swimming pool is available for a small charge.

Best Western Hotel Genio Torino, IT (1 night)

Centrally located in Torino, and only a 5 minute walk from the main shopping street, Best Western Hotel Genio is a 19th-century building with air-conditioned rooms, located on Turin's central Corso Vittorio Emanuele. Hotel Genio's large rooms are elegant, and equipped with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. The breakfast buffet is served in a large breakfast room. Guests have free access to the hotel's fitness center.

Briançon proudly boasts 300 days of sunshine a year. The weather in August is pleasant but can get cool at night. 

The hikes take place in the French Alps and consequently at high altitudes.  Most hikes involve a level of elevation and although the hikes will be at a leisurely pace, guests must be experienced hikers. Proper footwear and poles are also recommended.

The 8 nights of accommodations in Briançon are not in a standard hotel but rather in a local sports complex that offers clean and functional rooms.  Each room has a private washroom but no TV.  There is a main TV room and wifi access.  Guests can access the on-site swimming pool for a nominal fee.  

With our home base in one place, hikers can choose to opt out of a day of hiking and enjoy free time at the local town and amenities of the Centre Sportif d’Altitude de Briançon.

Delicious meals are served in a cafeteria-style area, allowing travellers to have some variety and personal choice with their meals. Lunches are prepared by guests from a wide assortment of food, to be carried in a branded Deluxe Hiking insulated lunch bag (provided) and a freezer pack.  

Travellers are required to bring their own refillable water containers.

There is a one-day cycle through a valley on a rented e-bike, with a helmet provided.  Should a guest prefer not to cycle, there is the opportunity to undertake a self-guided walk through the quaint town of Névache and enjoy a picnic lunch or go to a local café.  The DeLuxe Tour Director will provide more information and advice to make this a worthwhile activity.

This tour begins at the Turin Airport (Torino), so guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world!

On day 6, for an extra fee, guests can choose to explore Via Ferrata (Italian for “by way of steel”) to La Croix de Toulouse. The terrain consists of metal ladders, pitons, short trails, and suspended bridges and one must have good upper body strength to complete. 

Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.