Trip Overview

Our nine-day adventure blazes a trail through the French Alps from Aussois to the sun-kissed beaches of the Côte d'Azur. This trek is ideal for all skill levels⁠—all you need is a love of mountains and a passion for photography.

Each day we walk 6 to 8 hours, with elevation gains between 1,500 and 4,000 feet (see our Hiking Itinerary for full details). We stick mostly to established trails, at times making use of off-piste routes. We carry lightweight day packs, while the rest of our gear is transferred daily between our hotels. We’ll have gourmet picnic lunches, with breakfast and dinner at village restaurants.

This trip overview is designed to answer questions regarding our Modern Adventure Experience, including the itinerary, food & drink, required fitness level, vaccines, packing list and more. If any changes are made, we will update you as appropriate and when necessary.


Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: AUSSOIS

  • First day! Arrive in Aussois on Sunday, September 4, 2022 at Hôtel du Soleil in Aussois

  • Meet-up with photographer Anna Papuga and local trekking guides to review route and itinerary, gear check, photography themes

  • Group welcome dinner at 7pm

  • Lodging: Hôtel du Soleil in Aussois

DAY 2: THE BRIANCONNAIS

  • Transfer to Valfréjus

  • Ascent to Col de la Vallée Étroite (7,920ft)

  • Views of the Massif de la Vanoise

  • Descent to huts of Vallée Étroite (5,824ft)

  • Ascent to Col des Thures (7,240ft)

  • Descent to Vallée de la Clarée

  • Transfer to village of Briançon

  • Lodging: Hôtel de la Chaussee in Briançon

DAY 3: QUEYRAS REGION

  • Transfer to Villard St Pancrace

  • Hike into Queyras National Park

  • Hike through hamlet of Clapeyto (7,330ft)

  • Continue down to village of Brunissard (5,926ft)

  • Transfer to St Véran

  • Lodging: Hôtel Les Chalets du Villard in St Véran

DAY 4: UBAYE REGION

  • Early start! Hit the trail by 4:30am for sunrise photo hike from Chapelle de Clausis (7,722ft) to Col Blanchet

  • Post-sunrise breakfast on trail

  • Climb to Col Longet (8,778ft)

  • Descent along Ubaye river valley to Maljesset (6,303ft)

  • Transfer to Barcelonnette

  • Dinner and evening at your leisure

  • Lodging: Hôtel Azteca in Barcelonnette

DAY 5: VÉSUBIE REGION

  • Rest day

  • Transfer (3 hrs) to St Martin de Vésubie

  • Afternoon and evening to relax and explore village on own

  • Optional visit to wolf center to watch and photograph wolves

  • Lodging: Hôtel La Bonne Auberge in St Martin de Vésubie

DAY 6: MERCANTOUR NATIONAL PARK

  • Drive through Boreon Vally to Mercantour National Park

  • Hike from Vacherie du Boreon (5,413ft) over Pas de Ladres (8,078ft)

  • Descent to La Madone de Fenestre (6,295ft)

  • Transfer to St Martin de Vésubie

  • Lodging: Hôtel La Bonne Auberge in St Martin de Vésubie

DAY 7: DOWN TO SOSPEL

  • Transfer to Camp d’Argent

  • Descent to medieval village of Sospel (1,148ft)

  • Transfer to Menton on the Côte d'Azur

  • Lodging: Hôtel Riva Art & Spa in Menton

DAY 8: GRAND MONT

  • Final hiking day

  • Ascent to Grand Mont (4,550ft)

  • Descent to seaside village of Castellar (1,280ft)

  • Transfer to Menton

  • Sunset and celebration dinner in Menton

  • Lodging: Hotel Riva Art & Spa in Menton

DAY 9: DEPARTURE FROM NICE

  • After breakfast, complimentary transfer to Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) airport

  • Your flight home should depart NCE airport at 1pm or later

Our Accommodations

Hôtel du Soleil

15 Rue de l'Église, Aussois

Hôtel du Soleil
Tel. +33 4 79 20 32 42

Our Aussois hotel has rooms with unforgettable views—not to mention a hot tub and solarium that overlook the mountains. Dine on the panoramic outdoor terrace from a menu that takes 'local and seasonal' to new heights: everything served hails from within a 10-mile radius.

Hôtel de la Chaussee

4 Rue Centrale, 05100 Briançon, France

Hôtel de la Chaussee
Tel. +33 4 92 21 10 37

Located in the center of Briancon since 892, we’ll be welcomed by the fifth-generation Bonnaffoux family. Their mountain home lies between tradition and modernity all with the chalet spirit. Relax and take in the sights—Briancon’s fortifications of Vauban are World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Hôtel Les Chalets du Villard

Quartier Le Villard, St Véran

Hôtel Les Chalets du Villard
Tel. +33 4 92 45 82 08

Relax fireside at one of St Véran's most-prized hotels. It's the views from the terrace and lounge that you'll treasure. A wood-fired grill at the hotel restaurant cooks up some of the region’s finest game dishes.

Hôtel Azteca

3 Rue François Arnaud, Barcelonnette

Hôtel Azteca
Tek. +33 4 92 81 46 36

Artsy and hip, this design-forward hotel in Barcelonnette has a rotating exhibit of multimedia works by international artists. The quirky library and bar wouldn’t feel out of place in New York or Berlin—but the views and mellow vibe are pure Alps.

Hôtel La Bonne Auberge

98 Allée de Verdun, Saint-Martin de Vésubie

Hôtel La Bonne Auberge
Tel. +33 4 93 03 20 49

The rustic stone lodge has passed from father to son since 1945. With its individually decorated rooms and shaded terrace with views of Mercantour National Park, it’s a perfect place to relax.

Hôtel Riva Art & Spa

600 Promenade du Soleil, Menton

Hotel Riva Art & Spa
Tel. +33 4 93 03 21 22

Facing the beaches and clear waters of the Mediterranean—the moment you enter this light-filled hotel you know you couldn’t possibly be anywhere but the Côte d’Azur. Take a dip in the rooftop pool, book at massage at the spa—and simply drink in the sun and sea at every turn.

Inclusions & Exclusions

INCLUSIONS

On a Modern Adventure, we’ve worked out all the details for you. Included in your experience are luxury boutique accommodations, delicious local food and drink, private transport between destinations, expert local guides, and much more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Here’s what’s included:

    • 8 nights at unique village hotels and resorts

    • Certified trekking guides to accompany all day trips and excursions

    • Photography concepting and shooting techniques; nightly group review sessions

    • Private minibus for luggage transfers between all of our hotels

    • All breakfasts, lunches and most dinners

    • Local beverages with meals

    • Departure airport transfer

    • All entrance fees


EXCLUSIONS

  • Roundtrip airfare to/from trips starting and ending point

  • Travel insurance (see Get Ready)

  • Transportation to the trip’s meeting point

  • Activities not included in the trip itinerary

  • Lodge incidentals including room service, laundry, etc

  • Personal gear

  • Gratuity for Modern Adventure trip leader