sunrise over a meadow near the Refuge I Re Magi in Nevache, France

an ibex reflected in lake Lac de Chésery, Chamonix, France

trail signs near Refuge I Re Magi, France

a tent at night near Lac de Chésery, French Alps, France

a hikers near Aguille du Dru above Chamonix, France

a hikers having lunch at a restaurant in L'Arolay in Val d'Isere, France

a hiker at sunset on the GR5 trail near Bonneval-sur-Arc, France

a half moon over the Aiguille du Midi, France

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Morning sunlight breaks over a flower-filled meadow outside the Refuge I Re Magi in Névache, France. The GR5—Grande Randonnée, or “great trek”—runs through the Alps and is roughly 1,500 miles long, traversing from the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg into France, ending in Nice. The route from Switzerland into the French Alps is particularly popular—and beautiful.

Photograph by Keith Ladzinski

ADVENTURE

This is Europe's Most Beautiful Hiking Trail

See what it's like to hike from Switzerland to France on the GR5–epic views and indulgent dinners are included.

ByNational Geographic Staff

Photographs byKeith Ladzinski

August 14, 2017

Winding from the Netherlands to France, the GR5—Grande Randonnée, or “great trek”—is often called one of the world’s most beautiful hikes. Whether trekking the entire length, or a portion, hikers are treated to epic views, solitude and adventure. Traveler Magazine recently sent a photographer and writer to capture the essence of this epic European trek from Switzerland to France. Explore the photo gallery for a brief taste of this splendid trail.