The “Grande Randonnée vers Paris” takes the form of a relay starting from 15 French cities to converge on the capital during the Ascension weekend, from May 10 to 12, using, as much as possible, the network of Great Hiking® trails.

Objectives hiking

  1. Share the Olympic spirit!
  2. Bringing walkers and hikers towards Paris using the GR® and GR® of Country from 15 departure cities spread throughout France.
  3. A great itinerary including 7 main lines, 600 stages of 20 km per day, crossing all regions, more than 85 departments, or more than 10 km in total.
  4. Activities organized by regional and/or departmental committees in different cities in France with which you can join.

Haute-Savoie joins the route by joining the Ain relay in Culoz, accompanied by an ambassador from Nice, with two stages.

Stage 1 on March 12, 2024: hiking Annecy to Rumilly

24km, 500m Elevation +, IBP70
Itinerary without difficulty, rural paths and countryside landscape.
Departure from Annecy station around 8:30 a.m.
After leaving Annecy mainly on the junction towards the Chemin de Compostela
(shell markup).
Passage to Lovagny, around 12-13 p.m., group picnic in the park, next to the cemetery.
Passage to Hauteville-sur-Fier, around 15-16 p.m.
Arrival in Rumilly between 17 and 18 p.m., reception.
Possible accommodation for those doing the second stage.
Return by train for the rest of the group.

Stage 2 on March 13, 2024: hiking Rumilly-Culoz

21km, 700m Elevation +, IBP88
More mountainous route, since you have to cross the Clergeon, altitude 1025m.
Departure will take place at Rumilly station around 8 a.m.-8:15 a.m. (Annecy train arrives at 8:01 a.m.!).
First, head to Clergeon with a picnic break at the summit around 12-13 p.m., before moving on to Ruffieux around 15-16 p.m.
Arrival at Pont de Loi, around 16-17 p.m., Ain department, reception of the Ain relayers for the transmission of the relay baton in a secure area on the Culoz side.
Culoz station, +40 mins, Return by bus (or train).

How to participate ?

You can participate in different ways, alone or in a group:

  • Accompany the ambassadors as a hiker.
  • Represent the federation as an ambassador.
  • Help organize roaming (logistics, welcoming ambassadors, etc.), organize events by becoming a volunteer.
  • Propose activities on a local stage as a Club.
  • Offer accommodation for one night for the arriving ambassador, as a supportive host.

Registration Form here.

Source: French Hiking Federation of Haute Savoie