IGN MAPS
Michelin Local Maps

Topo Guides with Day Walks
Rando Editions 50k Walking Maps of the French Alps
(Some of these publications are may not be stock items and could involve a waiting period for delivery.)

BOOKS

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Top 25 and Serie Bleue

The French equivalent of Ordnance Survey Maps

IGN Top 25 maps cover areas of particular tourist interest, mainly around the coast, and have a map number ending in T. The maps have an overprint highlighting local footpaths, long-distance GR routes and, where appropriate, ski routes. Other tourist information includes campsites, equestrian or canoeing centres, huts, mountain refuges, etc. Map legend is in French and English. Each TOP 25 map covers an area of approximately 28 x 21 km (17 x 13 miles).

The rest of France is covered by Serie Bleue maps, which have no overprint and map numbers ending in O or E. The legend is in French only but is fairly self-explanatory. Each Serie Bleue map covers an area of approximately 20 x 14 km (12 x 9 miles), with some maps slightly larger.

Both series have similar cartography, with contour interval of 5 metres, except for mountainous areas, where the maps have hill shading and contours at 10-metre intervals. Scale 1:25000

Generally, Top 25 Maps are £8.99 and Serie Bleue £7.99.

Isere/Savoie (Michelin Local Guides) - Detailing the Isere / Savoie region of France, this laminated fold-out map includes a complete index of place names and covers all regional specialities, heritage and traditions. It offers clear and concise mapping for stress-free travelling. Published March 08

Ain-Haute-Savoie (Michelin Local Maps)  Published March 08

Rhone Alpes  (Michelin Local Maps) Published March 08
 

Topo Guides with Day Walks - The extensive list of topo-guides to the long-distance footpaths in France published by the Federation Francaise de la Randonnee Pedestre has now been expanded to include guides to local walks, the PRs (Promenades et Randonnees). Each guide offers a selection of walks of various length and difficulty, overprinted on extracts from the 1:25,000 or 1:50,000 topographic survey. The text is in French. Some titles will have limited availability - in case of difficulty please email.
 

The Chartreuse Natural Park on Foot - 40 walks, from one to four hours long, in the Chartreuse Natural Park, just north of Grenoble. Maps in colour. 96 pages. The Department of Isere on Foot - Over 40 day-walks. Gorges, Lakes and Plateaux of the Verdon on Foot - 20 walks, from one to six hours long. La Valle de l'Ubaye a pied - 39 day-walks in the region around Barcelonette. La Maurienne on foot - 34 walks, from two to eight hours long, in and around the Arc valley and near Modane, St Jean de Maurienne and the southern edge of the Vanoise National Parc. Tours Et Traversees De Chartreuse - Two routes: a 125-km walk along the GR 9 from Culoz to Grenoble and a 100-km traverse of the Chartreuse Massif from Grenoble to Chambery. Plus two circuits: a 120-km Tour de Chartreuse and a 50-km Tour des Petites Roches. GR TMB - Tour of Mont Blanc - A 215-km tour of Europe's highest mountain. The guide describes the route anticlockwise, starting from Les Houches, just south of Chamonix. GRP - Tour de Pedestre du Pays du Mont Blanc - Not to be confused with the Tour du Mont Blanc. This guide describes the 140km circuit in the lower hills to the west of Mont Blanc. GR4 - The Gorges and the Grand Canyon of the Verdon - Three routes: a 410-km walk along the GR4 from Grasse to Pont-St-Esprit, including the Grand Canyon du Verdon; a 190-km Grande Traversee des Prealpes from Sisteron to Entrevaux; and a 45-km Voie Imperiale from Castellane to Digne. GR5 - Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc and Col de la Croix de Bonhomme - The first part of the Alpine section of the GR5 in France: a 186-km route from Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva, past the Mont Blanc massif, to Col de la Croix de Bonhomme and les Chapieux. GR54/541 - Tour of the Oisans (Ecrins National Park) - A tour around the Ecrins National Park climbing to over 2500 metres, plus two variants. GR5/56 - The Grand Traverse of the Alps: Modane to Larche - The third stage of the Alpine part of the GR5 between Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean: a 127-km walk from Modane to Larche. Also a 145-km Tour de l'Ubaye along the GR5 and GR56. GR65  - The Way of St. James, Geneva to Le Puy-en-Velay. Covers the route which provides access from Geneva across the Rhone Valley region to the start of the Way of St.James at Le Puy-en-Velay. Tour du Beaufortain - A 140-km Tour du Beaufortain, plus variants. GR96/GRP - Massif de Bauges - 220km of trails in the region between Annecy, Albertville and Chambery.

Rando Editions 50k Walking Maps of the French Alps - A series of six topographic maps of the French Alps from Annecy & Mont Blanc to the Parc National des Ecrins. nb. By mid 2005 only 4 maps in the series had been published. The finely detailed cartography based on IGN data uses contours at 20m vertical intervals and hill-shading to show the relief. Woods, glaciers, cliffs & scree are distinguished and water feature details include intermittent streams and springs. Footpaths are included and many are highlighted eg. signposted paths, GR routes, high mountain routes over ice. Local administrative boundaries are marked, also protected areas. Ski lifts are included and symbols show refuges, cabins & campsites and various other tourism & recreational features eg. ruins, curiosities, viewpoints, ski resorts, tourist information centres. A 2km UTM grid is printed over the map. Legend includes English. Some titles will have limited availability - in case of difficulty please email.
 

Mont Blanc -  Centred on St Gervais le Bains and covering an area of c. 60x44km. GR routes are highlighted, including the entire Tour du Mont-Blanc & Tour du Pays du Mont-Blanc circuits. Published June 03

Beaufortain - Centred on Bourg Saint Maurice and extends to Courmayeur in the north east (just across the Italian border), to Albertville in the west and to Bozel in the South. GR routes are highlighted.  Published May 05

Vanoise - Centred on the Glaciers de la Vanoise and extends to La Grand Cimarella in the east (just across the Italian border), to Valloire in the south west and to Mont Pourri in the north. GR routes are highlighted. Published Jan 04

Ecrins - Centred on L'Ailefroide peak and extends to Montgenevre in the east, to Corps in the west, to Le Grand Galibier peak in the north and to Orcieres-Merlette in the south. Most of the PN des Ecrins thus falls on the map. GR routes are highlighted. Published June 05

100 Hut Walks in the Alps, Kev Reynolds - Located amid some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe, the chain of mountain huts strung right across the Alps makes an exciting and worthwhile destination. The huts provide a focus for all the walks in this guide - whether you choose to stay overnight or simply for lunch on the terrace. The huts come in all shapes and sizes, from simple unmanned bivouac shelters to bustling mountain inns with hot showers and restaurant service. The guide covers France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, and contains 100 routes to suit alpine walkers of all abilities. It also provides background information on walking in the Alps and staying in mountain huts and offers suggestions for some hut-to-hut tours. Published Dec 05

100 Hikes in the Alps, Harvey Edwards - A revised and updated guide (first ed., 1979) to hiking in Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, Germany, and Liechtenstein. Detailed hike descriptions including distances, hiking times, elevation gain, and highlights along the trail. Man sketch maps and photographs. Published Nov 92. Limited availability.

Tour of the Oisans: A Walk in the Dauphine Alps-France, Andrew Harper - The Tour de l'Oisans is the name given to one of the most strenuous alpine walks: the 'GR54'. It is circuitous, traditionally beginning and ending at the alpine resort of Bourg d'Oisans 40km (25miles) to the east of Grenoble. The massif it encircles is that of the Ecrins, the bulk of which is a National Park. The landscape is stupendous. There are wondrous views and nowhere along the whole route lacks interest. The valleys are rich in individuality, the hamlets varied in style and facility. Forest, meadows, bare mountainside, scree, scant tracks, stones, bushes, rocks, streams, pools, rivers, lakes, glaciers are the ingredients and very little roadwork is encountered. This new edition has been updated by the author. GR54 should not be attempted by anyone who has not had a thorough 'primer' of approaching difficulty elsewhere in the Alps. The Mont Blanc Tour is similar in scale: of distance and total ascended altitude, taking about the same time in which it can be accomplished. GR54 is arguably more difficult, being severe and exposed in places with attendant increase in danger and risk. Nevertheless, thousands flock to the area annually. The French quite rightly recognise its grand potential and there is a constant passage of people progressing their way around the paths. The author hopes you have a particularly successful and pleasant time in the area of the Ecrins. Subsequently you might come to regard it as one of the best holidays you have and be tempted to return again and again. Published June 08

Tour du Mont Blanc, Jim Manthorpe - The trail (105 miles, 168km) that circumnavigates the massif, passing through France, Italy and Switzerland, is the most popular long distance walk in Europe. Anyone who has completed it will understand why; every day the beauty of the mountains, the valleys and the forests is a constant and welcome companion. On the last day of the circuit, when your feet complete that invisible line around the icy massif, every tiring climb - and there are a few - will have been worth the effort. This comprehensive guide includes: 59 maps - 10 town and village plans and 49 large-scale walking maps - at 1: 20,000 - showing route times, gradients, where to stay, interesting featuresItineraries for all walkers - whether walking the 105 mile-(168km)-route in its entirety, or sampling the highlights on day walks and short breaksPractical information for all budgets - where to stay (campsites, gites, hostels, B&Bs, lodges and hotels), where to eat, what to see. Detailed public transport information - for all access points. Published May 08

The Tour of Mont Blanc, Kev Reynolds - One of the best - if not the best - of the world's classic walks. It circumnavigates the Mont Blanc massif in about eleven days. This new edition incorporates details of the new routes on the Italian section, as well as all other recent route changes and variants. The walk has all the excitement of the high mountains yet none of the worry of altitude sickness. It crosses numerous cols with stunning views of spectacular snow and rock peaks. Accommodation along the route is plentiful. The 'official' Tour du Mont Blanc follows an established route around the main block of mountains containing not only Mont Blanc but its principal allied summits. The author describes the tour both in the traditional 'anti-clockwise' direction and the 'clockwise' direction. There are several alternative routes that subsequently link, and these are also described. The routes, along with suggestions for alternative exploration, give what the author thinks is the very best perspective and appreciation of the whole region. At every opportunity recommendations are made that will bring the walker into closer contact with the area and enhance memories of the visit. Published April 07

The Walker's Haute Route, Alexander Stewart - The Alps offer almost unlimited adventure, and the Walkers' Haute Route is probably the single finest way of getting deep into these mountains. Trekking the Walkers' Haute Route, from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn, from Chamonix to Zermatt, you'll traverse one of the finest stretches of the Pennine Alps - the mountain range in the western Alps that stretches between Valais in Switzerland and Piedmont and the Aosta Valley in Italy. A 13-day walk over 11 ridges in 113 miles (180kms), it isn't technically demanding and the rewards are immense. Published April 08

Mont Blanc: Discovery and Conquest of the Giant of the Alps, Stefano Ardito - An extraordinary stately "castle" made of rock and ice, Mont Blanc is one of the most awe-inspiring and impressive natural monuments in the world, an ideal destination for mountaineers in search of adventure. This volume, with the aid of enchanting pictures and captivating texts, illustrates the successive conquests of Mont Blanc, from the first mission in 1789 to the later adventures of people such as Edward Whymper, Armand Charlet, Riccardo Cassin, Walter Bonatti and Christophe Profit. It features over 380 breathtaking colour photographs and chronicles successive conquests of this imposing and challenging mountain. Published Oct 06

The Mont Blanc Massif: The Hundred Finest Routes, Gaston Rebuffat - The Mont Blanc Massif is famed as the world's finest and most accessible alpine climbing area. Rebuffat's presentation of its hundred finest climbs, and his shrewd yet inspiring commentary makes this book the ideal alpine primer. It presents a full range of possibilities from short, easy and scenic routes, classic climbs to all the main summits, and a series of grandes courses (the most testing and committing routes) that call for the highest levels of skill and judgement. Published Dec 05

Chamonix to Zermatt, The Walker's Haute Route, Kev  Reynolds - This is the third edition of this guide to the alpine route for walkers between Chamonix and Zermatt. It provides complete mapping and 24 route profiles, with photographs. Included are clearly explained variations to the main route for many stages. Published Feb 07

Haute Route Chamonix-Zermatt: Guide for Skiers and Mountain Walkers, Peter Cliff . Published Jan 93

Walking in the Haute Savoie, South (between Annecy and Chamonix), Janette Norton - Outside the Chamonix area few books have been written in English concerning the Haute Savoie and the innumerable walking possibilities of the region, which range from the gentle pre-alps south of Lake Geneva, covered in Book 1 of these two guides, to the higher peaks further south between Annecy and Chamonix, covered in this book. These walking guides also give historical background, descriptions of the different areas the walks start from, plus additional information regarding the towns and villages which can be used as centres. There are chapters concerning how to get there, equipment, walk explanations, flora and fauna. The detailed maps accompanying each walk descriptive, with numbering at major points, are clear and helpful. Published June 05

Walking in the Haute Savoie, North (South of Lake Geneva) Janette Norton. Published June 05

Tour of the Vanoise, Kev Reynolds - This guide covers a 10-12 day walking circuit of one of the finest of all mountain areas in France - the Vanoise Alps. Easily accessible by train or bus from Chambery and Grenoble, the Vanoise National Park neighbours that of the Gran Paradiso in Italy, with Mont Blanc to the north and Ecrins to the South. This book explores the very best of this scenically spectacular region of 3000m peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls and flowering meadows, and provides plenty of opportunities to study marmots, chamois and ibex along the way. With numerous manned huts placed strategically throughout the National Park, lightly-laden trekkers can stay in simple comfort each night without having to resort to carrying tents, food or cooking equipment. The author describes the route, its alternatives and variations, gives details of the huts and other accommodation, and points out items of interest along the way. This circuit may appeal to those who love wild places, and for whom the Alps provide an antidote to everyday life at low level. Published May 2009

The French Alps GR 5, Paddy Dillon - The GR5, or 'Grande Traversee des Alpes', is one of the most spectacular and civilised mountain trails in the world. It runs from the shores of Lac Leman, over the French Alps, to the reach the Mediterranean coastline at Nice. The route measures 674 kilometres (420 miles) and can be covered in a month, or it can be split over a series of summer trips to prolong the enjoyment. The guide includes interesting and scenic variant routes, such as the stunning GR55 through the Vanoise National Park and the exciting GR52 through the Mercantour National Park. This title includes daily stages, timings, ascents and descents. It details all the facilities and services from start to finish. It includes everything you need to follow the route with confidence. Published April 08

Tour of the Queyras, a Circular Walk in the French Alps, Alan Castle - The Queyras is a dramatic, unspoilt region of the French Alps, between the Durance Valley and the Italian border, in the shadow of the mighty Monte Viso. Sheltered to the west by the high peaks of the Ecrins, it is one of the sunniest areas of the Alps, a mass of alpine flowers early in the season. The absence of glaciers makes ideal hillwalking country, with several high mountain summits accessible to the ordinary walker and scrambler; one of France's best kept secrets! "The Tour of the Queyras" offers high-level, but generally moderate-grade mountain walking, along the GR 58 and GR 541 trails. In all, twenty-four cols above 2000m are crossed, with options to climb up to seventeen summits of varying difficulty, five of which are above the magic 3000m altitude. Published Jan 09

Walking in the Alps, Kev Reynolds - In the last half-century the Alps have seen many changes - dams have been built, roads improved, chair-lifts multiplied, huts improved and so on. This book takes all this into account and describes each alpine area with suggestions for walks. Details of guidebooks and maps are given. An outstanding and fully comprehensive volume. Fully illustrated. Published Oct 05

Walking in the Alps, Lonely Planet, Gareth McCormack, Sandra Bardwell and Grant Dixon - This  Lonely Planet walking guide covers the best walks through the Alps in France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia. Practical advice on language, gear, safety, food and accommodation are also included. Published May 04. Limited availability.

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Walking in the Tarentaise and Beaufortain Alps,
J.W. Akitt - The delectable mountain area south of Mont Blanc includes the Vanoise National Park. 53 day walks, 5 tours between 2 and 8 days duration plus 40 short outings. Published Jan 95

Mont Blanc Walks, 50 Best Walks and 4 Short Treks, Hilary Sharp - Totally new full colour guide to the very best walking around Chamonix and Mont Blanc, the world capital of mountaineering, written by guide, expert and photographer Hilary Sharp, who lives in the valley. With 50 outstanding walks and 4 multi-day treks, this covers both the French side around Chamonix and Italian around Courmayeur. Chapters cover St Gervais les Bains and Les Contamines, Servoz and Plateau D'Assy, Les Houches, Chamonix, Argentiere, Vallorcine and Courmayeur. Multi-day treks are described for Vallorcine to Plaine Joux, the Tour des Aiguilles Rouges, Vallorcine to Servoz and a circuit of the Italian Val Ferret. Published May 05

Explore the Tour of Mont Blanc, Gareth McCormack - The Tour of Mont Blanc is Europe's most popular long-distance walk, encircling the highest mountain in the Alps (and arguably in the continent). This classic alpine route runs for 170 km (106 miles) and can be completed in 11 days. You walk through France, Italy and Switzerland, overnighting in alpine refuges. Although the route ascends and descends a lot, its highest pass is at only 2665 m (8750 ft), and no technical skills or equipment are needed. The scenery is superb: majestic glaciers and snow-laden peaks overlook peaceful lakes and alpine meadows. This book contains all you need to plan and enjoy your holiday: drop-down map showing the whole route in four panels the Way in sections, with summaries of distance, terrain and where to find food and drink concise background on Mont Blanc, geology, and wildlife planning information for travel by train, bus or plane in full colour, with over 60 photographs waterproof paper throughout. Published July 05

Walking the Alpine Parks of France and Northwest Italy, Mercantour, Queyras, Ecrins, Vanoise, Gran Paradiso, Marcia Lieberman - Suggests hikes in five French and one Italian national parks, and offers tips on trip planning, map sources, and safe hiking. Published April 03

French Alps (Vacances), Marie-Helene,Crouzet, Annie - Containing some of France's most stunning and dramatic landscape and three beautiful regional parks, it is not surprising to learn that the best way to discover the Alps is on foot. However, there are plenty of other things for the energetic to do - from skiing and climbing (naturally), to rafting and sailing, or, for the more leisurely, simply taking the spa waters. Culture vultures can visit abbeys, monasteries and fortresses, while foodies can inspect markets, sample local delicacies and quaff some excellent wines. This colourful guide includes plenty of information to enable you to have a successful holiday whatever your interests. Published May 02

Vanoise: Albertville, Trois Vallees, Val D'Isere, Maurienne: the Finest Valley and Mountain Walks (Rother Guide) - 52 walks in the Tarentaise, the Maurienne and the Vanoise National Park. 52 maps at 1:50,000 / 1:75,000 / 1:100,000 scale. Translated by experienced British walkers from the German original. Published Dec 04

Around Mont Blanc - the finest Valley and Mountain Walks (Rother Guide) - This guide covers the French, Swiss and Italian areas of the mountains surrounding Mont Blanc and fully describes the 'Tour de Mont Blanc' in 17 stages. A selection of routes explores the high mountain paths above Chamonix and the Val d'Aosta. 49 maps at 1:50,000 scale. Translated by experienced British walkers from the German original. Published Aug 06

Vanoise: the finest valley and mountain walks (Rother Guide) - 52 walks in the Tarentaise, the Maurienne and the Vanoise National Park. 52 maps at 1:50,000 / 1:75,000 / 1:100,000 scale. Translated by experienced British walkers from the German original. Published 2005

Walking in the Ecrins National Park, Kev Reynolds - The Parc National Des Ecrins contains some of the most spectacular scenery in the whole Alpine range. Easily accessible by public transport, and with several picturesque valleys in which to make a base, this, the largest national park in France, offers a selection of walks - each one revealing breathtaking views. Kev Reynolds has picked 70 of the best routes from some of the finest valleys for this book. They include a full exploration of the valleys of the Romanche, Guisane, Vallouise, Valgaudemar and Veneon, with clear mapping of each valley. Published May 08

Summits for all, French Alps - 100 Easy Mountains for Walkers, Edouard Prevost. Published May 92. Limited availability.

Trekking and Climbing in the Western Alps, 22 Adventure Treks in the Alps of France, Italy and Switzerland, Hilary Sharp - Covering 22 treks, ten climbing peaks and 8 snow-shoe walks, this guide is a tool for both the experienced climber and the first-time trekker visiting "Europe's playground". Region by region, the book offers clear, authoritative descriptions of treks - some classics, some the author's personal favourites - and of aspirational climbing peaks and snow walks. The guide also contains practical information on travel, techniques and equipment to help visitors have as safe and healthy a tour as possible. Cartography and strip maps pinpoint every route and give a reliable idea of distance and timings. Published March 02. Limited availability.

Vercors-Devoluy Mountains and Landscapes: Mountain Walking and Touring Guide, Michael Peyron. Published Feb 94. Limited availability

Walking Easy in the Italian and French Alps, Chet and Carolee Lipton - A how-to book for recreational walkers of all ages. It includes information on alpine walks with directions and maps, sightseeing excursions, discount travel and much more. Published April 02. Limited availability.