In summer 2017, Hélène participated in the first Grand Angle edition of this Giants' Tour hiking trip. The route draws inspiration from the Tor des Géants, a race featuring 330 km and 24 000 m of positive elevation change around the Aosta Valley. Our hiking route remains distinct from the race, but also crosses landscapes dominated by Mount Rosa, the Matterhorn, the Grand Combin and Mont Blanc. Hélène recounts here the difficulty level, the passes and the group experience as she lived them.
Tor des Géants banner © Hélène Le Floch
Six months earlier, with around ten “pioneer” hikers, we tested the first version of the Grand Angle circuit. The end-of-year holidays gave me the desire to go back through the photos and share what I recall from it.
This trail requires regular experience with mountain hiking.
Hamlet of Cunéaz in the Aosta Valley © Hélène Le Floch
The elevation changes follow one after another throughout the day and for several days in a row. The route crosses many passes. It is better to know your pace and understand how you recover after a long stage. Progressive preparation helps you enjoy the scenery and keep energy for the rest. Water needs vary with the weather, effort and the person: the trip information sheet and the guide’s advice remain the best reference points.
Mont Blanc from Italy © Hélène Le Floch
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What strikes me most is the variety of panoramas and the daily passage of a new pass. We encountered few people during the day, except for a few runners and families who came to picnic on Sunday. In the evenings, alternating between mountain huts, hotels and villages allowed us to recover. The start and finish at Courmayeur also gave the circuit real coherence.
Roman bridge of Pont-Saint-Martin © Hélène Le Floch
One image stands out more than the others: the last pass, with the path drawn on the mountainside. The effort of the climb makes the passage even more striking.
Hiking at Malatra Pass © Hélène Le Floch
I also think about the climb up Passo Alto on the second day. I set off too fast and felt it in my legs for the three days that followed.
Albert Deffeyes shelter near Passo Alto Pass © Hélène Le Floch
Our group brought together hikers of different ages and nationalities. We quickly helped each other out, because everyone experienced some days that were easier or harder. Laurent accompanied us for this first edition and adjusted the group’s pace.
Group photo on the Giants' Tour © Hélène Le Floch
We hiked between late July and early August, with one very wet day. Even in summer, the altitude justifies bringing warm clothing and rain protection. This hike captures part of the Tor universe without being race training.
Magnificent weather on the Giants' Tour © Hélène Le Floch
We agreed to meet again 10 years later, eager to see those passes together again.
Find the guide’s account and the Giants' Tour hiking trip information sheet.
And if you want even more adventure, here are Europe’s most challenging hikes.
Hélène Le Floch
