This is my fourth trip to the Alps. The mountains, landscapes, cultures, and especially the food keep luring me back for the fourth consecutive year. My previous thru-hikes were the Tour du Mont Blanc in 2022, the Walker’s Haute Route in 2023, and the Dolomites Alta Via 1 in 2024.

This year, I chose the French Alps—the GR54. I felt that my French was good enough to communicate with the locals, especially since this loop is less well known internationally but very popular among French hikers. I also missed the opportunity to visit the famous and charming town of Annecy, often considered the Venice of France, so I wanted the chance to explore this region after my hike.

As much as I want to cross items off my bucket list, that list somehow keeps getting longer. Along my journeys, I’ve met so many wonderful and adventurous people who keep inspiring and guiding me toward my next destination to explore.

A few surprises from this trip:

1) I hiked the GR54 near the end of the season, so I often had the shared dormitory all to myself—what a sweet deal! The dormitory was above the restaurant, which meant I enjoyed French restaurant–quality meals for the price of demi-pension.

2) French people are very cool! Speaking French—or at least being able to communicate in French—creates unforgettable experiences. Since I was hiking toward the end of the season, I expected my last refuge to be less crowded. It turned out that many French weekend hikers came up to the lake and stayed overnight. I was possibly the only American there. Dining and chatting with a group of French hikers made it an unforgettable experience.

3) Book your train tickets in advance—it can save you a lot of money. First class wasn’t very different from the second class I booked early with a reserved seat.

4) I like to plan my hiking trips myself so I can better understand the region I’m about to explore. This trip was no different, but it was easier to book since the trail was less crowded and it was late in the season.

I put together this site to share my journey with close friends, family, and anyone who wants to know a little more about my world 🙂