HomeTrailsGR 20 Principale vs Via Cluny Etape 16

GR 20 Principale vs Via Cluny Etape 16

A side-by-side look at distance, elevation, difficulty and the best time to hike each — so you can pick the right route.

Units
GR 20 Principale Via Cluny Etape 16
Distance 112 mi181 km 11.0 mi17 km
Elevation gain 29,646 ft9,036 m 1,404 ft428 m
Typical duration 10 days 1 day
Difficulty
Route type Point-to-point Point-to-point
Network National International
Country France France
Best time to hike Best months: June, August Best months: April, September, October
map Route & GPX map Route & GPX

GR 20 Principale vs Via Cluny Etape 16: which should you hike?

At 112 mi181 km, GR 20 Principale is the longer route — roughly 102 mi164 km more than Via Cluny Etape 16 (11.0 mi17 km). If you want the bigger challenge or a longer trip, that's the one; for a shorter or first multi-day hike, Via Cluny Etape 16 is the gentler pick. Check the elevation and best-season rows above, then open each route for the full guide and a free GPX download.