An unspoilt, rugged Alpine region with breathtaking scenery and dramatic walking.
An alpine circuit where your luggage is transported for you.
Accessible mountain summits and passes, a sunny climate and good paths make this an ideal alpine destination for the novice and experienced alike
An astonishing variety of landscapes in the Queyras: rock deserts, high altitude lakes, alpine meadows, souring alpine peaks and historic villages
A regional park which protects a rich alpine flora and fauna
Welcome at Guillestre - Montdauphine train station and transfer to first guest house. Evening meal in guest house.
A great walk to start the week. You'll climb gently through forests to reach the Col Fromage (2301m). From here you have the option of continuing to the summit of the Crete de Chabrette (2582m) for some stunning views of the glaciated peaks of the Fonte Sancte range, or descend directly to the village of Ceillac in its deep valley setting.
Overnight: Near Ceillac, +800m ; - 1000 m; 6hrs
Another great walk with superb views. The climb out of Ceillac is fairly steep, but you are rewarded at the Col des Estronques (2651m) with a stunning panorama. This makes a great place to stop for lunch and take in the beauty of the area. Ridges snake off on both sides with the rocky slopes of the Crete de Rasis to the north providing a stark contrast to the flower-filled meadows below. The hardy may follow the ridge to the south for a short distance to summit the Tete de Jacquette at 2757m. You descend by the Lamaron Valley to St Veran.
Overnight: St Veran, Walk: +1050m, 5 hours
Your walk starts by following the torrent of the Aguille Blanche. The walking is pleasant and easy. The valley then steepens as you pass through a landscape of tumbling streams, meadows and rocky bluffs. The path climbs steadily to the Col de Chamossiere (2884m) from where it's possible to make the short ascension of a 3000m peak for stunning views towards Italy and the Mont Viso. The path descends through barren screes to the refuge Agnel just below the Col Agnel. Option of descending to Molines for a night in hotel and transfer back to the refuge the next morning - to be decided at time of booking. During July and August it's possible to shorten the walk by taking a shuttle minibus.
Overnight: Refuge Agnel, Walk: + 1050m, 6hr
After a short ascent you reach the col Vieux (2806m) at the foot of the impressive Pain du Sucre. From here it's a long but spectacular descent along the Bouchouse Valley. You'll pass a couple of beautiful alpine lakes before joining the Guill Valley which you follow to the valley bottom. Easy walking then follows to reach Abries. Once in the Guil Valley, it's possible to catch a local bus to reduce the low level walking
Overnight: Abries, Walk: + 220m ;- 1300 m; 6hr
A steady climb out of Abriès along a steep valley leads to the Grand Laus (2579m), a stunning mountain lake where the surrounding peaks are reflected in its clear blue waters. After lunch by the lake, you can take a detour to the smaller upper lakes where there are wonderful views towards Mont Viso. You also have the option of climbing to the summit of Pic Malrif for extensive and far ranging views over the Queyras. After, follow a dramatic and pretty descent to the village of Aiguilles. An alternative shorter walk is available for this day.
Overnight: Aiguilles, Walk: min +1000m, 6hr
Today contours around valleys, creating an enjoyable walk with less climbing. You overlook the villages of the Guill valley including the 16th century Chateau Queyras located on a rock pillar in the valley bottom. The path then winds through the traditional village of Souliers and passes the beautiful Lac de Roue to reach your hotel in the beautiful Arvieux Valley.
Overnight: Arvieux, Walk: +450m, 6hr
On your last day you have the option of 3 day walks to explore the surroundings of the Arvieux Valleys with its rugged limestone mountains, unique Italian style architecture, and wonderful alpine meadows. Walks include going to the Col de Neal and an area of mountain lakes and pools on the western edge of the Queyras where the Ecrins mountain range stretches out before you. A delightful descent through Capeyto, an upland bowl with meadow and chalets, before descending through an impressive rocky landscape back to your guest house. Alternative climbs to the superb lake Souliers surrounded by dramatic mountain summits, a couple of which are accessible, providing wonderful views of the Queyras.
Overnight: Arvieux, Walk: +900m, 6hr
After breakfast transfer to Guillestre - Montdauphin train station
Self-Guided
Time: 5hr -7hr per day
Ascent: 220-1050m per day
Hotels, guest houses, gite and mountain refuge
Half-board
Queyras - Best Kept Secret in the Alps
Les Ecrins Panoramic Alpine trail
On this independent walking holiday in the French Alps you’ll explore the spectacular and relatively undiscovered Queyras Regional Park. Its range of accessible mountain passes and summits linked by good trails make this unspoilt region a paradise for walkers wishing to have a real high alpine experience. In addition, its location in the Southern Alps on the border with Italy means it enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.
The walking trails pass through a range of varied landscapes; mountain torrents snaking down deep gorges lined by lush forests. Above, alpine meadows merge with astonishing rocky deserts and mountain cliffs, capped by a succession of stunning mountain ridges and peaks. Its fauna and flora is exceptional with chamois, ibex, marmots, golden eagle and a vast array of rare wild flowers.
The region also has a rich and varied architectural heritage which is encapsulated by the pretty alpine village of St Veran, at 2042m, the highest village in Europe. The villages and hamlets in each valley have their own specific and quite different architecture, which adds to the sense of discovery.
Our walking holiday which includes bag transfers does not stick rigidly to the official GR58 trail but includes the best parts as well as taking in some additional peaks.
8 nights/9 days: 7 days independent walking moving between accommodation (last 2 nights at the same 3 star hotel.
Everyday (subject to availability) from 20 June to 15 September
The walks on this independent trekking holiday are graded challenging grade. Average days are about 6 hours long and include height gains of between 800m and 1000m. In addition, most walks will take place between 2000m and 3000m where the effects of altitude can be felt. A good level of fitness is required, and you should be comfortable on mountainous paths. Walking experience in the mountains is advisable. You should be able to navigate in case of poor weather.
The paths are mountainous in nature and sometimes exposed, but they do not require any technical abilities. Early in the season, ie in June you could experience snow at some of the higher alpine passes and summits.
This walking holiday is graded challenging. See more information about walking grades.
Your accommodation is a mixture of small family run hotels, chambres d'hôtes, auberges and a mountain refuge. (Option available to stay at a hotel instead of the mountain refuge). The comfort varies according to the style. All of the guest house rooms have private rooms for 2. The mountain hut has small dormitory style rooms and is much more basic. However there is a convivial atmosphere and the surroundings are magical. Meals will be taken in your guest house and will be local specialities. Get to know more about mountain huts in our blog post.
Our self-guided walking tour around the Queyras Regional Park is available from mid June to mid September. The trek goes over high passes above 2500m with the highest being above 2800m. There is also the option to go to several summits, the highest above 3000m. Depending on the spring weather conditions, there is a risk that several snow fields remain on the higher slopes in late June. The risk of encountering winter snow reduces as you progress into July. The weather is fairly similar in July and August. For the most part it is stable, dry and sunny with the risk of afternoon storms, so setting off early is advisable. The busiest period in terms of fellow walkers is from Mid July to mid August, although the Queyras is never very busy compared to some other parts of the Alps. Late June and early July is best for the wonderful alpine flowers and meadows. Early September also has good weather, although there is a small risk of encountering some cold conditions at night and even some early fresh snow.
Much of this walking holiday follows the GR58 (Grande Randonnee) long distance Tour of the Queyras and is well way-marked with red and white markings. There are also a lots of signposts along the trail. The walking holiday follows clear paths for the vast majority of the duration. Some sections follow local or unmarked trails. Our walking notes are detailed and include information about the Queyras and the villages which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply detailed walking maps.
On this walking holiday you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodation so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch, water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this holiday a local shuttle bus service is responsible for transporting your main luggage. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15kg.
Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu via Lille or direct. From Lyon you'll need to take local train services to the Mont Dauphin - Guillestre station, changing at Grenoble. Some trains go direct to Guillestre from Grenoble, whilst others require a further change. The section between Grenoble and Guillestre takes a minimum of 3hrs. Recommended times if travelling all in one day: Leaving London at 9am arriving in Lyon 3pm. Leaving Lyon at 4pm and arriving at Mont Dauphin at 9pm (times approx). You can also take trains from Lyon to Valence and change at Valence going via Gap.
Flights from the UK to Lyon St Exupery, then bus (Satobus) or tram to Lyon Part Dieu. Train then as detailed above.
Possibility to fly into other airports such as Marseille and then take the train from Marseille St Charles.
Please contact us for assistance
Standard holiday price with transfers to/from train station & staying at Refuge Agnel
Price staying in a hotel on night 4 instead of Refuge Agnel
Price excluding transfers to and from train station
Your accommodation is a mixture of small family run hotels, B&B's, auberges and a mountain refuge, chosen for their warm and generous welcome. The comfort varies according to the style, from very comfortable guest houses and 2/3 star hotels to very basic in the refuge. All of the guest houses have private rooms for 2. The mountain refuge has small dormitory style rooms and is much more basic. However there is a convivial atmosphere and the surroundings are magical. (Option available to stay at a hotel instead of the mountain refuge). All offer authentic accommodation where you'll receive a warm welcome. A few examples are listed below. Your exact accommodation will depend on availability at the time of booking
Evening Meals will be taken in your guest house and will be local specialities. Your lunches are not included in the price. You can buy your lunches before your day's walk in the villages. Alternatively a picnic lunch can be bought from your hosts. In this case you'll need to reserve them on your arrival.
A stylish 3 star hotel situated at 1700m in the dramatic Arvieux Valley in the small hamlet of La Chalp.The hotel is located in a building which replicates the local farm architecture. It has a small heated outside pool. Quality food and lovely setting.
Located in Saint Veran, you'll receive a very warm welcome in this hotel in a traditional building converted from a sheep farm.
We can include one or more nights in Arvieux at the end of your Queyras tour. The standard holiday already includes one day to do a loop walk from Arvieux but there is a choice of 4 great walks to do from your hotel.
We can also include an extra night in Ceillac so that you can undertake the beautiful walk to Lakes Miroir and St-Anne under Font Sancte.
It is possible to do this holiday as part of an interlude during the GR5 trek which crosses the Queyras.
As well as the GR5 trek, our Tour of Mont Viso and the small Tour of the Ubaye, take in parts of the Queyras and so it's possible to extend the Queyras walking holiday to include parts of those tours. Please note that these tours often have more basic accommodations than the Queyras Tour.
Please consult us for further information and a price on any of the above options.
If you want to learn more about the region's culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out this trip that includes a few days in the Queyras region. Contact us to add them to your hike.
Local Winter Tales: Immersing in France and Italy's Winter Traditions
Experience the winter traditions of France and Italy as you witness stunning scenery from Annecy to Briançon,Saint-Véran, Turin and Chamonix
Just some quick feed-back on what was an excellent holiday. All the arrangements worked very well, the routes were clear and well re-searched and to top it all we had excellent weather!
Vernon H.
Great walking area, very French culture, friendly people everywhere.
Michael B.