Walking Holidays
France

Tour of Ubaye

Discover our wonderful self-guided walking Tour of the Ubaye, a circular hiking trail through a hidden and unspoilt corner of the French Alps with a small excursion into Italy. This alpine walking trail takes you through wild and picturesque mountain scenery. Starting in the Queyras, this 'off the beaten track' itinerary will take you through some magnificent landscapes with beautiful alpine summits, serene mountain lakes and remote and traditional alpine hamlets including Maljessat in France and Chiaperra in Italy. Our trek in the Ubaye takes you up close to the dramatic rocky summits of Font Sancte and Chambeyron over 3400m high. You can decide whether you wish to carry your own gear or have your bags transported for you. Equally on this alpine walking holiday there is the possibility to choose rooms for 2 on 4 of the nights (if available).

Holiday Profile

6 nights/7 days: 6 days independent walking moving between gites and refuges

Dates

Everyday (subject to availability) from 14 June to 13 September

Walking Profile & Grade

Average of 6-7hrs walking per day (not including lunch stop) and between 750m and 1150m of ascent & descent. The trek takes place on well maintained and way-marked paths, although they are mountainous in nature with some steeper and rocky passages. Mountain walking experience is essential. You should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable with walking several days in a row on mountain paths. You should also be sure-footed on mountain paths. You can choose whether to carry your own bags or have them transported for you (except two days where it’s not possible).

This walking holiday is graded strenuous. 

Accommodation & Meals

Half board accommodation in gites and refuges (in a mixture of rooms for 2 (if available and chosen) and small dormitories.)

When to Travel

Our self-guided walking tour around the Ubaye is available from mid June to mid September. The trek goes over high passes above 2500m with the highest being 2700m. There is also the option to go to a few summits. 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 Ubaye 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.

Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps

A couple of days on this walking holiday follow the GR5 (Grande Randonnee) long distance trail which 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 time, although some sections at altitude can be on screes where greater care is required to find your way. The other days follow local trails which are often marked in yellow. Our walking notes are detailed and include information about the Ubaye 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.

Luggage Transfers

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 one night your luggage will not be available. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15kg.

Travel Info

Transfers between Mont Dauphin - Guillestre train station and the first and last guest houses can be included in the holiday if arriving by train.

By Train

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.

www.eurostar.com

By Air and rail

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 in organising your travel arrangements

By Car

Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Queyras takes about 12 hours (excluding long breaks). Tolls amount to about 80 euros each way. Channel crossings are provided by the following companies.

www.poferries.com

DFDS Seaways

www.eurotunnel.com

Parking available at first guest house. Taxi service to take you back to your car at the end of the week

Further Information & Advice

For useful advice about independent walking trips and preparing for your self guided holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section. Once you have booked on this independent walking or trekking holiday, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you.

• From €1125 (including bag transfer)
• From €925 (without bag transfer)
• If available, rooms for 2 on 4 nights: €100 extra
• 2 Transfers start and end of trek between Montdaphin-Guillestre train station and Ceillac: €85 (price dependent on arrival time and numbers)
• Additional night half board in Ceillac: €90 in room for 2
• All above prices are per person and based on a booking of 2 to 4 people