Queyras: uplands & authentic villages
€1230
per person
The ultimate Queyras self-guided walking tour! Set off on an enchanting trip and discover the most beautiful villages and pristine natural areas of this remarkable French massif. This unique independent hiking trip is designed for walkers who seek freedom and authenticity. You will seamlessly blend the genuine atmosphere of the Queyras’ traditional hamlets with the comfort of accommodation located right in the heart of these communities. All the planning is done for you: the accessible and thoroughly enjoyable stages follow well-marked trails, ensuring you can simply relax and hike while gaining access to truly exceptional landscapes and alpine views. Your immersive walking journey through one of the highest inhabited territories in Europe will lead you to several iconic sites. Explore the history and architecture of Château-Queyras, visit Saint-Véran (one of the continent’s highest continually occupied villages) and wander through the stunning natural beauty of the Vallée des Lacs, a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site. The hiking adventure extends to the picturesque Piedmont village of Chianale, offering a taste of cross-border charm. These hidden gems of the Queyras will deeply immerse you in a world where magnificent alpine nature and centuries-old local traditions converge, all enjoyed at your own pace.
Level 3/4
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Destination
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Duration8 Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in 2/3* hotels incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms) and 7x dinners (check the Rates&Remarks tab for details); People transfers as per itinerary; Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, up to 13kg!; additional bags are payable extra); Detailed roadbook and maps (incl. GPS tracks); Emergency hotline
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals, public transportation, travel insurance.
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Best periodJune, July, August, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Queyras self-guided walking tours, France.
1
Day 1: Arrival in Arvieux.
Arrive in the beautiful village of Arvieux, the starting point for your self-guided walking adventure in Queyras. Settle into your hotel, then explore the village and its valley freely. The traditional wooden toy cooperative is an interesting stop for non-hiking downtime.
*Easiest arrival by rental car from Lyon, Nice, Marseille or Turin (Italy). Free, unattended parking is available in Arvieux (where the tour starts and ends). Alternatively you can travel by train (check SNCF website) to the nearest train station - Mont-Dauphin-Guillestre. Once you arrive at Mont-Dauphin-Guillestre station take a bus/shuttle often run by the regional ZOU! network. There are ZOU! shuttles that connect the Mont-Dauphin-Guillestre train station directly to Arvieux and other Queyras villages (timetable here https://www.ter.sncf.com/sud-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur; normally Line 574 but not only). From Mont-Dauphin-Guillestre train station we can arrange a private transfer to Arvieux too (check details with us).
2
Day 2: Arvieux - Lac de Roue - Château Queyras - Ville Vieille (10km; 4,30hrs; +365m/-650m)
You begin your hiking journey on the Tour du Queyras today. A gentle ascent along the GR5 leads to the stunning Lac de Roue (nearly 2,000m). Enjoy a scenic balcony trail with views of Château-Queyras before continuing your walk to the "crossroads of the Queyras," Ville-Vieille. The trail rewards you with a beautiful balcony section offering photographic views of the imposing Château-Queyras high above the Guil Gorges. Following your descent, you have the option to tour the medieval fortress (ticket required) before continuing to Ville-Vieille, the historical "crossroads" of the region. Your day concludes with a perfect cultural stop at the local craft center. This first day of hiking is an excellent warm-up.
3
Day 3: Ville-Vieille – Ceillac (15km; 5,30hrs; +1070m/-850m)
Your second walking day takes you from Ville-Vieille to Ceillac. Setting off from the historical and geographical gateway to the Queyras valleys, the hiking route follows a splendid path through the forested and pastoral slopes of the Sommet Bûcher. This challenging ascent leads you to the Col Fromage (2,300 m), before you enjoy a satisfying descent to the lively village of Ceillac (1,640 m), beautifully tucked away in the heart of the Cristillan Valley.
4
Day 4: Ceillac - Saint-Véran (12km; 6hrs; +1140m/-800m)
This is one of the longest hiking days of your Tour du Queyras. Climb to the Col des Estronques (2,651m, a major passage between the Cristillan Valley and the Aigue Blanche Valley,), which leads you into the “High Queyras.” The reward is the arrival at Saint-Véran (2,040m), France's highest continuously inhabited village.
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Day 5: Col Agnel - La vallée des lacs - Abries (10km; 5hrs; +260m/-1140m)
A spectacular high-mountain circuit from Col Agnel to Abriès awaits you. To begin, a convenient 30min transfer takes you from Saint-Véran up to the Agnel Pass (2,744 m), the high border pass with the Italian Piedmont. Today presents the exciting option of tackling the variant up to the challenging Pain de Sucre (3,200 m). Your main hiking route continues over the Col Vieux (2,850 m) before descending through the unmissable valley of the Foréant and Egorgeou lakes, recently classified as a nature reserve. From this gateway to high mountain terrain down to the hay meadows of the Upper Guil valley (1,700 m), you will enjoy a succession of remarkable, unspoilt landscapes
6
Day 6: Abriès - Lacs Malrifs - Aiguilles - Ville-Vieille (16km; 6,30hrs; +950m/-1000m)
This is a demanding self-guided hiking stage from Abriès to Ville-Vieille via the Malrif Lakes. A gentle, steady climb takes you up to the former village of Malrif, then on to the Bertins shepherd’s hut, the starting point of the renowned Malrif ascent. The strenuous climb is rewarded with breathtaking views of the Grand Laus lake (2,550 m), nestled beneath the Pic du Malrif, and stunning panoramas stretching towards Monte Viso. You can also opt for an extension to the Pic du Malrif (2,900 m) and the neighboring twin lakes. You then descend to Aiguilles via the pastoral hamlet of Le Lombard. A shuttle transfer then returns you to Ville-Vieille for overnight.
7
Day 7: Ville Vieille - Souliers - Col Tronchet – Arvieux (8km; 3-4hrs; +500m/-650m)
Your final hiking day travels from Ville-Vieille to Arvieux via Souliers and Col Tronchet. A morning transfer takes you to the charming hamlet of Souliers. Known as the “hamlet of the Sun", you’ll walk alongside the torrent beneath the imposing Grand Rochebrune, showcasing its beautiful farming heritage. The Col du Tronchet leads you into the Izoard Valley and back towards Arvieux. A short detour to Lac de Souliers offers a final, refreshing option before the descent to Arvieux, where the active part of your magnificent self-guided walking adventure comes to an end.
8
Day 8: Departure day
Services end after breakfast. Use the same transportation options as described on Day 1.
TOUR LOCATION
Price (2026)
1230 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/06-15/10)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 340 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. also sgl. room supplement): 450 Euro
Tips
Daily arrivals between the beginning of June and mid-October. The prime hiking season spans between mid-June and the end of September (depending on the winter season patches of snow may remain on the highest passes up till the end of June, but from the beginning of the month they are already passable). The terrain is varied, ranging from gentle paths through forests and pastures to strenuous climbs over high mountain passes. The itinerary reaches high altitudes, including an elevation of 2744m at the Col Agnel and passages like the Col des Estronques at 2651m (incl. an option to climb as high as 3200m). The route follows sections of the Tour du Queyras (GR5) and other well-marked trails, connecting historical villages and high-altitude natural sites. The paths are mostly well-maintained dirt, gravel, or rocky mountain trails (often old shepherd or mule tracks). If you wish to skip a certain day's walk this should be advised the previous day and our local partners will suggest the best way to do that.
Accommodation
2/3* hotels (en-suite rooms), incl. breakfast and 6x dinners (options to order/prepare by yourself lunchpacks locally). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/7: Arvieux- Hotel Ferme de l’Izoard; Days 2/6: Ville-Vieille - Hotel le Guilazur; Day 3: Ceillac - Hotel la Cascade; Day 4: Saint-Véran - Hotel Grand Tétras; Day 5: Abries: Hotel Lanza;
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