Queyras Massif
/ Hautes-Alpes
A multi-day hiking trip in the heart of the Queyras mountains
Réf : QNCKRJ
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom 13 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions42.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French🇬🇧English
In a few words
Embark on a multi-day adventure in the heart of the Queyras Regional Natural Park , a preserved jewel of the Southern Alps. This circuit takes you from mountain hut to mountain refuge , through magnificent high-altitude landscapes and authentic villages , including Saint-Véran , perched at over 2,000 meters. Each day is punctuated by the discovery of hanging lakes , panoramic alpine passes , and trails lined with mountain flowers. Mont Viso , an iconic peak of the Cottian Alps, accompanies your progress with its imposing silhouette. The highlight of the trip is the ascent of Pic de Caramantran (3,021 m), which reveals breathtaking views of the border ridges and the Franco-Italian peaks. An ideal immersion for lovers of wide-open spaces and alpine hiking seeking authenticity.
The highlights
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Picnic by high-altitude lakes facing Mont Viso
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Discover Saint-Véran, a village perched at an altitude of over 2,000 m
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Reach a summit over 3,000m with panoramic views of the Franco-Italian Alps
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
The expert's opinion
- You are capable of hiking for about 5 hours a day with an average elevation gain of 1000m D+.
- You will carry your bag during daily hikes (no carrying is planned).
- You are comfortable with hiking for several days in a row, with a light bag containing your belongings for sleeping in mountain huts throughout your stay.
In figures
Hiking
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 736 m
- Average daily descent: 740 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 5 to 8 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
Laura
Laura
I discovered the mountains at a very young age thanks to my parents, who took me hiking every summer. Very quickly, I felt a disconnect between city life and what truly resonates with me: the mountains. Nevertheless, I pursued studies in biological engineering. A few years later, I decided to resign and embark on training to become a Mountain Leader (AMM), while simultaneously training in Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga.
Program
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Day 1
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 340 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The meeting point is set for 9am in the Old Town, the starting point of this multi-day hike. After a welcome, a briefing and final equipment checks, we begin our walk for this first day of exploration.
From the very first kilometers, the route leads to the discovery of the Demoiselle Coiffée of Ville Vieille, an astonishing geological curiosity emblematic of the area. The trail then crosses a typical mountain village, between stone houses and slate roofs, before gradually climbing through the forests and hamlets of the Queyras.
As you ascend, the landscapes open up to reveal the surrounding peaks, offering beautiful viewpoints for a gradual warm-up. More motivated hikers can extend the climb to a nearby summit, adding approximately 300 meters of elevation gain for a first taste of high altitude.
The day ends in Saint-Véran, perched at 2,040 m, considered the highest inhabited village in Europe. A stroll through its narrow streets dotted with sundials, then settling into the Costebelle inn to share a local dinner and a convivial evening.
Day 1 -
Day 2
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 480 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Saint-Véran peacefully along a path that winds between flowery alpine pastures and mountain streams. Gradually, the scenery changes: the vegetation fades away and gives way to increasingly mineral landscapes.
A stop at the Clausis chapel (2,400 m) offers the opportunity to admire this isolated gem nestled in the mountains, before following the traces of an ancient prehistoric copper mine. The ascent then continues towards the Chamoussière pass, with the option, for those who wish, to continue to the Caramantran peak (3,025 m). From the summit, the panorama opens up to a sweeping view of the French and Italian Alps.
The descent finally leads to the Agnel refuge, nestled at 2,580 m at the foot of the pass, in a peaceful and wide-open setting. At the end of the day, we share a convivial mountain meal and enjoy the refuge's warm atmosphere before a restful night.
Day 2 -
Day 3
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 280 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This day takes us to the heart of one of the most preserved areas of the Queyras. After a gradual climb, the trail enters the Bouchouse valley, a wild area dotted with streams, larch forests and high-altitude lakes.
The landscapes are constantly changing, offering a beautiful diversity of mountain scenery. Hikers looking for a challenge can opt for an optional ascent of Pain de Sucre (3,208 m), an iconic peak of the massif, with a breathtaking view of the sharp Taillante ridge.
In the late afternoon, the descent takes you through alpine pastures towards Abriès, offering lovely views of the valley villages. The night is spent in a comfortable gîte, where a warm welcome and a delicious dinner round off the day.
Day 3 -
Day 4
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a hike towards the Grand Laus lake, nestled at an altitude of 2,600 m. The trail crosses the hamlet of Malrif, partly abandoned, where a small chapel still stands overlooking the valley and testifies to the past of these places.
Upon arrival at the lake, the scenery naturally invites you to pause. The turquoise waters reflect the surrounding peaks and the silhouette of Mont Viso, ever-present on the horizon. Everyone can then enjoy the site at their own pace: a picnic by the water, exploring more secluded lakes, or a short climb to a nearby summit to extend the experience.
In the late afternoon, the route descends gently towards Aiguilles, through a larch forest. The path offers views of the famous "American beauties," elegant homes built by prosperous settlers returning from the New World.
Day 4 -
Day 5
- Activity Hiking
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 580 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we follow a balcony trail overlooking the valley, with magnificent views of the Queyras mountains. The route passes through several typical hamlets where time seems to have stood still.
We then reach Château-Queyras, dominated by its medieval fortress perched on a rocky spur, a true symbol of the massif. After a self-guided tour of the site, we descend leisurely back to Ville Vieille, our starting point.
This moment marks the end of our traveling adventure. We share one last meal, laughter, and a few memories before saying "see you soon," perhaps for another tour of the Alps!
Day 5
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏠 Holiday rental - Day 1
Costebelle Inn.
Accommodation is in shared dormitories, often with bunk beds and blankets provided. Each refuge has toilets and showers, sometimes with hot water. However, there are no facilities for charging electronic devices, so bring a power bank if needed. The atmosphere is simple, warm, and authentic, true to the spirit of mountain refuges.
🏔️ Mountain refuge - Day 2
Agnel Refuge.
Accommodation is in shared dormitories, often with bunk beds and blankets provided. Each refuge has toilets and showers, sometimes with hot water. However, there are no facilities for charging electronic devices, so bring a power bank if needed. The atmosphere is simple, warm, and authentic, true to the spirit of mountain refuges.
🏠 Holiday rental - Day 3
Edelweiss Cottage.
Accommodation is in shared dormitories, often with bunk beds and blankets provided. Each refuge has toilets and showers, sometimes with hot water. However, there are no facilities for charging electronic devices, so bring a power bank if needed. The atmosphere is simple, warm, and authentic, true to the spirit of mountain refuges.
🏠 Holiday rental - Day 4
Gite la petite auberge.
Accommodation is in shared dormitories, often with bunk beds and blankets provided. Each refuge has toilets and showers, sometimes with hot water. However, there are no facilities for charging electronic devices, so bring a power bank if needed. The atmosphere is simple, warm, and authentic, true to the spirit of mountain refuges.
Access
Departure
Ville Vieille, Château-Ville-Vieille, France
Day 1
: 09h00
End of stay
Ville Vieille, Château-Ville-Vieille, France
Day 5
- 17h00
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGap
You can travel to the Old Town by train and bus.
Train :
Departure station > Paris Gare de Lyon
Paris Gare de Lyon > Grenoble (3 hours)
Grenoble > Gap (2h32)
Finish with a bus from Gap to Château-Ville-Vieille Bus Station.
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
It is possible to leave your car in a free parking lot at the meeting point.
If you don't have a car, please note that we encourage carpooling among participants by creating a WhatsApp group 15 days before departure: An opportunity to get to know each other before even starting the expedition!
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be led by a passionate mountain guide who lives in the Queyras region.
- Accommodation in comfortable mountain lodges and refuges, in shared rooms (single beds)
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Luggage transport
- Any personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Marie team
4.4/5
(24 reviews)
• 145 stays
Spécialisée dans l'immersion sauvage, notre partenaire local est une agence de référence proposant plus de 100 séjours d'aventures guidées à travers toute l'Europe. L'établissement se distingue par une offre riche et variée, conçue pour placer la nature au cœur de l'expérience de voyage. Que ce soit pour des expéditions en montagne, des traversées de forêts primaires ou des découvertes de littoraux préservés, l'agence met son expertise logistique au service de parcours authentiques et sécurisés.
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