First steps in the Queyras on the legendary GR58
In summary
-
Sports
-
Duration6 days
-
LevelIntermediate
-
DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
-
AgeFrom 7 - 90 years
-
CO₂-Emissions51.5 kg CO2
-
Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Discover the Queyras Regional Natural Park on an easy and enchanting route, offering stages with elevation gains ranging from 250m to 750m depending on the chosen option. This 5-day tour takes you through the valley's iconic villages, combining charm and authenticity for total immersion in nature. Enjoy a new hiking experience with assisted guidance , providing real-time updates, a map, geolocation, a track, and points of interest. Explore the Queyras in an accessible and immersive way, where the simplicity of the stages, the diversity of the landscapes, and the comfort of the accommodations ensure an unforgettable stay in the heart of unspoiled nature.
The highlights
-
An easy 5-day walking tour with a mobile app and route planner
-
Numerous accessible lakes and peaks
-
Possibility of being in a double room
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Don't hesitate, even if you've never hiked before, this trip is accessible to everyone! You'll hike on mountain trails with a daily elevation gain and/or loss of 300 to 600 meters, for approximately 3 to 5 hours of walking. You'll carry a light pack containing your essentials for the day (picnic, warm clothing, water bottle, etc.).
The level corresponds to an average cumulative elevation gain over the entire week. We also use other factors such as luggage carrying, commitment, network availability, and terrain type to refine the level.
During peak season, an inter-village shuttle system can save you some time and elevation gain on the stages, making them a little easier.
Regarding the calculation of the elevation difference, this comes either from a field survey or from a calculation according to a computer model.
If you take your own measurements, it's not uncommon to find discrepancies with our description. The average difference can be up to 10%, particularly in flat areas with little significant relief, and in steep areas with too much relief (ravine, cliff).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 559 m
- Average daily descent: 540 m
Management
The mobile app provided works in airplane mode, allowing you to track your route and send alerts if needed (by disabling airplane mode). It also displays your GPS coordinates.
We pride ourselves on providing you with clear and accurate information so that you can plan your hike with confidence.
Follow well-maintained marked trails for a worry-free experience. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, we also offer easier options using our inter-village shuttle service at the beginning or end of your stage.
Program
-
Welcome
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet us in Ville-Vieille; if you arrive during the week you will be welcomed by our local partner, on weekends you will collect your kit at the first accommodation.
Day 1 -
Old Town (1,380 m) - Molines (1,775 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The first day offers a wonderful warm-up, ideal for acclimatizing to the altitude. Hike through lush forests, explore typical hilltop hamlets, follow ancient agricultural tracks, and discover the charm of Molines, perched at 1,775 meters. Take advantage of this day to truly understand the Queyras region in all its richness and diversity. An immersive introduction to the natural and cultural beauty of the area awaits you.
Day 2 -
Molines (1,775 m) - La Croix du Curlet (2,301 m) - Saint-Véran (2,040 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's goal: to reach the highest village in Europe by taking the scenic route back to the village! At 2,301 meters altitude, at the Croix du Curlet, you'll overlook the Aigue Agnel valley, offering a breathtaking view of the majestic Tête d'Estoilies and the entire village of Saint-Véran. A day of climbing that promises exceptional panoramas and an unforgettable experience at the top of Europe.
Day 3 -
SAINT-VÉRAN - CIRQUE DE LA BLANCHE AND PIC CARAMANTRAN (3,040 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 1007 m
- Negative elevation 428 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This is the highest and longest day of the trip: approximately 1,000 meters of ascent and 5 to 6 hours of hiking, well above average. Leave early. You'll depart from Saint-Véran and ascend towards the Cirque de la Blanche, at the foot of the peaks that mark the Italian border. The landscape becomes rocky, and the day will be spent above 2,500 meters.
The Caramantran peak (3,021 m) is today's alternative route. The more challenging route passes by the summit, and from the standard route you can climb it and return. Up there, you have Italy on one side, Monte Viso opposite, and the entire Alpine arc surrounding you. For the rest of the stage, both routes are comparable: the standard route loses a little altitude at the start, which it then regains.
Good to know: in July and August, the local shuttle to the Cirque de la Blanche, at your own expense, saves you about 40 minutes of walking.
Day 4 -
Agnel Refuge (2,575 m) - L'Echalp (1,701 m) - Aiguilles (1,480 m)
- Transportation Car - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 240 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Get ready for an incredible day exploring magnificent high-altitude lakes and hidden mountain treasures! You'll be amazed by the flowering alpine meadows, centuries-old trees, crystal-clear streams, and verdant glades that dot our path. And the best part? You'll have several routes to choose from to reach the summits, including the option of an off-trail adventure to the top of Pain de Sucre, towering at 3,210 meters.
Arrival in the valley at L'Echalp, transfer to the village of Aiguilles.
Day 5 -
Aiguilles (1,480 m) - Rouet (1,805 m) - Château-Queyras - Ville-Vieille (1,380 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 648 m
- Negative elevation 722 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You are about to embark on a most pleasant route: a balcony path offering breathtaking views of the valley, with the discovery of charming perched hamlets of the Combe du Guil such as Meyries and Rouet. Don't hesitate to stop at the small cheese shop in Rouet before descending towards Château-Queyras, where you can admire its majestic fortress.
End of stay in Old Town
Day 6
Note
Your program, to be adapted day by day
Each morning, you decide what to do next: a standard route or a more challenging one (if available), a variation or not, an early morning start or a more leisurely pace. You remain the sole judge on the ground, but you don't make the decisions alone: we are available throughout your stay.
Snow at the beginning of the season
Some mountain passes may remain snow-covered until the end of June. In this case, we will adapt the itinerary and offer alternative routes before your departure. Depending on the snow conditions, hiking crampons may be mandatory, especially along the Italian border, before and after the Agnel refuge: we will inform you of this before you leave.
High season: book as early as winter
From July 20th to August 20th, accommodations fill up quickly, and double rooms in guesthouses become scarce. With a little flexibility regarding the date, itinerary, or type of accommodation, we can almost always find a solution.
Accommodation
- Shared room option in gîtes and mountain huts : You will sleep in shared rooms for 4 to 12 people, depending on the gîte. This option does not include towels or sheets ; please bring a sleeping bag liner . Bathroom facilities are located on the landing.
- Comfort package for a double room in a gîte : You will sleep in rooms for two people , equipped with a double bed , two single beds , or a bunk bed . This package does not include towels or sheets ; please bring a sleeping bag liner . Bathroom facilities are often located on the landing.
Organization of the steps
- Day 1 : Accommodation (dormitory or double room)
- Day 2 : Accommodation (dormitory or double room)
- Day 3 : Accommodation (dormitory or double room)
- Day 4 : Refuge
- Day 5 : Accommodation (dormitory or double room)
The base price for this stay is offered as follows:
- In a shared room in a gîte: You will sleep in shared rooms for 4 to 12 people, depending on the gîte. Towels and sheets are not included, so please bring a sleeping bag liner. The bathrooms are located on the landing.
- In the comfort option, a double room in a gîte: You will sleep in double rooms equipped with a double bed, two single beds, or a bunk bed. Towels and sheets are not included; please bring a sleeping bag liner. Bathrooms are often shared. In mountain huts, private rooms are available depending on availability and the season (additional €20 per person).
Access
If you arrive by car, on a weekday:
Meeting on day 1 between 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm at our offices.
Welcome to the collection of your travel documents.
If you arrive by train, or by car on the weekend:
Your file will be delivered to your accommodation. A telephone helpline will be available to answer your questions.
Go to the starting point
Travel by train to Montdauphin-Guillestre Station
Arrive easily from Paris by day or night train. Check the timetables on SNCF Connect. Alternatively, you can arrive at Oulx station by TGV, then transfer by taxi or coach (Information and booking: www.autocars-imbert.com).
For travelers coming from the south, take the Marseille-Briançon line. Enjoy the simplicity of rail travel to discover this superb destination.
From the train station to the meeting point
Regular shuttle services are available from late June to early September, although their schedules are not yet finalized. Please note that during the off-season, they may be less frequent or even unavailable. Please consult the regional website: zou.maregionsud.fr or call 0809.400.013 before booking your train tickets.
From the north, take the Lautaret pass via Briançon (RN 94) or Grenoble (RN 94/D902). Alternatively, from Grenoble, take the A51 motorway towards Gap, then the RN94 towards Guillestre (D902).
From the south, go via Valence or Sisteron, continue towards Gap, then Embrun, and finally Guillestre. Once in Guillestre, follow the signs for "Queyras" via the D902 and the D947.
Mountain landscapes await you on this road trip to Queyras!
Parking
Free parking at the start of the hike
Price details
The price includes
- Organization fees
- Accommodation in shared dormitories in guesthouses and mountain huts
- Half-board
- Digital hiking guide
- The transfer to Aiguilles on Day 5
- The provision of an assisted navigation application, "Roadbook"
- Sending the GPS track in *gpx format (a format compatible with all types of GPS devices or smartphones)
- "Base Camp": A unique support and information service managed by our experts
The price does not include
- Lunch (picnic lunch, to be booked in the options)
- Luggage transport (optional)
- Local shuttles and taxis not included in the program
- Taxi to the Agnel refuge when the refuge is full (2 nights in Saint Véran)
- Custom IGN map (optional)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Individual equipment
- Insurance
- The “solo supplement” if you are travelling alone
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Picnic : CHF59.46 / unit
- IGN map : CHF22.87 / unit
- Luggage transfer : CHF45.74 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Access to our "Roadbook" assisted navigation app, including:
- Detailed itinerary
- Map background and real-time location
- Points of interest and variations
- Travel diary in PDF format, with map extracts at a scale of 1:25,000
- Vouchers or exchange vouchers for service providers (accommodations, taxis, etc.)
- Cultural notebook, describing the local heritage.
- GPS tracks in GPX format (compatible with GPS devices and smartphones)
- Print your travel journal
- Detailed maps with OpenMap background
- Route map and points of interest to explore
- Real-time geolocation and guidance, even in airplane mode
Equipment to bring
Essential equipment
- 1 x 30/35 litre backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
- 2 telescopic poles
- 1 pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles. Remember to "test" new shoes and those that have not been used for a long time beforehand (low-cut shoes are not recommended for level 3 hiking trips).
- 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- 1 pair of category 3 sunglasses
- 1 thermos for a hot or cold drink
- 1 water bottle (allow at least 1.5L/person) or hydration bladder such as a CamelBak with a drinking tube
- 1 small airtight plastic container, cup, knife and fork for picnics
- race provisions
- 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to put your money, identity card, bank card, health insurance card, assistance contract (the rest of your papers and car key can be left at the hotel during your stay)
- 1 survival blanket
- toilet paper with a small lighter to burn it
- sunscreen SPF 4
For the evening at the accommodation
- toiletries
- your spare clothes
- 1 swimsuit (depending on the accommodation)
- 1 sleeping bag liner (mandatory in all accommodations except hotels where liners are provided)
Clothing to bring
Clothes
When hiking, the 3-layer system remains the recommended equipment for your comfort and safety.
- a short-sleeved t-shirt made of breathable material (hollow fiber)
- a fleece fur jacket
- a windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket (gore-tex type)
Depending on the weather and the level of exertion, you can always choose the most effective option. When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may suffice. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold weather, or during breaks at altitude, a fleece jacket is an essential layer under a windproof jacket.
Pack quick-drying clothes, so avoid cotton. Opt for wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing and chills you during breaks.
Recommended clothing for hiking
- 1 sun hat or cap
- 1 multifunctional hat or neck warmer (BUFF© type) and 1 pair of lightweight gloves to protect against the cold at altitude
- 1 short-sleeved t-shirt suitable for physical activity (synthetic or natural microfiber type)
- 1 insulating garment type: fleece or down jacket
- 1 windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood if possible (gore-tex type or equivalent)
- 1 rain poncho or a protective cover for the backpack in bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
- 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers
- 1 pair of shorts or bermudas suitable for walking
- 1 pair of high hiking socks suitable for walking
They traveled with us
