In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Hautes-Alpes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions44.24 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
In a few words
The Queyras is a true paradise for those seeking an escape to unspoiled natural landscapes , even for a short stay. In just four days , immerse yourself in the authentic charm of its picturesque villages and be enchanted by the abundant nature where flora and fauna thrive in perfect harmony. The high-altitude lakes , mirroring the surrounding peaks, offer breathtaking panoramas. This brief stay will allow you to discover the essential treasures of the Queyras Regional Natural Park while enjoying the warm comfort of our family-run hotel , located in the heart of a lively and welcoming village . In Aiguilles , be captivated by the mountain shops , traditional artisans , and delicious local products such as tarts , cheeses , honey , and jams . Stroll through its lively streets , soak up the warm atmosphere, and discover the true character of this preserved valley.
The highlights
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A guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 participants
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A controlled budget!
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Guaranteed departures from May to October, also available in a 7-day format
Photos
Colette - verified review - july 2024
Colette - verified review - july 2024
Colette - verified review - july 2024
Colette - verified review - july 2024
Colette - verified review - july 2024
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 routes are chosen along well-marked trails for the majority of the circuit. Don't worry, your guide is there to lead and reassure you, whatever your fitness level.
The difficulty level is determined based on the average elevation gain over the entire week, taking into account factors such as carrying luggage, commitment, network availability, and terrain. Elevation gain is calculated from field measurements or by a computer model that considers all variations in ascents and descents, going beyond the simple difference in altitude between two points. It is important to note that if you take your own measurements, they may differ from our description, as many factors influence the results, such as the frequency of measurements, calculation methods, and modeling of the measurements.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 534 m
- Average daily descent: 534 m
Management
Program
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Welcome
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will be met by your guide at 7pm on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday evening at the accommodation.
Day 1 -
Col des Prés Fromage and Sommet Bûcher (2,254m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
For this first day, remember to bring your hat and apply sunscreen. You can expect a magnificent start with an unobstructed view to enjoy the fresh mountain air. Our path will lead us through enchanting larches and verdant meadows, and time will pass imperceptibly. At the summit of Sommet Bûcher, treat yourself to a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Écrins mountains, the lower Guil valley, and the Aigue Blanche valley. You'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding the perfect spot for a break: nestled in the hollow of a larch tree or seated on a carpet of vibrant buttercups... On the way back, step back in time by discovering the Clot l'Henri cabin, an old sheepfold nestled in this little corner of paradise.
Day 2 -
LAMARON RIDGES (2,350 m) and OPTION TOWARDS CASCAVELIER PIC (2,562 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This walk will awaken your senses for your greatest pleasure! Listen carefully in the forest to recognize the song of the alpine tit, and enjoy your guide's anecdotes about a bird species with a surprising name. Once you reach the ridge, prepare to be amazed! Be sure to watch your step, as you'll be walking on a veritable carpet of alpine grasses, offering a most pleasant visual and olfactory experience. Have fun identifying or discovering these beautiful flowers, such as gentians, asters, geraniums, and many more. Don't forget to look up and admire the breathtaking view of the village of Saint-Véran. For those with energy to spare, we offer a short bonus climb to the summit of Pic Cascavelier.
Upon your return, let your imagination wander as you listen to your guide tell you about the traditional life of the highest village in Europe, with its sundials and wooden fountains...Day 3 -
THE CLAPEYTO ALPINE PASTURES AND THE LAKES OF LA FAVIÈRE (2,509 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
The Chalets de Clapeyto are an essential stop for any hiker exploring the Queyras. Today, you'll discover that their reputation is well-deserved! Let's dive headfirst into a setting worthy of a fairytale. The chalets seem delicately placed on a carpet of rainbow-colored flowers, in the heart of a verdant meadow. Let's walk as if we're in a waking dream, dazzled by the alpine pastures and the vibrant pink rhododendrons that illuminate this living tableau. Let yourself be enveloped by this feeling of serenity before joyfully escaping this imaginary land.
End of stay after the hike
This is where we part ways! You'll be taking a local bus to Montdauphin-Guillestre train station. But this isn't goodbye for now; the Queyras region awaits you for further explorations…Day 4
Note
At the beginning of the season, due to snow, and especially in autumn, the program will be adjusted according to the conditions. When the larches are ablaze with orange hues, we will favor hikes offering spectacular viewpoints to fully appreciate the autumn landscapes. The level of difficulty will remain the same, so trust us and your guide.
In general, this program is designed to be flexible. Depending on the weather, trail conditions, or other factors beyond our control, adjustments may be necessary. But rest assured that our guide, a true expert on the mountain range, will always be able to offer you captivating alternatives. If certain trails become crowded, he will lead you to more secluded, but equally stunning, routes to make your stay unforgettable. Be prepared to explore hidden gems!
Accommodation
You are Patricia's guests during your stay. She welcomes you to her small, traditional family-run hotel with warmth and simplicity . Thanks to her unwavering dedication, you'll feel right at home ! After a hike, you can extend your day relaxing on the south-facing balconies of your room , which offer a splendid view of the Mourre Froid.
Access
Welcome
Meet on the day of your choice (Sunday, Monday or Tuesday) at 7pm at the hotel in the village of Aiguilles, with your guide:
• Arrival on Sunday: stay from Sunday evening to Wednesday after the hike;
• Arrival on Monday: from Monday evening to Thursday after the hike;
• Arrival on Tuesday: from Tuesday evening to Friday after the hike.
Dispersion
The trip ends on day 4 after the hike, around 5pm.
Go to the starting point
Night train: Paris (Austerlitz) line to Montdauphin-Guillestre Day train: Paris-Valence or Paris-Grenoble line then connection for Montdauphin* Alternative via the Paris-Turin TGV line stop at Modane or Oulx then bus From the south, Marseille-Briançon line.
Daytime train: TGV or Intercités to Valence (most direct from the north) or Marseille, then TER.
From the train station to the meeting point
Arrival on Sunday: your guide or a member of the agency will be waiting for you at the station at 6:30 pm. You will travel with the group: this minibus transfer is included, to be booked with us at least one week in advance.
Arrival on Monday or Tuesday: no organized transfer; you are responsible for your own transportation to the hotel. Outside of peak season, if there is no shuttle service, please contact us to arrange a transfer.
Aim for Guillestre, then the D902 through the Guil gorges and the D947: Aiguilles is about 30 to 45 minutes away, depending on traffic.
To avoid:
• Italy via the Fréjus tunnel, suggested by some GPS: more than €60 one way and traffic jams on the French side;
• the Col de l'Izoard from Briançon, especially at the end of the day: go via Guillestre.
Price details
The price includes
- Full board from the evening of your arrival on day 1 until late afternoon on day 4
- Accommodation in a double or twin room
- The hikes are led by a state-certified mountain professional.
- Transfers by minibus and shuttles as described in the program (if the number of participants exceeds the capacity of our minibuses, participants arriving by car can take their vehicle and will be compensated 0.50/km)
- One-way transfer between the train station and the hotel for train arrivals (meeting at 6:30 pm)
The price does not include
- One-way transfers between the train station and the hotel for arrivals by train on Monday and Tuesday (high season - summer school holidays: regular local shuttles or taxi / low season: transfer to be arranged with the agency)
- Return transfers from the train station
- Drinks and wine during meals
- The single room supplement
- Anything not listed under "the price includes"
Options
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Single room : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night with half-board before the stay - Double or twin room : CHF146.37 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after the stay - Single room : CHF86.91 / unit
- Additional night with half-board after your stay - Double or twin room : CHF146.37 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
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 that 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 date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account 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.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card and a European health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- 30/35 litre backpack with waist belt
- 2 telescopic poles (recommended) for better stability
- Waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support and a Vibram sole are essential. Be sure to test them before setting off, especially if they are new or haven't been used for a long time. Low-cut shoes are not recommended for trips of level 3 or higher.
- Thermos, water bottle or hydration pack with a drinking tube and a capacity of at least 1.5 liters per person
- Cup, knife and fork for picnics
- Race supplies to replenish energy along the way
- A small waterproof pouch for your valuables such as: cash, ID card, bank card, health insurance card, and travel insurance policy. You can leave the rest of your documents and car keys at the hotel during your stay.
- Emergency survival blanket
- Toilet paper in a resealable bag to wrap it up and throw it in the nearest available bin
Clothing to bring
Recommended clothing for hiking: adhering to the three-layer system is essential to guarantee your comfort and safety throughout your hike:
- Breathable short-sleeved T-shirt : choose a breathable T-shirt made of hollow fiber to wick away sweat when you are active.
- Fleece jacket: This fleece jacket keeps you warm in cool weather by providing extra thermal insulation.
- Waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (like Gore-Tex or equivalent): this outer layer effectively protects you against inclement weather such as rain, snow or wind, keeping your body dry and sheltered from the elements.
Adapt your clothing to the weather and activity level. For example, in pleasant weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In bad weather, add a waterproof jacket. In cold weather or at altitude, wear a fleece jacket under your windproof jacket. Choose quick-drying clothing, avoid cotton which retains moisture, and opt for materials like wool, silk, and synthetic fibers to stay dry and warm.
Remember that you are in the mountains, where the sun is intense and the UV index is high. Temperatures can change rapidly depending on altitude and season. It is therefore essential to equip yourself with appropriate protection such as sunglasses, a neck warmer, and sunscreen for your comfort and safety.
For your evenings at the accommodation, simplify things by packing only the essentials. For a week of hiking, a few changes of clothes are more than enough.
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