Long weekend and spring walks around Cervières
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationQueyras Massif / Cervières
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions32.88 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Let yourself be seduced by the wild rebirth of the Southern Alps during an immersive getaway departing from Cervières . This long weekend in the heart of the Vallée des Fonts plunges you into nature in full metamorphosis, where flowery meadows replace the last snow patches.
Hike high-altitude trails and encounter rediscovered wildlife, amidst the whistling of marmots and the songs of migratory birds. Your route, winding between exceptional volcanic geology and perched historical fortifications , reveals spectacular panoramas opening onto the Italian Piedmont .
This spring break combines hiking and contemplation, ideal for recharging your batteries amidst the peaks of the Briançonnais region . Enjoy the mild weather as you explore diverse terrain, from sun-drenched slopes to heritage sites, and savor the authenticity of a preserved high-altitude landscape. It's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors as soon as the first rays of sunshine appear.
The highlights
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A breath of fresh air at the end of winter!
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Very varied mountain landscapes
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Short transfers to reach the starting point of the walks
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Please remember that you must be able to participate in this program. You can contact us with any questions you may have about the program and the required skill level. Any information about you that could affect your participation in this program must be communicated to us.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average distance/day: 12 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 385 m
- Average daily descent: 552 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
English
French
Whether still wearing my mountaineer's cap, passionate about hiking, or my chef's hat , in Cervières, Burgundy, Iceland, or elsewhere, I invite you to explore unspoiled nature and enjoy healthy and delicious cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere !
Our partner is based in Cervières, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. In every season, they invite you to discover extraordinary and unspoiled natural spaces, combining adventure, comfort, and enjoyment, all while respecting your fitness level and desires. Join them for a hike and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature, letting yourself be captivated by its beauty!
At the heart of its approach: exchange, sharing and conviviality, with the desire to combine tourism and respect for the environment.
Program
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Piedmontese stroll
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 22km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 8:45 am at the Auberge l'Arpelin in Cervières, at the locality known as Le Laus (1750 meters altitude). Hamlet of the commune of Cervières located 12 kilometers from Briançon, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard.
Welcome, breakfast and presentation of the stay, then departure for the first hike.
A warm-up walk in the Italian Piedmont, via the Col de Bousson (2154m) or the Col de Chabaud (2213m). They were once, due to their low altitude, the link between the Escarton d'Oulx and that of Briançon, or a place of passage favored by smugglers of all kinds.
Back at the hostel, your guide will offer you a drink to share a convivial moment.
Day 1 -
The Chenaillet massif
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 55 m
- Negative elevation 555 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This hike will lead us to discover the Chenaillet volcanic massif, formed of striking rocks with unusual shades of green. The trail winds through a constellation of small lakes, culminating at the largest of them: Lac Gignoux (2329m), overlooked by the summits of Grand Charvia and Cime Saurel. Along the way, we will pass the ruined Fraches chalet, the last vestige of an old, abandoned summer hamlet.
Day 2 -
The hamlets of the Alp
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 17km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
We will set off to explore the hamlets of Alp, small clusters of old mountain chalets that still powerfully bear witness to the harshness of agricultural life in bygone days. Our path will lead us to the Col de Peyre Moutte, from where we will have a final beautiful view of the Vallée des Fonts. The return journey will be along a winding little military trail.
The stay ends after the walk, around 2:30 pm. We can enjoy the gîte one last time to have a drink and take a shower before leaving.
Day 3
Note
We reserve the right to modify the program for any reason (weather conditions, snow cover, participants' physical condition and technical level, the guide's preferences, etc.). These modifications are always made in your best interest: for your safety and to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated at the Auberge l'Arpelin, an 18th-century building converted into a friendly and family-run guesthouse, located in the hamlet of Laus at an altitude of 1750 meters, in the heart of the mountains and at the foot of the famous Col d'Izoard.
Free parking is available in front of the hostel.
Regardless of your mobile network operator, your mobile connection should be good. Wi-Fi access is free and available.
Subject to availability , it is possible to arrive before the start date of your stay and depart after the end date. You can select these options when booking.
No registration or special request from you will be processed directly by the accommodation provider, who is not responsible for the scheduling or organization of this stay. Room allocation and other accommodation details are handled exclusively between the hotel and us. Thank you for your understanding.
Access
The stay begins on Day 1 at 8:45 am at the Auberge l'Arpelin, in the Lieu-dit le Laus, at the foot of the Col d'Izoard. Welcome, breakfast, presentation of the stay, then departure for the first hike.
The stay ends on day 3 after the last walk, around 2:30 pm. We can enjoy the gîte one last time to have a drink and take a shower before leaving.
Our free shuttle will drop you off at Briançon station at 3:10 pm at the latest.
Go to the starting point
The main source of fine particulate pollution in our mountains is the combustion of fossil fuels generated by cars, particularly during the holiday traffic.
That is why we are doing everything we can to welcome you at Briançon station.
🚂 Briançon SNCF train station
From the north, on the Paris-Lyon-Valence-Briançon or Grenoble-Gap-Briançon line
- Daytime trains: TGV then TER
- The direct night train from Paris-Austerlitz is the most convenient for people coming from northern France.
From the south, on the Marseille-Briançon line (TER)
🚂 Oulx SNCF station (Italy)
TGV Paris-Oulx on the Paris-Turin-Milan line then Oulx-Briançon shuttle.
For those arriving by train and wishing to use our free shuttle service, we will meet you on Day 1 at 8:25 am at Briançon train station, in the parking lot to the right as you exit the station hall. You can select this option when booking.
If your train arrival time doesn't coincide with the shuttle's arrival time, you'll need to take a taxi to get to the hostel. We recommend contacting Transalp Taxi at 06.81.69.88.39; the fare is approximately €45.
Landing at Turin Airport is a convenient way to reach the Briançonnais region. Linkbus (www.linkbus-alps.com) provides direct, non-changeable shuttle services between Turin International Airport (Sandro Pertini di Caselle) and Briançon train station.
🚘 From the North: Grenoble - Col du Lautaret - Briançon - Cervières. If the Col du Lautaret is closed, you will have to go via the Col Bayard and Gap. You will then reach Briançon from the south.
🚘 Via the South : Valence or Sisteron - Gap - Embrun – Briançon - Cervières.
🚘 Via Italy : Chambéry - Fréjus Tunnel - Montgenèvre Pass - Briançon - Cervières.
You can park all week in the hostel's free parking lot.
Important :
- The Fréjus tunnel is a toll tunnel. If you plan to return via the same route, purchase a 7-day return ticket (information and prices at www.sftrf.fr).
- At the exit of the tunnel, beware of the GPS which wants to take you towards Bardonecchia and the Col de l'Échelle which may still be closed at the beginning of May due to snow!
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a state-certified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a family-run hostel and in a shared room
- Full board from breakfast on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 3
- The tourist tax
- The round-trip shuttle from Briançon train station
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point
- Drinks and personal expenses
- The supplement for a single room (subject to availability)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Free shuttle between Briançon train station and the Arpelin hostel : CHF0.00 / unit
- Single room (subject to availability) : CHF73.18 / unit
- Half-board extra before the stay (subject to availability) : CHF60.38 / unit
- Half-board extra after the stay (subject to availability) : CHF60.38 / unit
- 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
For hiking :
- hiking poles
For picnics:
- fabric bags and towels
- boxes for soups and salads
- spoons
- thermoses for hot drinks
- cups
For accommodation:
- bath towels
Equipment to bring
- A medium-sized backpack (30 to 40 liters) for the day's essentials (water bottle, warm clothes, binoculars, camera, etc.) and a picnic lunch. Straps for attaching snowshoes are often a welcome addition.
- a rain cover to protect belongings in case of snowfall
- an insulated water bottle preferably (1.5 liters minimum)
- a pocket knife
- a pair of highly protective sunglasses
- a tube of sunscreen and a lip balm, both very protective
- a waterproof pouch for carrying your important documents
- Optional: a camera, a pair of binoculars...
Clothing to bring
Spring weather in the mountains is characterized by a mild and rather dry climate, however remember that a cold snap, or even snow, cannot be ruled out.
If you are investing during a stay with us, we advise you to adopt clothing made of natural fibers (merino wool), which is warm, breathable and does not odor from perspiration.
For the day:
- Warm and breathable underwear, preferably made of merino wool.
- lightweight trousers and, possibly, waterproof over-trousers
- shorts
- a light and breathable merino or fleece sweater
- A not-too-thick down jacket for more intense cold weather.
- a windbreaker of the type Gore-Tex or Kway
- High or low hiking boots, depending on your preference
- a hat
- a cap or hat to protect you from the sun
- a pair of thin gloves
For the evening:
- spare clothes
- indoor shoes or slippers
- A pharmacy, stocked with essentials for treating everyday minor ailments. Consider foot care products (skin protectors, elastic bandages, and plasters) and, of course, your personal medications.
- toiletries
