The Tour du Queyras and its peaks at 3000m

We leave the Furfande alpine pasture and descend towards the Guil Gorges. Along the way, we discover the hamlet of Les Escoyères, undoubtedly one of the oldest in the area, where the first Roman roads once passed. Depending on the conditions, we will reach the end of our hike via one of the two sides of the valley. One thing is certain: we will cross the Guil, one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe, where we can take the time to admire the rafts navigating the rapids. Whichever route we choose, this part of the valley will allow you to discover a whole environment dedicated to larches and Swiss pines! Depending on availability, we will end the hike in Bramousse or Monbardon.

Today, we'll explore unspoiled trails far from the crowds! We easily reach the Col Fromage, then begin a beautiful traverse beneath the Rasis ridge to reach the Col des Estronques (2,651 m)! From there, the view over the Aigue Agnelle valley, where the village of Saint-Véran sits, leaves us speechless. The highest village in Europe, perched at over 2,000 m, awaits us for a night of pure bliss…
Night in a gîte in Saint-Véran.

After a short transfer that takes us to the remains of the old copper mine (2,300 m), we confidently begin the ascent of the Col Blanchet (2,897 m). We enter an alpine landscape, blinded by the sheer power of the scenery. We begin a traverse at the foot of the Tête des Toilies... It's as if time stands still before such beauty: endless peaks, shimmering lakes, and the highlight of the show, the monumental face of Monte Viso! The chamois watch us curiously, like skillful puppets twirling on these slopes that are theirs. We descend on the other side into Italian territory, still surrounded by nature, and enjoy the lakes around us once more… The descent continues, the vegetation reclaims the land, and we reach Chianale (1,820 m), a typical Piedmontese village, to discover a new form of rural tourism.
Night in an agriturismo in Italy.

Today, we'll once again explore the slopes of a majestic and imposing landscape. We climb to cross the first pass of the day, the Paso della Lozetta (2,872 m). As an option, those who wish to challenge themselves can ascend the peak of Punta Lozetta (3,052 m) to come face-to-face with the imposing Mont Viso, a giant among giants. But save your energy for what's to come! We reach the Passo di Vallanta (2,815 m), a realm where ibex reside, like guardians of the border. We then enter a privileged area: the Ristolas-Mont Viso Nature Reserve, a true sanctuary for flora and fauna. We wander past Lake Lestio to reach the Viso refuge, which seems to have been magically placed on this alpine plateau at 2,460 m. Tonight, nature's spectacle offers us its eternal cycle of day and night playing cat and mouse. With the mountain as its cathedral, this setting invites contemplation and reflection…
Night at the Mont Viso refuge.

At dawn, we'll be the first to disturb the tranquility of the refuge to admire the masterpiece of sunrise against the imposing face of Mont Viso… After devouring breakfast, we'll climb one last time to the precipice of the border for a breathtaking aerial view of the Val Pellice, the Alpine peaks, their spires, and their glaciers. In the fleeting moment of a final glance at the "Stone Giant," we'll absorb its intimidating and captivating aura before continuing on our way. We'll descend through the valley and reach the village of Ristolas.

Overnight stay in a gîte in the commune of Abriès-Ristolas.

Today, we end on a high note by admiring the most beautiful lakes of the Queyras, the backdrop for countless postcards! A stunning trail overlooking the Guil Valley and its villages leads us to the ruined hamlet of Malrif and Grand Laus (the large lake), one of the most beautiful alpine lakes at nearly 2,600 meters! We continue to Lac Mézan (the middle lake) and Petit Laus (the small lake) to reach the ridge at 2,900 meters and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Queyras region and the border peaks before descending to Aiguilles. Transfer between Aiguilles and Ville-Veille.
The tour ends around 5pm and you return to the station with your guide.