The Tour du Queyras:

villages, Alpine pastures and authentic valleys

Renowned for the beauty and diversity of its panoramas and its environment, the Tour du Queyras, or GR®58, has remained faithful to its reputation over the years. It promises an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the French Southern Alps, with nature, authentic villages and cultural heritage.

An all-terrain itinerary

The Tour du Queyras, also known as the GR®58, is a long-distance hike which plunges into the heart of the Queyras Natural Regional Park, where the high mountains are revealed in all their splendour. The 130-km route with a total of 7725 metres of positive height difference, is generally done in 7 to 10 days. It offers total immersion in magnificent landscapes where the mountains are revealed in all their aspects: cool and fresh beside a mountain torrent, the soothing shade of a larch forest, the hot sun on the exposed hillsides, the bitter cold of the high valleys or the strong wind on the peaks. That’s why it’s considered one of the most mythical treks in Europe! But please note that, as the snow cover can last in the Queyras, it’s better to plan this long-distance hike from June to September. And you can, of course, be accompanied by a mountain professional (bureau des guides et des accompagnateurs en moyenne montagne)!

From larch forests to lunar and lush landscapes

The larch tree is emblematic of the Queyras. Nicknamed « the tree of light », it is everywhere in the landscape and fashions the village character with its sculpted wood that can be found in the local manufacture of furniture and traditional fountains. All along the route, the Tour du Queyras takes you through a variety of landscapes from dense forest to stretches of rock which make the setting look lunar. Among the remarkable peaks to observe, are the Tête des Toillies, the Mont Viso, the Pic de Rochebrune, the Pain de Sucre and even the Mont Granero sappears after a climb up to the Pic de Caramantran, a viewpoint which is accessible in just 30 minutes on an itinerary just off the main trail. Another exceptional moment on the GR®58 is when you pass over the ridges of Peyra and Gillyy, with an aerial walk and a 360° view over the surrounding mountains. The Alpine pastures and the valleys, such as L’Aigue Agnelle, Le Guil or Le Cristillan, contrast with the lunar landscapes of the high plateaus, while the lakes such as the Lac Miroir or the Foréant and Egourgéou lakes, add a touch of magic to this already breathtaking decor.

Discover the typical villages of the Queyras

In addition to its wild landscapes, the Tour du Queyras takes you on a trip to discover authentic villages with preserved traditions. The GR®58 follows a loop through the hamlets and villages emblematic of the French Southern Alps. Saint-Véran, the highest in Europe perched at 2042 metres, is famous for its sundials and traditional larchwood chalets, known as « fustes ». Ceillac, nestled in a lush valley, is a haven of peace where time seems to have stood still. Surrounded by forests, prairies and beautiful rock, the village with its characterful houses is ideal for a revitalizing break. Further north, Abriès is a gateway to the high mountains and the ideal starting place for hikers who want to explore the surrounding summits. Other hamlets are dotted along the route, such as L’Échalp, Aiguilles and many others, each with its own charm and its mountain atmosphere.

Gîtes and huts: some good addresses

In Ceillac, the Gîte des Baladins gives you a warm family welcome and the rustic but warm Refuge de la Cime, awaits you with some good home-made food and a comforting stove.
In Saint-Véran, the Refuge de la Blanche nestled in the circus with the same name offers a stop in a breathtaking setting and the Gîte d’étape Les Gabelous has large rooms and relaxing moments in front of the fire.
The Refuge Agnel, perched at 2580 metres on the Italian border, is a mythical hut in the Queyras for simplicity and letting go.
The Gîte de la Monta, comfortably installed in the middle of lush green prairies full of flowers, offers a gentle break.
The Gîte Edelweiss, in the middle of the village of Abriès, has comfortable rooms and a generous, local and family cuisine.
The Refuge des Fonts de Cervières, peacefully nestled in its typical Alpine pastures hamlet guarantees an authentic Queyras stop.

The Gîte Le Grand Rochebrune with its south-facing terrace awaits you in Souliers to make the most of a splendid view over the Alpine pastures, La Font Sancte and L’Aiguille de Chambeyron
In Arvieux, the Refuge du Viso invites you to the foot of the impressive Mont Viso, in the middle of a splendid Alpine circus and the Refuge de Furfande brings you comfort, calm and stunning views.
The Riou Vert, in the peaceful little hamlet of Bramousse, welcomes you to a friendly, family atmosphere.
The Maison de l’Artisanat, in Château-Ville-Vieille, is not an accommodation but a not-to-be-missed address, as it offers a whole selection of 100% made-in Queyras artisanal products.