L'Echalp, at the end of the Guil Valley
Traditional stone-and-timber houses beneath the peaks, where the route passes through the upper Guil Valley.
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FranceTour du Queyras
A long loop through the various valleys of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, linking high-altitude villages such as Saint-Véran, Ceillac and Abriès. Passing through forests, mountain pastures, mountain lakes and high passes offering views of Mount Viso, the route stands out for the diversity of its landscapes and the traditional architecture of one of the best-preserved regions in the French Alps.
Duration
10 days
From 2 days
Max altitude
2887 m
Distance
109.9 km
+7635 m ascent
Nights
Bivouac
Hard shelter
Permits
None
Guide
Optional
Best season
◦
Jan
◦
Feb
◦
Mar
◦
Apr
●
May
★
Jun
★
Jul
★
Aug
●
Sep
◦
Oct
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Nov
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Dec
IdealGoodNot recommendedOfficially closed
On the trail
The summit of Pain de Sucre
An optional climb above Col Vieux reveals the Queyras ridgelines and one of the broadest panoramas on the circuit.
Wildflowers above Saint-Véran
Summer flowers brighten the open slopes above one of the Queyras' best-known high-altitude villages.
Photo gallery
Credits in full viewPrepare Tour du Queyras
Find the route, access, permits, accommodation and detailed conditions for each time of year.
Published: August 23, 2026 · Updated: September 17, 2026
Before you go
- You can start the loop from several villages. Starting from somewhere other than Ceillac, or walking in the opposite direction, often helps you avoid the crowds.
- Although optional, the climb up Pain de Sucre offers the most impressive view on the route. It adds about 400 m of elevation gain over rocky terrain from the Col Vieux, with a steep and exposed final section where you may need to use your hands at times. Avoid this climb in wet weather or strong winds.
- The route passes through the villages regularly and can easily be shortened by taking local shuttle buses: a good option if you're tired, the weather is bad, or you're short on time.
Route + itinerary
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Create a free account▶ Reference itinerary10 days
Route overviewShow all 10 stagesShow lessD1Ceillac to Saint-VéranWalkingD2Saint-Véran to Refuge AgnelWalkingD10Bramousse to CeillacWalking
D1Ceillac to Saint-VéranWalkingDIST12.2 kmGAIN+1,166 mLOSS−798 mMAX ALT.2,648 mEffort6/10
Leave Ceillac through the shaded Cristillan valley, then climb steadily to the exposed Col des Estronques at 2,651 metres. The pass overlooks the Écrins and the Ceillac valley. Descend across open slopes and larch forest to the traditional timber houses and sundials of Saint-Véran.
D2Saint-Véran to Refuge AgnelWalkingDIST12.3 kmGAIN+918 mLOSS−357 mMAX ALT.2,887 mEffort5/10
Follow the Aigue Blanche past the Chapelle de Clausis, then cross the open pastures of the Cirque de la Blanche to the Col de Chamoussière at 2,884 metres, the highest pass on the circuit. An optional ascent of Pic de Caramantran requires stable conditions. Descend across rocky terrain to Refuge Agnel.
D3Refuge Agnel to L’ÉchalpWalkingDIST10.3 kmGAIN+255 mLOSS−1,132 mMAX ALT.2,808 mEffort4/10
Climb to Col Vieux at 2,806 metres, with an optional steep and exposed ascent of Pain de Sucre. The main trail makes a long descent through the protected Bouchouse valley beside Lac Foréant and Lac Égorgéou. Stay on the marked trail around these sensitive wetlands before entering larch forest above L’Échalp.
D4L’Échalp to AbrièsWalkingDIST14.9 kmGAIN+917 mLOSS−1,064 mMAX ALT.2,589 mEffort6/10
Climb above the Guil valley towards the Tête du Pelvas, then follow the open Peyra Plata and Gilly ridges. This panoramic section has little shelter from sun, wind or thunderstorms. Descend through pasture and forest from the Collette de Gilly to Abriès.
D5Abriès to Les FontsWalkingDIST14.1 kmGAIN+1,286 mLOSS−784 mMAX ALT.2,828 mEffort7/10
A balcony trail rises above the Guil valley and passes the abandoned hamlet of Malrif. Continue to Grand Laus, the largest of the Malrif lakes, before crossing the Col du Malrif. The cumulative ascent and exposed high terrain make this one of the more demanding stages before the descent to Les Fonts.
D6Les Fonts to SouliersWalkingDIST10.9 kmGAIN+580 mLOSS−803 mMAX ALT.2,630 mEffort5/10
Leave the isolated Fonts valley and climb steadily to the Col de Péas at 2,629 metres, beneath the rocky mass of Grand Rochebrune. The upper crossing is open and exposed. Descend through broad alpine pasture into the Souliers valley and its small traditional village.
D7Souliers to La Chalp d’ArvieuxWalkingDIST7.2 kmGAIN+527 mLOSS−611 mMAX ALT.2,344 mEffort3/10
Climb through pasture from Souliers to the Col du Tronchet at 2,347 metres. Several fountains occur along the route, although their flow should be checked locally. The pass overlooks the Arvieux valley before the descent towards Brunissard and La Chalp d’Arvieux.
D8La Chalp d’Arvieux to Refuge de FurfandeWalkingDIST10.8 kmGAIN+932 mLOSS−385 mMAX ALT.2,498 mEffort5/10
Follow the Champ-la-Maison torrent, then begin a sustained ascent towards the Col de Furfande near 2,500 metres. Shade becomes scarce around the pass. Descend through broad pasture among more than one hundred traditional Furfande chalets before reaching the refuge.
D9Refuge de Furfande to BramousseWalkingDIST7.6 kmGAIN+212 mLOSS−1,111 mMAX ALT.2,291 mEffort3/10
Cross the Col de la Lauze, then descend through larch forest to the secluded hamlet of Les Escoyères. After losing substantial elevation to the Guil valley, climb the opposite sunny slope to Bramousse. This final ascent can feel hot and tiring.
D10Bramousse to CeillacWalkingDIST9.6 kmGAIN+851 mLOSS−599 mMAX ALT.2,248 mEffort4/10
Make the final sustained climb through forest and pasture to the Col de Bramousse at 2,251 metres. The direct trail descends to Ceillac and closes the circuit. A longer and more exposed variant visits the former optical signalling post on the Crête des Chambrettes before crossing Col Fromage.
How to get there
Reach the Tour du Queyras via Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre station, then continue by bus or shuttle. Ceillac is a common trailhead, although this loop can be started from other villages on the route.
Budget
PermitNot required
GuideOptional
No permit or access fee is required to hike in the Queyras.
Estimated on-trail budget
Per person · 10 days · group assumption: 4 people
Summer 2026 (mid-June to mid-September)
Refuge / lodge
Estimated budget€630–€900
| Budget | Daily estimate | For the trek | Budget share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation + meals | €60–€80 per person / day | €600–€800 | 92% |
| Essential extras | €3–€10 per person / day | €30–€100 | 8% |
Bivouac
Estimated budget€270–€580
| Budget | Daily estimate | For the trek | Budget share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation + meals | €25–€50 per person / day | €250–€500 | 88% |
| Essential extras | €2–€8 per person / day | €20–€80 | 12% |
Accommodation & meals
When to go
The best time to explore the Queyras is from mid-June to the end of September, when the mountain passes are generally clear and hiking conditions are at their best. Do be wary, however, of late-afternoon thunderstorms, which are still common in summer.
Typical trends, not a forecast. Check the weather and official opening dates before departure.