GR58 Tour du Queyras
Tucked away in the Southern French Alps, close to the Italian border, the Queyras Natural Park is one of France’s most beautiful and wonderfully unspoilt mountain regions. Think the Scottish Highlands crossed with the Italian Dolomites - dramatic peaks and rock spires rise above 3,000 m (9,840 ft), while alpine meadows, crystal-clear mountain lakes and traditional high-altitude villages create a spectacular landscape for exploring on foot.
Highlights
- Explore the wild, unspoilt landscape of the spectacular Queyras
- Discover authentic Alpine life in traditional villages and on ancient trails
- Experience mountain passes, flower-filled valleys, and crystal-clear lakes
- Enjoy hiking with a guide who will share their local knowledge and experience
- Savour the rewards of a day on the trail with hearty Queyras cuisine
Peaceful, authentic and refreshingly off the beaten track, the Queyras offers a memorable hiking experience, combining magnificent mountain scenery with a rich cultural heritage. The Queyras is a hidden gem that is less frequented, making it a haven for hikers seeking tranquillity and authentic mountain landscapes.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Advanced
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 8 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2885m (9465ft) |
| Meet In | Eygliers, France |
Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDQ1 |
28 Aug 2027
Saturday |
04 Sep 2027
Saturday |
8 days |
£2,195
Deposit: £600 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
2028 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TDQ1 |
02 Sep 2028
Saturday |
09 Sep 2028
Saturday |
8 days |
£2,275
Deposit: £600 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
What's Included
- 6 nights half board accommodation in Gîtes, Auberges or Hotels
- 1 night half board accommodation in a mountain Refuge
- Professional guiding services of an International Mountain Leader
- Transfer to and from Ceillac the starting point for the hike
- Return transfer from Refuge Agnel to Molines-en-Queyras
- Luggage transfers on 5 of the hiking days
What's Not Included
- Lunches
- Insurance
- Drinks and snacks
- Travel to/from the meeting point
- Transfers & Cable cars - not included in itinerary
Itinerary
Today you will arrive in Eygliers, France. Your guide will meet you at your hotel this evening where you will be briefed about the week ahead before taking dinner together. Information for your arrival is available under Trip Information, 'Arrival and Departure'.
We will take a transfer from Eygliers to the ancient mountain village of Ceillac where we will begin our Tour of the Queyras. From Ceillac, the trail climbs steadily through larch forests and high alpine pastures towards the Col des Estronques at 2651m (8,692 ft). As you gain height, the views become increasingly impressive, with rugged peaks rising above the green valleys and a wonderfully wild, spacious feel. Reaching the col is a rewarding moment, with a superb panorama of mountain views before you begin the long descent towards Saint-Véran. The trail winds down through open mountainside and summer meadows before eventually reaching the traditional wooden and stone houses of one of the highest villages in Europe. It’s a proper mountain day to start our trip - a good climb, a high pass and a long descent. The changing scenery, quiet trails and arrival on foot into beautiful Saint-Véran make it one of those days that really captures the character of hiking in the Queyras.
Ascent: 1100m (3608ft) Descent: 800m (2625ft) Distance: 12km (7.4 miles) Duration: 5h30-6h30
The hike from Saint-Véran to Refuge Agnel takes us from one of the Queyras’ most beautiful villages into an increasingly wild, high-mountain landscape. Leaving Saint-Véran, the trail follows the broad Vallée de l’Aigue Blanche, initially through gentle alpine meadows and past old chalets before the landscape gradually becomes more rugged and remote. As you climb higher, the trees disappear, the valley opens out and the surrounding peaks begin to dominate the skyline. The route takes you deep into the mountains towards the Col Agnel, with wide views, gurgling streams and lush alpine pastures along the way. Our destination, Refuge Agnel, sits at around 2,580 (8,462 ft) metres beneath the pass, surrounded by an impressive amphitheatre of peaks close to the Italian border. When we reach Refuge Agnel we can enjoy a drink, before our transfer to the nearby village of Molines-en-Queyras where we will spend the night in a traditional mountain hotel. Enjoy the sunset from the terrace!
Ascent: 1030m (3380ft) Descent: 370m (1200ft) Distance: 13.1km (8 miles) Duration: 5h30-6h30
This morning we head back to Refuge Agnel where we pick up the trail to our high pass at Col Vieux. The trail climbs into an increasingly wild landscape, crossing the Col Vieux at 2,806 m (9,203 ft), one of the great viewpoints of the Tour du Queyras. From the col, a beautiful descent leads towards the turquoise waters of Lac Foréant, with the dramatic rocky summit of Pain de Sucre rising above. Continuing down through this magnificent high-alpine landscape, the trail passes Lac Égorgéou before gradually leaving the rocky mountains behind in exchange for larch woods, flower-filled pastures and the upper Guil Valley. It’s a superb day of contrasts from rocky passes and mountain lakes to forests and traditional Queyras hamlets - with a long descent eventually bringing you to Abriès, a traditional mountain village and a rewarding place to finish a memorable day on the GR58.
Ascent: 308m (1,010ft) Descent: 1336m (4382ft) Distance: 18 km (11.25 miles) Duration: 6h-7h
Leaving the mountain village of Abriès, today’s walk climbs steadily away from the Guil Valley and back into the quieter, wilder landscapes of the Queyras. The trail winds through beautiful larch forest before emerging onto open alpine pastures, where the views become broader with every step. As the route gains height, villages and forests give way to a wonderfully remote mountain landscape of grassy slopes, rocky ridges and sweeping views across the surrounding peaks. Crossing the high ground, the trail eventually descends towards the Fonts de Cervières, a secluded valley where traditional stone chalets sit beneath an impressive amphitheatre of mountains. Your destination, the Refuge des Fonts, enjoys a wonderfully peaceful setting. Arriving here on foot feels like stepping into another world - a remote corner of the Queyras where the road ends, the mountains take over and a warm refuge welcome awaits.
Ascent: 1280m (4200ft) Descent: 705m (2312ft) Distance: 14.6km (9 miles) Duration: 6h30-7h30
Leaving the peaceful hamlet of Les Fonts de Cervières, the trail climbs once again into wonderfully wild mountain country. Surrounded by broad alpine pastures and rugged peaks, there is a real sense of remoteness as you make your way towards the high point of the day. Crossing back into the Queyras, the route reveals sweeping views across the surrounding valleys and mountains before beginning the long descent towards the Guil Valley. High pastures, dominated by spectacular rocky peaks, gradually give way to larch forests and gentler terrain as you lose height. Eventually, the fortifications of Château-Queyras comes into view, its impressive medieval fortress perched dramatically above the valley. However, our route takes us across the mountain side before descending towards Château-Ville-Vieille. This makes for a memorable finish - a journey from a remote mountain refuge back to the historic heart of the Queyras.
Ascent: 580m (1900ft) Descent: 1250m (4100ft) Distance: 14.9km (8.7 miles) Duration: 5h30-6h30
Leaving Ville-Vieille, the final stage heads first of all along the river to Château Queyras. The trail then winds steadily upwards through the larch forests and open pastures, with increasingly impressive views across the surrounding peaks and valleys. Higher up, the landscape becomes wilder and more open with spectacular rock formations crafted by the elements. We are heading for Col Fromage, a wonderfully scenic pass and a fitting high point for the final day. A very apt name for a Col in the heart of cheese country! From Col Fromage, the trail begins its descent towards Ceillac, passing through beautiful alpine meadows and larch woods as the village gradually appears below. Arriving back in Ceillac on foot is a lovely way to complete the Tour du Queyras - finishing where the adventure began after a memorable journey through high passes, remote valleys and some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the French Alps.
Ascent: 1080m (3542ft) Descent: 811m (2660ft) Distance: 16.4km (10.25 miles) Duration: 6h00-7h00
Today is your departure day with trip services ending after breakfast. Refer to Trip Information and 'Arrival and Departure' for further details.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
We aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. Our trip fees are based on two people sharing a bedroom, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. A single room may be available for your private use, but requires early booking and will incur a supplementary charge. For further details refer to Trip Information > Single Supplements. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking and is an indication of our accommodation, not a guarantee. Note it is unusual to have air conditioning in bedrooms in the mountain areas where our trips take place. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Expect clean, comfortable accommodation, but do not expect high-end luxury. Throughout this area the hotels are generally 2 ** with good food, and a warm welcome. Bedrooms generally have en suite showers and toilets. We will spend a night in a characterful mountain refuge which is of a good standard for this type of accommodation. On this night you will sleep in dormitory style rooms which will most likely be mixed gender, which is absolutely normal for a mountain refuge. A single supplement for six of the nights may be available upon request. Contact Us.
Hotel de la Gare, Eygliers
A welcoming, family-run hotel conveniently located right by the Mont-Dauphin train station, making it a great first or last stop on your Queyras walk.
The hotel de la gare offers comfortable rooms, a terrace with views over the garden or the historic Mont-Dauphin fort, and an on-site restaurant and bar — perfect place to start and end the trip.
Hotel Le Grand Tétras, Saint-Véran
A classic mountain hotel in the heart of the high-Alpine village of Saint-Véran, offering comfortable rooms with balconies and beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.
The hotel le Grand Tétras is within the Queyras Regional Park and combines traditional alpine charm with relaxed common spaces, including a garden, terrace, lounge and sauna — perfect for unwinding after a day on the trail. There’s a hearty buffet breakfast and traditional regional meals served on site.
Hotel La Lobio, Molines-en-Queyras
A traditional mountain hotel with many original features throughout the building. A terrace for drinks as the sun goes down.
The accommodation at La Lobio is true mountain style. Simple but comfortable rooms with en suite facilities. The building itself is testament to the traditional building of this remote area of the Alps. A characteful bar awaits - where evening aperos can be enjoyed.
Hotel Chalet de Lanza, Abriès-Ristolas
The Chalet de Lanza is a charming, family-run hotel ideally situated in the heart of Abriès, in the beautiful Queyras Regional Natural Park.
The traditional chalet-style hotel has a warm and relaxed atmosphere, with comfortable rooms and a restaurant serving delicious home-cooked cuisine using local produce. After a day on the trail, it is a lovely place to unwind before continuing our journey through the Queyras the following morning.
Refuge des fonts, Cervières
This classic mountain refuge set in the peaceful hamlet of Les Fonts at about 2,040 m.
Housed among traditional alpine chalets, the refuge offers basic but welcoming dormitory accommodation and hearty meals — perfect for recovering after a day’s walk. There’s a sunny terrace and dining area where you can enjoy regional dishes and a relaxed atmosphere, with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. The refuge provides hot showers, picnic options, breakfast and evening meals as part of half-board, and a friendly, social stop on your trek through this beautiful valley.
Hotel Le Guilazur, Chateau Ville Vieille
A friendly, family-run mountain hotel located in the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park, just a short walk from the historic Château-Queyras.
The hotel has a welcoming atmosphere with a bar, restaurant and terrace to relax. Enjoy hearty a drink or snack by the fireplace or outside in the shaded garden. The hotel is located in a charming mountain village of Chateau Vieille, known for its dramatic medieval fort Fort Queyras perched above the Guil valley and its lively village streets. Once a strategic defensive site and later strengthened by Vauban, the fort and its surroundings tell the story of centuries of alpine life and history, with narrow streets, artisan shops, and local cafés to explore.
Trip Information
There are several options for travelling to the Queyras and our meeting point in Eygliers. The local railway station, which is right beside our hotel in Eygliers, is Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre.
By Train: There is an overnight train from Paris to Briançon, stopping at Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre. Train times and tickets are available from Rail Europe or SNCF Connect.
By Air: The nearest major airports are Marseille, France and Turin, Italy. From Turin Airport, travel by bus or train to Torino Porta Nuova or Porta Susa station, then take a Trenitalia train to Oulx. From Oulx, Bus 76 runs to Briançon, where you can connect by train to Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre. From Marseille Airport, Bus A1 runs regularly to Marseille Saint-Charles station, where you can take a train to Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre.
If arriving a day early into Marseille Airport, you might consider spending the night in Aix-en-Provence. Bus A2 runs from Marseille Airport to Aix-en-Provence Gare Routière, which is a short walk from the railway station for onward travel to Mont-Dauphin–Guillestre.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Leaders are first aid trained and carry first aid kit. Bring your own medication if any required, and blister kit.
Equipment
Walking boots - comfortable, with a good tread on the sole. Ideally they should also be waterproof. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes and boots may be necessary
Walking Poles – optional, but highly recommended
Rucksack – 30-35 litres in size. We suggest it has a chest and waist strap and you try using it loaded before your trip
Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry.
Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers
Water filter - consider a filter if you require a lot of fluid
Emergency foil blanket
Clothing
Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
Trousers - comfortable walking trousers that allow free movement
Shorts/skort
Sun hat
Warm hat
Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
Fleece jacket/shirt
Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
Thermal leggings - optional
Items for the night in mountain refuge
Sheet sleeping bag liner - a lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ which can be used under the blankets or duvet provided by the refuge. You do not require a ‘sleeping BAG’
Pack towel
Ear plugs - optional, but advised
Head torch - plus batteries
Comfort
Sunscreen
Lip salve
Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
Tissues - we recommend a few biodegradable bags to dispose of rubbish
Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
Toiletries - lightweight mini-bottles/packets, including soap/shower gel
Swimwear - optional - some hotels may have a sauna
Clothing for evenings in your hotels/mountain huts
Lightweight footwear for the evenings
Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix - recommended especially for those with gluten free and coeliac diets
Book/Kindle/Music
Documentation
Passport, plus a paper copy
Mountain Rescue Insurance
Credit Card
Cash - Euros
Waterproof bag for documents
GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Personal First Aid
Personal medication - if required
Antiseptic cream/spray
Painkillers/anti-inflammatory
Glucose tablets
2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
A few throat lozenges
Blister plasters
A selection of normal plasters
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender, but you can request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. The single supplement for this trip is £165 in 2027.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley. In the summer it is generally good, but it can be everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes. Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means the price of our trips can change overnight. We have undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained.
Lunches are not included in your trip fee, allowing you to choose the trail food you enjoy while helping to reduce food waste. Lunches are generally picnic-style, with a packed lunch, snacks and drinks to keep you going throughout the day. Your guide/instructor will advise you where to buy supplies locally or help you order a picnic from your accommodation. Occasionally, there may also be an opportunity to stop at a café or restaurant along the trail. Please pay for any lunches or drinks ordered from your accommodation the evening before, to avoid delays in the morning.
