Discover Queyras and its most beautiful lakes (Hautes-Alpes)

Duration : 5 days

France, Southern Alps

Level : easy, for any hiker

from 548 € / p. from 4 to 10 persons

Description

Queyras is one of those paradises for hikers that you can find in the Southern Alps. Small bucolic streams, vast grassy mountain pastures, steep rocky ridges and valleys with mineral environement: the massif offers a wide variety of atmospheres and landscapes.

It is through their most beautiful lakes that I propose you to discover the different valleys of Queyras. Every day a new valley, every day a new lake, every day a different atmosphere. Among the multitude of lakes, I have selected routes off the beaten track, lakes not frequented but also more classic excursions not to be missed.

As usual it will be an opportunity to discover the very rich natural environment in this massif where lavender and génépi grow!

If you want to discover differently this magnificent Queyras massif, I propose you several other treks:

Program

D1: Miroir, Sainte-Anne and Rouites lakes, Ceillac valley.
Great classics of the Ceillac valley, Miroir and Sainte-Anne lakes are among the must-see sites when hiking in the Queyras. We discover them nestled at the foot of the impressive north face of the Font Sancte, the highest peak of the massif at 3385 meters above sea level, surrounded by larches and a generous flora. The view is superb and invites to a well deserved rest! A small detour to the Rouites lake, less known but equally remarkable will complete this day beautifully!
Positive and negative altitude differences: 550 meters, 5 hours of walking.

D2: Bouchouse valley and Asti lake, Aigue Agnel valley.
Meet in Ceillac.
A day at the edge of the massif, closer to the Italian border, which will take us around the Pain de Sucre, in the heart of the Mont Viso reserve. We will first climb the Vieux pass and then leave the large Bouchouse valley and its lakes by the Brèche de Ruine. On the other side the atmosphere is mineral and it is at the last moment that will discover the small Asti lake with turquoise waters set in a jewel of rocks. A beautiful day close to high mountains!
D+ / D-: 550m, 5 hours of walking.

D3: Pastures of Clapeyto and Néal lake, Arvieux valley.
Above Arvieux is a large, lush and grassy valley, with ancient alpine chalets. It is a landscape of postcard that complete the small lakes of the upper valley. An atmosphere out of time.
D+ / D-: 500m, 4 hours of walking.

D4: Chalanties lake, high valley of Guil.
At the bottom of a small secondary valley of Haut-Guil, the hamlet of Valpréveyre is one of these uninhabited places having a lot of charm. From here we will leave to discover Chalenties lake, under the Italian border ridge and the summit of Bric Bouchet. The nap, mandatory in these places, will be in the grass at the lakeside under the watchful eye of the Viso, indisputable master of the place. Our longest day of the week.
D+ / D-: 760m, 5 hours and a half of walking.

D5: Malrifs lake, Guil valley.
On the border of Briançon area, Grand Laus lake is the largest lake in Queyras. Culminating at almost 2600 meters, it dominates the region and offers a magnificent view of the valleys and surrounding peaks. We will climb a typical hamlet away from the classic route. Last picnic with a panoramic view to end our week!
Separation in Arvieux on day 5, at 5pm.
D+ / D-: 600m, 5 hours of walking.

Discovery level: you do not necessarily have experience in hiking or mountain but you have a physical fitness and you want an easy stay to enjoy the mountain. Hiking days from 4 to 5 hours of walking, with a maximum of positive elevation of 600 meters. The pace is quiet but continuous and good breaks are planned during the day. The routes are mainly on good mountain trails or off-trail without difficulty. A day of rest is usually scheduled in the week (small day of walking).

NB: the program is given as an indication. I remain the only judge of the program that I can modify at any time, for security reasons or according to weather conditions, or in relation to the physical and technical level of hikers. The indications for the climbing and stage times are given for information only.

The price includes

Supervision by the mountain leader.
Full board accommodation and reservation in lodge (picnic for lunch).
Bearing of meals and overnight stays of the mountain leader.
Roundtrip transfers to hiking departures.

The price does not include

Snacks.
Personal expenses: drinks, aperitif, etc.
Liability, repatriation and cancellation insurance.
Transport to and from the meeting place.
Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".

Accommodation

Accomodation in lodge.
Room from 4 to 6 people maximum, duvet provided. Hot shower.
Meals cooked at the cottage, with local products. Picnic for lunch.

Next departures :

No scheduled departure, but you can contact me to book your dates.