Queyras in ten experiences. Five are on foot, two on skis, one by car, one at night and one at the table. Here they are, in the order we recommend them, with the season, duration and level for each.
The Queyras Regional Nature Park, the highest in Europe, can be explored during two seasons each year: from late December to late March and from mid-June to mid-September. All these experiences start from Saint-Véran or take place within an hour of the village, and Alta Peyra hotel is the base camp for them all.
01
Hike up to the Chapel of Clausis
The easiest and most beautiful hike starting from the village. Follow the Aigue Blanche along the Mine Road, closed to cars in summer and served by a shuttle, to the chapel, then, for the more motivated, on to Lake Blanche and its mountain refuge. Summer, half a day to a full day, easy.
02
Cross the Agnel Pass into Italy
At 2,744 metres, it is one of the highest road passes in the Alps, open from June to October. By car, motorbike or bicycle for those with strong legs, you can cross into Italy in the morning and return via the same pass, with Mount Viso before you. Summer, one day, all levels by car.
03
Read Saint-Véran’s sundials
The village has around twenty of them, painted on façades, each with its own motto. Look for them as you stroll through the neighbourhoods, between the wooden fountains and the Soum Museum, the village’s oldest house. All year round, on foot from the hotel.
04
Ski straight from the village
35 kilometres of slopes between 1,750 and 2,800 metres, 13 lifts, little waiting time and views of 3,000-metre peaks. The hotel is ski-in/ski-out, and the Queyras ski pass gives access to the valley’s other three resorts. Winter, from 18 December to late March, all levels.
05
Cross-country ski along the Aigue Blanche
21 kilometres of groomed trails starting from Saint-Véran and Molines, for skating or classic skiing, alongside the two mountain streams. Queyras is one of France’s great Nordic ski areas, and the Queyras Crossing brings cross-country skiers together here every winter. Winter, from one hour to a full day.
06
Spend a night under the stars
At an altitude of 2,936 metres, the Château Renard Peak Observatory enjoys one of the purest skies in Europe. Accessible after a mountain hike, it offers overnight astronomical observation sessions by reservation. Accompanied by enthusiasts, visitors discover constellations, planets and the wonders of the night sky before spending the night as close to the stars as possible. A rare experience
07
Walk a stage of the GR 58
The GR 58, the famous Tour du Queyras, winds between villages, alpine pastures and high mountain passes, with majestic Mount Viso as a backdrop. Completed in around a week, from refuge to refuge, it can also be explored on day hikes. From Saint-Véran, trails lead to the Refuge de la Blanche or high-altitude passes, offering superb views of the surrounding peaks.
08
Visit Fort Queyras and Mont-Dauphin
Two Vauban sites less than an hour’s drive away. Fort Queyras has guarded the Guil Valley from its rocky outcrop since the Middle Ages, while Mont-Dauphin, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed fortress, watches over the entrance to the Queyras. Ideal for a rainy day or on the way to the station. Open year-round; allow half a day.
09
Watch the larches turn gold
Every autumn, the Queyras puts on a striking display: the “larch fire”. From late September to early November, the forests gradually take on golden and coppery hues before the trees shed their needles. The phenomenon is particularly spectacular in October. A perfect time to discover the mountains in a different light.
10
End the day at the spa, then at the table
After a day exploring the Queyras, it is time to unwind at the Alta Peyra spa. The heated indoor pool extends outdoors with views of the peaks, while the jacuzzi, sauna, hammam and Nuxe treatments invite you to recharge your batteries every day from noon to 8 pm.
The evening continues at Le Célestin, with generous cuisine showcasing local flavours: spirits from the Saint-Véran and 4 Frères distilleries, jams from Plantivore, and honey from Monnet & Fils. A wonderful way to extend the pleasures of the mountains every evening throughout the season.
