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Via Alpina: Queyras Massif to the Ubaye Valley

Barcelonnette

Briançon

5-day hike along the Via Alpina in the French and Italian Alps.

Also in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France

Hiking Difficult

Distance
75 km
Ascent
5.7 km
Descent
4.9 km
Duration
1 day +
Low Point
888 m
High Point
2.7 km
Gradient
14˚
Via Alpina: Queyras Massif to the Ubaye Valley Map

Following part of the Via Alpina, explore a wild and unspoiled region of the French Alps, and cross over into Italy, all by foot in 5 days!

Description

Day 1 Starting in Mont- Dauphin, follow the Via Alpina Red route R131 to the village of Eygliers and then on to the Queyras Regional Nature Park, a 65,000 hectare expanse of rare flora and fauna, gorges, forests, and beautiful mountain lakes. You’ll climb up steadily to the Garnier Pass, and come back down again to the green pasturelands of Furfande, where you spend a night in the Furfande Refuge Hut. Day 2

From the Furfande Refuge Hut, follow the “Tour du Queyras” trail, which takes you deep into the heart of the Queyras Regional Nature Park. Follow the route down a very steep descent to the Guil valley, where you cross over the Bramousse Bridge to reach shady woodlands and alpine meadows. From there, the trail then heads along Bramousse Pass to the village of Ceillac. You can spend the night in the Refuge de la Cime. Day 3 Following the Via Alpina R133 (http://www.via-alpina.org/index.php/stage/show/id/313)from Ceillac, the trail takes you along the bottom of the Font-Sancte peaks, passed a couple of stunning alpine lakes - Miroir Lake and Sre Anne Lake- before climbing up to the Girardin Pass. You’ll then descend steeply down the Ubaye Mountainside to the quaint little hamlet of Maljasset, where you’ll spend the night.

Day 4 Start the day in France and end it in Italy! Leaving Maljassett, the trail takes you through the Valley of Mary, and on to the Pass of Mary, which is where you will cross over the border. Follow the route all the way down to the bottom of the valley to the hamlet of Chiappera, passing Rocca Provenzale fortress and Lake Sagna on your way. Stay at the Rifugio Campo Base.

Day 5 The final day of the hike takes you from Italy back into France. Follow the old cart road from Chiappera, along the Maurin Valley, up steep slopes to Grangia Pausa. Cross the Sautron Pass over into France and then on down through gentle pastureland to the village of Larche, your final destination!

Sources http://www.via-alpina.org/en/hike/4

Difficulty

Difficult

Hiking trails where obstacles such as rocks or roots are prevalent. Some obstacles can require care to step over or around. At times, the trail can be worn and eroded. The grade of the trail is generally quite steep, and can often lead to strenuous hiking.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between April and September

Features

  • Alpine
  • Wildlife
  • Picturesque
  • Wild flowers
  • Water features

Guidebooks in this area