Home " Miscellaneous passes " The Guillestrois as a base camp!

The Guillestrois as a base camp!

This micro-region of the Hautes-Alpes and Provence departments lies at the confluence of the Durance valley, which descends from the north, and the Guil, which comes from the east and drains the Queyras enclave.
To the south lies Embrun and its lake, and to the north lies Briançon, the Col du Lautaret and the Col de Montgenèvre, which links up with Italy. To the east lies the picturesque Queyras. This opens up to Italy via the Col Agnel, to Briançon via the Col d'Izoard and to Guillestre via the Combe du Queyras and the Gorges du Guil. To the south-east, the Col de Vars provides access to the Ubaye valley and Barcelonnette. The entire western flank is blocked by the granite massif of the Écrins (Barre des Écrins 4102m).
It is part of the Southern Alps, with a Mediterranean influence, a sunny climate, dry, clear weather and a moderate Mistral wind.
This is a highly touristic region, both in winter and summer, with a great variety and capacity for accommodation. There are a number of road passes (no fewer than twenty within 100km), as well as easy, hard and extremely difficult mule passes.

Road routes (tarmac or rolling track) are indicated in straight letters, and in tilted writing, continuity on more difficult tracks or paths. A few high passes are mentioned, sometimes in the absence of a route listed in the Top 25. Road distances and routes are given from the N94/D902A junction, 4km west of Guillestre. The description begins by going down the left bank of the Durance from Guillestre to the Col de Pontis, then up the right bank from Réallon to Vallouise. It continues along the left bank of the Durance from La Roche-de-Rame to Mont-Dauphin and then into the Queyras, circling to the north, east and south.

It is an inventory, an information base, but certainly not a guide. It is hoped that this inventory will improve in quality, and it will do so whenever someone provides more qualitative information on the routes in this region. It does not exempt the user from additional preparation for any project and absolves the authors of all responsibility.

Editor's note: in 2026, this article was modified because some of the passes mentioned are in the Ecrins National Park area. They are forbidden to cycles and have been removed from the description. This situation may change at any time, so if you are planning to use this article to go to the Guillestrois area, please check in ccWay beforehand whether it is possible to climb up to the passes.

1) The Durance valley

A) Risoul-1850

Ski resort above Guillestre, 1850m, 15km away. Preferably take the small road on the left bank of the Guil or the D86 leading directly to Risoul-village, then the road to the resort. Continue on...

The 4 passes of the Risoul-Vars junction (B.G.)
Take the D86 to Risoul-village, then the hamlets of Collet and La Combe and head towards Risoul-1850m along the forest track, which is easy to follow but sometimes stony (R1-2). At the resort, turn right onto the track linking Risoul-1850 to Vars, which is tarmacked when you leave Risoul-1850, then take the second track on the right (R1) heading for the Valbelle pass (10km). 1km before the Valbelle pass, Take the right-hand track (R1) to reach the Chérine pass (FR-05-2270) and continue (R1-2) to the Belvédère de l'Homme de Pierre (2374m). Beautiful views over the Durance valley and the Écrins. Retrace your steps to reach the Valbelle pass (FR-05-2372) and continue along the right-hand track towards the col du vallon (FR-05-2466b) and Saluces (FR-05-2444)(R1).
Some possible choices:
a - return to Risoul via Peyrol on the left-hand track (R2) at the Saluces pass and the road between Risoul and Vars.
b - from Valbelle pass, go down (R1) into the Valbelle valley, pass Pra Mouton, at the end of the valley. Col de la Coche (FR-05-1791), at Saint-André-d'Embrun and return to the Guillestre crossroads by going up the Durance on the right (left bank).
c - descend (R1-2 then R1) to the Vars resort and return to Guillestre via the D431 road or the piste and Risoul-1850.
d - Descend towards Vars station and head towards the top station of the Chabrière cable car (refuge). Take the uphill slope due west (R2-3), and reach the Col de Jaffueil (FR-05-2503). Beautiful view of Lake Embrun. Some pushing possible on this section. Descend towards Crévoux on the track (R2) passing by the Jaffueil huts and the path that follows it. Frequent carrying and pushing between 2250m and 1750m (La Chalp)(S2-S3 ). Continue downhill towards Crévoux, Saint-André-d'Embrun and back to Guillestre, or continue towards the Col du Parpaillon.

B) Col de la Coche

In the Saluces forest. The route starts at Saint-André-d'Embrun, a village on the bucolic little road between Guillestre and Embrun, on the left bank of the Durance. The end of the route is at 1791m and 25km to the south. Col de la Coche (FR-05-1791). You can descend the track opposite at Les Rencuraux and Saint-André-d'Embrun. Continue on...

...by the left-hand track (R1) and continue towards the Pra Mouton hut, the Valbelle hut and join the Valbelle pass and its 3 neighbouring passes. Route via Risoul or Vars (B.G.).

C) Crévoux Valley

There are two or three routes into the village from the valley. The road continues a little past La Chalp and stops at 1858m and 33.5km. Continue on...

a - towards Col de Jaffueil from La Chalp and via the Jaffueil huts. Lots of portage (S1 to S3). Route via Vars or Risoul.
b - towards Col du Crachet and Col du Crevoux (FR-04-2631b) via the Crachet hut and a path. From the pass, descend to the Vars pass (FR-04-2108), partly off-piste. Route via Vars.
c - From the end of the road, a track heads towards Les Orres: from here, a track leads up to the La Ratelle huts (2274m).
d - towards the legendary Col du Parpaillon (FR-04-2783) (R1-2) and the S3 path up to the pass from the tunnel. Don't forget the Girabeau pass (FR-05-2488b) to the right (S2) after the Écuelles huts (shelter), which leads down to Les Orres via the Vachères valley.
e - from Col du Parpaillon, we can loop through the Vars pass or via Lac de Serre-Ponçon and Embrun.
f - another return variant after the Parpaillon. Descend to the Parpaillon stream (R1) and the hut, then take the track on the right (GR 6 and 56) which runs up the stream to the Col de La Pare (FR-04-2655a). Descend to the edge of the forest (S4 then S3, S2) and turn right onto the «Chemin Horizontal» (S1, S2). Then turn right at the Col des Orres (FR-04-2613). Descend very quickly by path (S2, S3) and find the track (R2 then R1) leading to Les Ribes and Les Orres via the Vachères valley. (M.B. and R.P. -Topo N°5)

D) Les Orres

Road terminus at the ski resort at 1670m and 36km away. Continue...

a - The valley is criss-crossed by numerous tracks and paths. One leads to Crévoux via a track passing through the village of Les Orres. Another, «la Grande Rocade», leads to the Boscodon forest (gîte on the route). From this main track, another track leads up to the Clot La Sagne hut (shelter) (2091m) at the foot of Pouzenc.
b - via the Vachères valley, you reach the Girabeau pass on the left, the Col des Orres via the Grand Vallon hut. Possible route. Shortly after the Saint-Pierre chapel, a path climbs up the Petit Vallon and descends to the Sainte-Marguerite lake via the col Nord de l'Aupillon (FR-05-2795). Three passes in this sector are accessible off-piste but on a ridge: the Eissalete pass (FR-04-2524a) to the right of the Aupillon, the Baisse du Lac (FR-04-2770c) behind the Aupillon and col de l'Aupillon (FR-04-2694) behind the Aupet head.
c - Sainte-Marguerite lake can be reached from Le Pré Bois via a track and a footpath.

E) Les Fabres - Boscodon forest

Head up from Crots on the shores of Lake Serre-Ponçon to Les Fabres and take the next road from Embrun to Boscodon. There are numerous hamlets and a large forest that is home to a number of curiosities: an abbey, one of Europe's most active torrents in the event of a storm and a number of viewpoints, including that of Aiguillas, the end of the road at 1570m and 36km away. There are many roads and tracks in this area, which is home to a large number of dwellings. A circuit between Les Fabres (gîte «La Draye») and Boscodon is possible by climbing to the Grande Cabane (1611m). A forest road branches off from the road up to the Abbey and leads to Savines-le-Lac. Continue on...

a - the Grande Rocade from La Montagne joins Les Orres. From the Grande Cabane, the track on the left continues along a footpath and provides access to the Olettes pass (FR-04-2372) and the track on the right leads to the Col de la Rousse (FR-04-2147). Halfway up, the Chemin de Ceinture links them together. Difficulties? To the left of the Olettes pass, On the crest, the first is the Lower Jasset (FR-04-2390b) and then the High collar (FR-04-2485) and finally the Pas de la Claie (FR-04-2500). No path, so difficulties?
b - These four passes open onto the Reynier combe on the Ubaye side. There is a track at around 2160m which descends towards the Col de Famouras (FR-04-2139) and joins the Ubaye road at La Fresquière.
c - Savines-le-Lac: from the end of the road at l'Aiguillas, the Sentier de Charance leads to La Baisse (FR-05-2029). The D468 climbs up from Savines, quickly becoming a track that veers off to the right (the path around Lac de Serre-Ponçon) and reaches the village of Pontis. The first forest track on the left leads to Boscodon. Continue on...
d - By leaving the track for a path also used by the tour of the lake, you reach the Morgonnet pass (FR-04-1607a). Continuing along the track on the other side, you reach the Col de Pontis (FR-04-1301).

F) Col de Pontis

Not long, but steep on both sides. A 20km loop is possible via the lakeshore (demoiselles coiffées). Pass at 36.5km. A track from the pass on the left leads to Les Hugues and then to the Morgonnet pass. You can return via another trail passing the Cabane du Jas and Les Hugues. Starting from the Morgonnet pass A path joins the D468 linking Pontis to Savines further down.

G) Réallon Les Gourniers

Numerous roads between Embrun and Chorges to climb to Les Gourniers (gîte, 1570m) 42km away. Numerous forest tracks for strolling between mountain and lake. The Joubelle trail joins the Hauts de Chorges from Réallon-station and continues towards the Col de Moissière (FR-05-1573). Continue...

a - from Les Gourniers, you can reach the Gardette pass (FR-05-2125b) via a track passing through Le Bourget and a path via the Gorbières hut. From the pass, a track leads down to Chorges (S3 then R1) on the other side and another down to the La Gardette hut where a path leads back to Les Gourniers. Le Col de la Fourche (FR-05-2275) can be found on the same ridge to the east, accessible by a path (S3) (departure point for hang-gliding) (R.C.).
b - From Réallon, a track used by the GR50 passes through Les Méans and stops at Les Touisses. To the left, a path climbs to Reyssas pass (FR-05-2493b). Climb to a shelter at 2161m. Uncertain path.

H) Route forestière du Château de Caléyère

(R.G.): climb up from Embrun and pass Château de Caléyère and Folampelle. At the crossroads, take the left-hand track towards Puy-Sanières or Puy-Saint-Eusèbe. From the Château de Caléyère, a track on the right (GR50), followed by a road, leads to Châteauroux-les-Alpes. Continue along ...

... at the crossroads, the right-hand track heads towards Mont Guillaume (2545m) via Pré-Clos. Further on, a path up the valley leads to the Trempa-Latz pass (FR-05-2539). Before Pré-Clos, a track leads to l'Aiguille and by Lac de l'Hivernet you can access, off-trail, the Chante Perdrix pass (FR-05-2610). Difficulties?

I) Rabioux Valley

The route starts at Châteauroux-les-Alpes (Les Pins campsite) and continues along a track (Les Pinées gîte, 1280m) which splits into two other tracks, ending at 1644m for the one on the right and 1832m for the one on the left. Cheminées de fées as you climb to the right. Continue ...
... following the track on the left and the path, you reach the Tissap hut (approx. 2160m). On the left, the path leads to the Reyssas pass and Réallon. Problems?

J) Vallée du Couleau

There are two routes up this valley. One comes from Saint-Clément-sur-Durance (gîtes at Saint Alban and Pinfol) and takes the Couleau forest road towards Bel Pinet (capped columns). End point at 1532m. The other comes from Châteauroux, passes through Saint-Marcelin, Saint-Étienne and Serre Buzard and ends at the old slate quarry at 1686m. To continue...
...by a path, both of which lead up to the Châteauroux hut (1980m). Opposite, the Pic de Rochelaire (3108m), to the left, the Tête de Couleau (3038m), between the two the Col de Couleau (FR-05-2787The Tête de Vautisse (3156m) is on the right. Difficulties? A ramp links the two trails at their termini.

K) Cabane de l'Alp

Cross the Durance and turn left up to Les Eymars via Réotier or take the forest track (R1-2) at l'Aiguille, which opens up a little further on the left onto the road to Champcella. Just after Les Eymars, turn left onto the pastoral track (R1-2) that leads to the Alp hut (2392m).. Straight ahead, following the Alp stream, is the Rougnoux pass (FR-05-2748). Difficulty?
After Les Eymars, turn right to reach the Tramouillon hut. Le Val Haute pass (FR-05-2517c) is on the left and the Tramouillon pass (FR-05-2288) is on the right-hand side of the path leading up from the hut. These two passes provide access to the Freissinières valley. Difficulty?

L) Fressinières valley

A beautiful, wide, suspended valley on the right bank of the Durance between L'Argentière-la-Bessée and Guillestre. The terminus is at 1441m and 25km away. Just above is the old village of Dormillouse (2 refuges), well worth a diversion on foot. From the village of Freissinières (gîte and group gîte), take the route des Aujards and at Les Balmettes, take the track on the right (R1-2) to the Col des Lauzes (FR-05-1837a). Return and continue along the track (R1) to the col d'Anon (FR-05-1891). A track (R1) leads down to the Fournel valley and l'Argentière and another track (R1) leads up to the Col de la Pousterle (FR-05-1763).
Continue... (Editor's note: be careful as all these routes border on the Ecrins National Park and many passes are off-limits to cyclists).

a - the Col des Combes (FR-05-1621) is located on a track (R1) continuing up the road from Pallon and continue up to the crossroads at the Cabane du Parc. From here, you can choose to go up to the left, to the Gourre hut, and a little further on, at the calvary, take a left-hand path heading towards the Val Haute pass returning to Fressinières via the Tramouillon pass. Or continue along this track towards the Sellar (1924m) and Mouthe (2208m) huts. The track on the right leads back down to Freissinières.
b - You can also head towards the bottom of the valley (shelter) and take a path to reach the Freissinières pass (FR-05-2782a) (or Orcières). A path leads down the other side to the Grand Lac des Estaris (shelter) and then a track to Orcières-Merlette. Off-piste, the Jalabres pass (FR-05-2888) can be found on the ridges to the left. Difficulties ?

M) Fournel valley

Valley of the former silver mines of L'Argentière. The route stops at Les Albrands (1389m).

a - a continuous track to the right (R1) towards the Col de la Pousterle. Another, further to the left (R1), leads to the col d'Anon and Col des Lauzes. A third continues on to the Deslioures biological reserve (1560m), 25km away, which is followed by the GR541 footpath.
b - towards the cabane de la Balme (2006m), a path climbs to the right to the Col du Bal (FR-05-2601) and joined Narreyroux.

N) Puy-Saint-Vincent, Narreyroux

A road, which can be taken from Les Vigneaux or Vallouise, climbs to around 1750m. The track (R1) of the Col de la Pousterle starts on the road between Les Vigneaux and Les Prés and splits further along into two tracks that meet just below the pass. The Narreyroux valley trail starts near the Saint-Vincent chapel between the village and the resort and stops at around 1842m and 30.5 km. Continue on...
... up the torrent, and turning left after the waterfall, you come to the Col du Bal which leads to the Fournel valley. Or continue towards the bottom of the valley to reach Lac de Neyzets (2718m) and then, off-trail, to the Col des Queyrettes (FR-05-3135) on the left and Aiglière pass (FR-05-3067) on the right. Difficulties?

O) Entre Les Aigues

A beautiful valley carved out between mighty peaks. You reach it from Vallouise (gîte in Vallouise and Ailefroide) via Le Villard, and the road ends at 1642m and 35km. Continue on...
Editor's note: the route described here was withdrawn in 2026 because it lies in the heart of the Ecrins National Park..

P) Madame Carle's meadow

The Vallouise road terminus at 1874m and 40km away (refuge). Sumptuous scenery at the foot of the great peaks of the Écrins and, unfortunately, the great glaciers on the retreat. In summer, there is an interesting little glaciology museum at the information point. The front of the Glacier Blanc is at 2267m. The front of the Glacier Noir can be seen at around 2109m, but only because it is covered in stones. Numerous passes above (mountaineering).

Q) Chambran or Eychauda valley

The beautiful secondary Vallouise valley. Start between Vallouise and Pelvoux. The road ends at the Chalets de Chambran at 1715m, 35km away.
Continue on the GR 54 to reach the Col de l'Eychauda (FR-05-2425). In Topo N° 4, R.P. and M.D. suggest a route from Serre-Chevalier over this pass. They show us a short, «tough» loop that takes in three passes: Yret pass (FR-05-2620b), Col des Neyzets (FR-05-2710) and Col du Vent (FR-05-2662b). Climb the path to the east to reach the Cucumelle pass (FR-05-2501a). Following the ridge to the north, then the flank path (S3-4 then S2), reach the Grand Pré pass (FR-05-2544a). Return to La Cucumelle and continue along the ridge to the south (S1-3) towards the Fréjus pass (FR-05-2493a) and further on towards Roche Gauthier, which you pass along the track to the east (S2), you reach the Méa pass (FR-05-2457). Go down to the west, off-trail, towards the path (S2 then S4) that climbs to the Col de la Pisse (FR-05-2501b) which leads to Serre Chevalier via the Serre Chevalier pass (FR-05-2383b) and the Col de la Ricelle (FR-05-2371) along a path (S1-2). Retrace your steps to the Col de la Pisse and continue downhill towards the GR 54 below to reach the Chalets de Chambran.

R) Les Vigneaux

From the village of La Vallouise (gîte), head north up a track (GR50) that heads east towards Bouchier and continues as far as Ratière and Prelles... After Le Sapet, a track turns left, followed by a path that leads to the Trancoulette pass (FR-05-2293) and down towards Les Combes.

S) Bouchouse valley

From the top of the village of Roche-de-Rame, take a track on the right that leads to Le Lauzet at 1786m (16 km) (shelter). Continue on...

a - via the track on the left and a path that leads up the Ascension valley to the lake of the same name (2306m). Continuing up the valley, off-trail, you come up against a cirque with a number of passes: Col de la Moutière (FR-05-2659) on the left, Alpavin pass (FR-05-2656a) opposite, Pas de la Casse de l'Ase (FR-05-2707) on the right, all three on the same ridge. From Lac de l'Ascension, head up towards Lac Escur and on the left is the Mouriare pass (FR-05-2498a), and opposite that of Collet du Peyron (FR-05-2465) which leads down to Le Lauzet via a path and then a track. Difficulty?
b - via the track opposite towards Le Cougnet (1901m) (shelter). A path (shelter at the Néal hut) continues towards a string of small lakes located near the Col de Néal (FR-05-2509b) opposite, Pansier pass (FR-05-2517a) on the left and Col du Lauzon (FR-05-2576a) to the right. From here, a path leads down to Arvieux. Difficulty?
c - the track on the right leads back down to Roche-de-Rame more indirectly. Visit Pas de la Cavale (FR-05-2393) is just above Le Lauzet on the right, but there is no path. Difficulty?

T) Col du Lauzet

Join Le Villard above Saint-Crépin. Take the track towards Moussière (1830m). Continue on...

a - at the next crossroads, take the track (R1) on the left towards Spurc and the Col du Lauzet (FR-05-2223) 20 km away.
b - from the lake, a path on the right (a variant of the GR541) joins the Moussière pass (FR-05-2352). Pushing and carrying. You can return down to Moussière by continuing along this path and the track on the right (JP.B.).
c - from Col du Lauzet, You can also choose to join Le Grand Coulet by descending the track to the Valette hut (shelter), then continuing this descent (difficult) to then take a path (alt. 1776m, paint mark on a stone) that leads back up to the Valette hut (shelter). Le Grand Coulet (FR-05-1869). Continue downhill to Mont-Dauphin or Guillestre (JP.B.).
d - you can also continue along the GR541 towards the Col de Saint-Antoine (FR-05-2458b). Descend towards the junction with the GR541, which you take to the right to pick up the Garnier Pass (FR-05-2279) and continue on the GR down to Eygliers and Mont-Dauphin. Difficulty: ? Or take the GR541 to the left to reach the Furfande gîte and then the Mont-Dauphin gîte. Furfande pass (FR-05-2500) (Topo N°3 de R.P, M.D.).

2) The Queyras

A) The Izoard torrent valley

Le Furfande pass can be reached from Arvieux (gîte at La Chalp, 1.5km to the north) via a road followed by a track (GR58) which leads up to the Furfande pass (FR-05-2500) (R1). Continue...

a - via the GR58 path (S1-S2) down to the Furfande refuge, at the Col de la Lauze (FR-05-2076) and further on to Les Escoyères along the GR path, or to Villargaudin (gîte) along the left-hand path.
b - from the pass, take the GR541 path, then the GR541 Var. you can reach the Col du Lauzet and Guillestre. The GR541 takes you to the Garnier Pass to Guillestre. From the GR541, after l'Arp, a path takes you past the Furfande chalets to reach the Col de la Lauze.
c - a track (R1-Topo no. 1) links Arvieux and Villargaudin from the ascent or descent of the Furfande pass.
d - From this track, a path leads up to the Fontouse hut (shelter). Above this hut at the bottom of the valley, off the path but within sight, the Fontouse pass or Col de Clausis (FR-05-2289). Descent to the GR58, difficult at the end because of the forest (M.B.).
e - the Combe Labove pass (FR-05-2563) can be climbed in the absence of a path from the Arvieux piste and via the Clapouse ravine. Difficulty?

B) The chalets at Clapeyto

From Brunissard (gîte), a road then a track leads up to the chalets (2221m). Continue on...

a - via the path (pass S2-3) that leads to the Pansier lakes. The Pansier pass (FR-05-2517a) is just above, off-piste. Above Marion Lakes is the Col de Néal (FR-05-2509b). You can descend towards La Roche-de-Rame or go up (S2 to S4) to the right at the Col du Lauzon (FR-05-2576a) and descend to Lac du Lauzon and Arvieux via a path followed by a track.
b - from the Lac du Lauzon, you can climb up to the Col de La Rousse (FR-05-2515), medium difficulty as the gradient is acceptable (M.B.).
c - a path leads off to the left of the chalets to reach the Collet (FR-05-2207) and further on the Cros pass (FR-05-2303a) and joined Brunissard. From Collet, A path leads down to the Rosey torrent and provides access to the Col de la Rousse (2515m), off the terminal path but medium difficulty.
d - from Eychaillon, the GR5 path joins the col des Ayes (FR-05-2477) to Briançon.

C) The Izoard pass

It needs no introduction. Altitude 2360m, 35.5km via Queyras and 54.5km via Briançon (90km loop). To continue...

a - take the GR58 footpath on the right before Casse Déserte to reach the Tronchet pass (FR-05-2347b), the hamlet of Souliers (gîte) via the GR58 which continues towards the Péas sheepfolds and the Col de la Crèche (FR-05-2284). A very pretty route, not too difficult and pleasant (M.B.). A track leads back from Souliers to La Chalp and Brunissard.
b - from the Izoard, you go to the Col Perdu (FR-05-2479) along a very short path (S2- S3). Continue towards the Portes Pass (FR-05-2915) is long and difficult (slope + S4).

D) The Péas pass

From Château-Queyras (gîte at Ville-Vieille, 2.5 km) a road leads up to Les Meyriès. Follow a track to the left towards Rouet and the Péas sheepfold. Continue on...

a - by the path on the right that leads to the Col de la Crèche (2284m) and then back down to Les Meyries. Not very difficult.
b - take the GR58 A track, then quickly the old asbestos mine track which joins the GR58 further up to climb to the Péas pass (FR-05-2629) and descend to the Fonds de Cervières (gîte) on the Briançonnais side. Cycle almost all the way to the pass (Topo No. 3).
c - go as far as Col Gourdin (FR-05-2812) on the same ridge further east is not easy. Visit Col de la Crousette (FR-05-2780a) can be found further east on the ridge, a difficult route (M.B.).
d - From Les Meyries, follow the GR58 A track up to the Chalvet des Borels sheepfold and back down to Aiguilles.

E) Needles

Gîte at Aiguilles. On the right bank of the Guil, a track climbs to Lombard (1914m) and a branch leads to the Lombard sheepfold (2020m) or to Les Eygliers. Continue on...

a - From both, a path joins the GR58A path up to the Malrif lakes (Grand Laus 2570m). The GR58 continues up to the Pic du Malrif (2906m), (the GR58 descends to the Fonds de Cervières) and the GR58D descends to the Pic du Malrif (2906m). Malrif pass (FR-05-2866). Sports route. This same path continues its progression towards the Rasis pass (FR-05-2921) and to the Thures pass (FR-05-2797). A path descends on the Italian side towards Sauze di Cesana. On the French side, the GR58D descends towards Le Roux (gîte) and Abriès (gîte). Difficulties: long but not particularly difficult (S3-S4)(M.B.).
b - On the left bank of the Guil, a track leads up to the Peynin refuge (2036m). A path on the side of the track leads to the bottom of the valley where you will find the Fond de Peynin pass or Chalanches pass (FR-05-2790). Above the last ski lift (Téléski du col de la Lauze) is the Col de la Lauze (FR-05-2550), off-path but easy. Between Peynin and the refuge, a track heads towards the bottom of the Peynin valley, continued by a path passing by sheepfolds. From the sheepfolds, a path climbs to the right towards the Col du Clot du Loup or Pas du Chai (FR-05-2660) and back down to Le Coin (Molines) From the sheepfolds, climb at sight towards the Fond de Peynin pass. Final S5 (M.B.)
c - On the left bank, a track leads down to Ville-Vieille and another up to Abriès.

F) Le Roux-Valpréveyre

Two distinct but close valleys deep in the Queyras, accessible from Abriès (gîte). Numerous mule-track passes to Italy. Road terminals at 1801m or 1860m at 39km or 41km. To continue...

a - du Roux (gîte), a beautiful hamlet, take the GR58D path passing the Chapelle Saint-Antoine, then the path to the Thures pass (S3-4). Correspondence with Topo N° 3 (In the Italian Escartons). After the footbridge, a path passing by the chapel of La Montette leads to the col de la Mayt (FR-05-2705) and descends to the Italian Ripa valley and Sauze di Cesana.
b - From the GR58D, at the Chapelle Saint-Antoine, there is a track followed by a path leading to the Col Vieux (FR-05-2684c) to the left and right of the col Saint-Martin (FR-05-2657) and Ribba in Italy. The Lago Verde refuge is below. Return to Valpréveyre via the Valpreveyre pass (FR-05-2737a), off trail but only S3-4. (M.B.).
c - From Valpréveyre, a track then a path leads up the Malaure valley, before splitting off into a left-hand path heading towards the Col de Bouchet (FR-05-2626) and the Nino Sardi refuge at the pass. The other, on the right, leads to the Col de Malaure (FR-05-2536). An Italian path descends from this pass into the Torre Pellice valley. From here, another path joins the Col de Bouchet behind the ridge. Visit Valpreveyre pass (2737m) is on the left of the Col de Bouchet on the other side of the Bric Bouchet just above the Lago Verde refuge. Off trail but S3-4 on the Italian side.
d - Passing the bridge at Valpréveyre, a path climbs up the Urine torrent (no particular smell to report), joins the GR58B and leads to the Urine neck (FR-05-2525c) to plunge down to the beautiful Granges del Pis and the Willy Jervis refuge in Haute Pellice.
e - a path (the GR 58 D) climbs to Collette de Gilly (FR-05-2366), follow the ridge down to La Monta (gîte) or Ristolas (gîte). Small pass with no problems.

G) Upper Guil valley

The route stops at the Grand Belvédère du Mont Viso at 2133m and 50km away, at the very end of the Queyras and, of course, a beautiful view of Viso and its jagged teeth. To continue...

a - by the GR58C from La Monta or the GR58 B from Echalp, which join shortly before the Lacroix Pass (FR-05-2299) and reach the Jervis refuge in Italy. From there, the GR58B climbs up to the Urine neck and the GR58C goes up the torrent of Pellice by a track and a path towards the Granero refuge and the saddle pass (FR-05-2834) to descend to the Viso refuge (2460m) on the French side. Difficulties?
b - after L'Echalp, a path leads to the Pisset hut and continues as far as the Pisset pass or Colle Vecchio (FR-05-2662a). On the same ridge, a little further north, is the Nalbert pass or Colle Vittona (FR-05-2576b). Difficulties?
c - From the end of the track at the Grand Belvédère du Mont Viso, a path climbs to the left and splits into the GR58C on the left, which joins the Sellière pass, in the tower of Mont Viso, which climbs towards the col de la Traversette (FR-05-2947) and the Pertuis du Viso (tunnel) down to the source of the Po at Plan Del Re. The GR58C on the right passes by the Viso refuge and climbs up to find the Valante pass (FR-05-2815). The GR58C descends to join a winding road from the Agnel pass on the Italian side. Difficulties? There are other passes in this sector, but off-piste.
d - from Ristolas climbs a long track to the Ségure sheepfold, dominated by the crests of the Grand Queyras, which are also home to a number of passes.

H) Agnel Pass

It is on the podium of French road passes. Altitude 2743m, distance 46km. Refuge Agnel below. Continue...

a - from the Agnel refuge or from the car park above, take the path on the left that leads to the Col Vieux (FR-05-2806) without difficulty. This is followed by a beautiful descent into the Bouchouse valley on the GR58 to L'Echalp in the upper Guil valley. From Col Vieux, you can access the Ruin breach (FR-05-2908): a beautiful panorama. On the way down Col Vieux to the refuge, you can also reach the Eychassier pass (FR-05-2917(M.B.).
b - To the right the GR58 leads to the Chamoussière pass (FR-05-2884b) and on the other side to Chapelle de Clausis and Saint-Véran. Difficult slope, lots of stones.

I) Aigue Blanche valley

Saint-Véran (gîte) at 2050m, said to be the highest village in Europe. In any case, a very picturesque village. A road leads to the Chapelle Notre Dame de Clausis (2399m), 46km from Guillestre. Continue on...

a - On the way up, at the car park, before the Sainte-Elisabeth chapel, take a track (R1-R2) on the left, passing the Labounnais hut and leading up to the observatory on the Pic de Château Renard (2931m). On the way up, a path on the right (S1 to S3) leads to the Col de Longet (FR-05-2701) and leads down to Fontgillarde (S2-3). Via the Sainte-Élisabeth chapel, a track crosses the Aigue Blanche and leads down to Saint-Véran.
b - a little below Notre-Dame-de-Clausis, the GR58 path goes off to the left and leads to the Chamoussière pass (S2-3). On the way up, a variant to the right leads to the Saint-Véran pass (FR-05-2844b) (S1 to S4), and join the Italian side of the road to Col Agnel.
c - higher up, a track (R1) leads to the refuge de La Blanche (2499m) and a path splits off further up to lead to the left (S2 to S4) to the Blanchet Pass (FR-05-2897), and the one on the right at Col de la Noire (FR-04-2955). An easy path on the Italian side links the passes Blanchet and de Longet, and another in the upper Ubaye joins the Col de Longet and the Col de la Noire more difficult. (Topo N°3).
d - From the mill bridge, below Saint-Véran, the GR 58 path joins the Estronques pass (FR-05-2651) and down to the Col Fromage (FR-05-2301) then the Ceillac valley.
e - From Molines (gîte) a track crosses the Aigue Agnelle and leads to the Prés de Fromage pass (FR-05-2146). From La Rua a track joins the road to Sommet Bucher and then Château-Queyras.

J) Château-Queyras

Vauban also passed through here. Reaching the left bank of the Guil, take the road and then the track up to the Sommet Bucher (2254m), 32km away. Orientation table. Continue on ...

a - by the path running due south and which rejoins the Prés de Fromage pass (2146m). A path on the left descends to Molines (gîte) and another on the right descends to Molines (gîte)., On the left is La Chalp (gîte) in Saint-Véran. The track to the south joins the Fontaine Rouge forest road, then the GR5 path which leads to the Col Fromage (2301m), the real Place de l'Etoile du Queyras. Cycling at 98%. Topo N°1, page 32. To the right is the GR58 path and then the track leading down to Montbardon. On the ridge to the right, the path leads to the Bramousse pass (FR-05-2251) then to Bramousse (gîte) or Ceillac (gîte). Between the two, a path leads to Bramousse via the Col de Souillet (FR-05-2133). Opposite, the GR5 path leads down to Villard. To the left the path climbs to Estronques pass (FR-05-2651). Difficulties?
b - a side track that branches off at the first bend in the road from Sommet Boucher and leads directly to Montbardon.

K) Montbardon

A road leaves the D902 in the Queyras combe and climbs up to the village (gîte). On the right, at the oratory, a track heads towards Château-Queyras, taking the one on the left at the junction of the two tracks. The right-hand track joins the Riou Vert valley. Continue along ...
...and gives rise to a path (GR 58) which climbs to the Col Fromage.

Bramousse (gîte): a road leaves the D902 and climbs up to the village, and a track continues it to reach the Brousse chalets (1841m). Continue on ...
A track leads up to the hamlet of Terre Noir. A path on the left leads directly to the Col de Souillet (2133m). Opposite, the track and then the GR58 path (S3) lead up to the Bramousse pass (2251m). A path also joins the Col de Souillet. The path on the left leads to the Col Fromage. Intermittent pushing on the ascent and descent to the pass. Topo N°1.
Above the chalets on the right, in the Combasse valley, the Col de la Combasse (FR-05-2383a), the final section, off-piste but on the same ridge as the Bramousse pass.

L) Ceillac

The village (gîte) is at the confluence of two valleys. The Cristillan valley road climbs to L'Étable des Génisses (2156m), 25km away. Continue ...

a - from Ceillac, the GR 58 path climbs to the Bramousse pass. From the Villard the GR5 path climbs to the Col Fromage. From les Chalmettes, the GR58 path climbs to the Estronques pass. Below Le Villard, a track leads up the Mélezet valley to La Riaille.
b - the four Cristillan passes (topo No. 3). Take the footpath on the left above L'étable and then the cycle path to around 2400m. From here, follow the stone path to reach a geographical pass to the left of the Tête de la Cula, climb this and then descend along a good path towards the Tête de la Cula. Pas de la Cula (FR-04-3085a) to the east. Back to the Cula pass (FR-04-3070) and North Cristillan pass (FR-04-3032) and Col Sud du Cristillan (FR-04-2957) along an aerial ridge path that is partly suitable for cycling (S1-2). A quick descent to the former customs hut, then on to Ceillac, passing above L'étable des Génisses (Serpentine at Col Sud du Cristillan, A former green marble quarry on the descent to the hut, used for Napoleon 1's tomb.^er aux Invalides).
c - From L'Étable, a path on the right leads up to Lac de Clausis (2441m). Off the path, the Long neck (FR-05-2838) is on the ridge to the right, the Col de Clausis (FR-04-2785) is to the south and the Ugousses pass (FR-04-2988) is at the end of the Ravin de Clausis. Difficulties? The route along the Mélezet valley (refuge) ends at the Fond de Chaurionde parking area (1967m) 23km away at the foot of Font Sancte and its snowfields. Continue on...
d - by a path opposite which joins the Tronchet pass (FR-04-2661) and descends to Maljasset (gîte) in Haute-Ubaye. On the right, a path climbs towards Lac Sainte-Anne where it joins the GR5 path on the left to reach the col Girardin (FR-04-2706) and the Haute-Ubaye valley. Take the GR5 on the right to reach the Collet de Sainte-Anne (FR-05-2408), then down to the Mélezet resort on the track beneath the ski lifts. Follow the GR5 to reach Lac Miroir, where a path leads to the Pas du Curé (FR-05-2783b), then to the Bergerie d'Andrevez (shelter) and the Ubac de Laval in the lower Ceillac valley. From Pas du Curé, and back to the Col de la Colette Verte (FR-05-2910).
e - a track from Ubac de Laval leads to Guillestre, where another track branches off and heads towards Mont Guillestre (2520m), stopping at around 2200m..

M) Val d'Escreins

A small, wild valley opening out between Guillestre and Vars, terminating at 1781m and around 16km from the La Basse Rua refuge and the ruined village of Escreins. To get there, you need to take the Vars pass and turn left after the hairpin bends and before Saint-Marcellin. Continue...

a - along the track to the Chalances hut, then take the path opposite to reach the Houerts pass (FR-04-2869) and the Ubaye. The left-hand path leads to the Col de la Colette Verte and Pas du Curé just behind.
b - take a path on the right after La Basse Rua and climb towards the Col de la Coulette (FR-05-2362) and you can reach Vars Sainte-Marie if you take the path on the right at the fork in the climb. This takes you to the Serenne pass (FR-04-2674a) by the one on the left. Visit Col de La Coulette, A ridge path on the right joins the Col de la Scie (FR-05-2336) and then down to Basse Rua. There is also a path leading down to Saint-Marcellin..

N) Col de Vars

Col de la route des Grandes Alpes, 2108m, 21km. Provides access to the Ubaye and other major road passes. A road from Saint-Marcellin, followed by a cycle track, leads to Risoul at 1850m and Peyrol (2148m). Another unsurfaced forest road leads from Sainte-Catherine (to the right of the sawmill), then another track further up on the right leads to the Cabane des Couniets. Continue on...

a - a path leaves it to go to the Col de la Scie to the Val d'Escreins. Another path (S3) leads to the Col de la Coulette. From the Couniets hut, a path joins the Serenne pass (S3) and the Lac des neuf couleurs (bridle path)(R.C.).
b - From the Napoléon refuge, a track leads up to the Vallon hut (2290m) and a path leads back down to Vars Sainte-Marie.
c - from Peyrol, a track joins the four passes of the Vars-Risoul junction (Saluces, Vallon, Valbelle, Chérine).
d - from Vars Les-Claux, a track climbs towards the Col de Jaffueil and links up with Crévoux.

3) For the record, a few road passes within easy reach from the N94/D902A junction

Col de Vars, 2108m at 22km. To reach the Ubaye valley from Guillestre.
Col de Pontis, 1301m, 35km away. Accessible from the road around the lake.
Col d'Izoard, At 2360m, 36km to the south up the Guil valley, then left and 53km to the north via l'Argentière-la-Bessée, Villar-Saint-Pancrace and Cervières. A possible 86km loop.
Col Lebraut, 1110m, 45km away. On the road around Lake Serre-Ponçon.
Agnel pass, 2743m at 46km. Head up the Guil valley.
Montgenèvre pass, 1850m at 49km. Turn right after Briançon. Before us, Hannibal would have passed through here.
Col de Granon, 2404m at 50km. Above Serre-Chevalier.
Col de Moissière, 1571m at 53km. Head towards Gap and turn right at La Bâtie-Neuve.
Col de l'Echelle, 1762m at 54.5km. After Briançon, turn right then left towards Névache.
Col de Larche, 1997m to 55km (conditionally authorised access). At the end of the Ubaye valley, on the Italian border.
Col du Lautaret,2057m at 60km. After Briançon, turn left.
Col Saint-Jean, 1333m, 60km away. On the road to Digne from Lac de Serre-Ponçon.
Galibier pass,2642m at 67.5km. North of the Col du Lautaret.
Col de la Bonette, 2715m at 69km. From Jausiers, head south.
Col de la Moutière, 2454m at around 69km. Same route as for the Col de la Bonette, but take a small road to the right before the Col de la Bonette. You can join the Col de la Cayolle road via a track or descend to Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage.
Col d'Allos, 2247m, 74km away. South of Barcelonnette.
Col des Fillys, 1322m at 81km. Not far from the Col Saint-Jean on a small parallel road.
Col de la Cayolle, 2326m at 84km. South of Barcelonnette.

Initiator of this text : Bernard Giraudeau <bernard.giraudeau@wanadoo.fr>
open to criticism or advice on content or form.