The Queyras loop in bivouac mode
Queyras backpacking, tent with you — full circuit, rare refuge.
Duration
7 days
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
The Queyras is an ideal playground for a first experience of bivouacking while hiking. Accessible without being easy, wild without being isolated, it allows any sporty hiker to discover the basics of self-sufficiency in an exceptional setting.
For seven days, guided by Captain Ronan, we traverse some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Southern Alps: the pastures of Ceillac, the high valleys of Saint-Véran, the lakes of Haut-Guil, the ridges of Malrif, the secret valleys of Fonts de Cervières and the suspended pastures of Furfande.
Throughout the hike, we will learn to manage our efforts, prepare a comfortable bivouac, read the terrain and progressively gain self-sufficiency. We will also have the opportunity to sometimes leave the main trail to find a panoramic ridge or climb a first peak above 3,000 meters.
Each evening, the mountain offers us a new room with a view. Without a roof, certainly. Without rules, definitely not. But with a few thousand stars above our heads.
🌱 This trip displays a reduced carbon footprint. By choosing it, you support sustainable tourism, respectful of nature, territories and the local economy — a simple and committed approach, carried out by the human and professional approach of our agency.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
The adventure region
Queyras
Cap sur les Alpes du Sud : une montagne lumineuse, plus minérale, plus “grand ciel”, avec des paysages qui sentent déjà le sud. Ici, la lumière a quelque chose de spécial : elle accroche les crêtes
Discover Alpes du sud →Day-by-day itinerary
Heading to Saint-Véran
From Ceillac, we gradually gain altitude towards the Estronques Pass (2,651 m), gateway to the Blanche Valley. Little by little, the larch forests give way to alpine pastures and the first great panoramas of the stay.
We leave the heights to reach the Haut-Guil before climbing back up onto the Gilly ridge. The panoramas then open out in all directions, between the Mont Viso nature reserve on the Italian side and the deep valleys of Queyras.
We take a slight detour to the Tête de la Jacquette to discover a first remarkable viewpoint over the Queyras mountains, before descending towards the Pont du Moulin where we set up our first camp at the edge of the larch trees, by the riverside.
Saint-Véran is just a few steps away for an evening stroll through the streets of Europe's highest inhabited village. First camp. First pot on the stove. First debate on the best way to pack your bag.
Activity : Distance : 11.5 km / Elevation gain : +1,050 m / -800 m / Walking time : 5 h / Night : camp at Pont du Mouli
Chamoussière and the Kingdom of Lakes
We head up the Blanche valley to the magnificent Clausis cirque. Already towering above us are the great border peaks.
We leave the heights to reach the Haut-Guil before climbing again along the Gilly ridge. The panoramas then open up in all directions, between the Mont Viso reserve on the Italian side and the deep valleys of Queyras.
The Chamoussière pass (2 882 m) then opens the gates to high mountain terrain. For those who wish, an optional ascent of the Pic de Caramantran allows you to symbolically cross the 3000-metre mark without your backpacks, while enjoying an exceptional panorama over the French and Italian Alps.
After the Vieux pass, the lakes finally appear. First the Foréant, then Égorgéou, whose waters reflect the surrounding peaks when the wind decides to take a break.
The bivouac on the shores of Égorgéou lake is one you'll remember for a long time.
Activity: Distance: 18 km / Elevation gain: +1 260 m / -750 m / Walking time: 7 h / Night: bivouac at Égorgéou lake
Panoramic ridges and descent towards Abriès
At sunrise, the first rays of light illuminate the still peaceful waters of the lake.
We leave the heights to reach the Haut-Guil before gaining altitude again on the Gilly ridge. The panoramas then open in all directions, between the Mont Viso reserve on the Italian side and the deep valleys of Queyras.
A varied stage, between Alpine pastures, forests and vast horizons, which takes us to Abriès.
Tonight, absolute luxury: a campsite, a hot shower and perhaps even a cold drink.
Activity: Distance: 20 km / Elevation gain: +980 m / -1 830 m / Walking time: 8 h / Night: camping in Abriès
The Lakes of Malrif
Heading to the heights.
The trail gradually climbs towards the Grand Laus and then the Malrif lakes, in an increasingly wild atmosphere. The valleys widen, the peaks draw closer and the marmots seem to observe the hikers with an experience we will probably never have.
We set up our bivouac on a flat area overlooking the Fonts de Cervières, an old alpine village nestled at the foot of Pic Lombard.
The sunset does the rest.
Activity: Distance: 14 km / Elevation gain: +1,280 m / -750 m / Hiking time: 7 h / Night: bivouac before the Fonts
From Péas Pass to Souliers Lake
From Fonts, a beautiful climb leads us to the Péas pass, a superb natural balcony overlooking the Queyras valleys.
The descent towards Souliers is a journey in itself. Then appears the Souliers lake, nestled beneath the slopes of the Tronchet pass.
The bivouac is set up slightly above the lake, in one of the most beautiful settings of the stay.
It is often here that someone says: "Can we stay another five minutes to watch the light?" before everyone realizes it's already almost dinner time.
Activity: Distance: 15 km / Elevation gain: +1,200 m / -810 m / Walking time: 6h30 / Night: bivouac above Souliers lake
Furfande Pastures
A gentler stage to fully enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Furfande alpine pastures
Summer chalets, high altitude meadows and endless mountain peaks make up the backdrop of this day where we take time to savour the journey.
We set up our final bivouac above the refuge to enjoy the sunset over the Queyras mountains.
The kind of place that makes you want to slow down even more.
Activity: Distance: 16 km / Elevation gain: +930 m / -1,130 m / Walking time: 6h / Night: bivouac above Furfande refuge
Return to Ceillac
Already the last day.
We join the larch forests of Bramousse before crossing the pass of the same name. One last view opens up to us over the valleys explored during the week before the descent towards Ceillac.
The legs are a little heavier than at the start.
The backpack seems a little lighter.
And discussions are already turning to the next adventure.
Activity: Distance: 16 km / Elevation gain: +1 080 m / -1 720 m / Walking time: 7 h
Hover over a destination or activity to learn more
Price per person
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Transport to the meeting point: train to Mont-Dauphin station and shuttle to Ceillac
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Everything that is not explicitly mentioned as included
Included
- The guide service and supervision
- Bivouac accommodation, shared tent, mattresses provided
- Kitchen equipment
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Our adventures take place in France: a valid national identity card (or passport) is all you need. No visa or entry formalities required, and no mandatory vaccinations.
Keep an identity document with you during your stay. Travelers coming from abroad should check their entry requirements for France with the authorities of their country of residence.
Our micro-adventures take place in France. Liability insurance and mountain rescue and assistance coverage are highly recommended — they are often already included with a bank card, a FFME / FFCAM membership, or your home insurance.
For fixed-date group departures, consider cancellation insurance. If in doubt, your Captain will guide you toward the coverage best suited to your activity (hiking, bivouacking, climbing, ski touring, etc.).
Your captain – Captain Ronan
Required level
- Physical effort : good physical fitness required
- Technical prerequisites : activity open to people with regular practice of the activity
- Public : beginner to advanced trip
Accommodation
- Bivouac during the trek without shower or facilities, 12 to 15kg backpack, camping on Day 3 with access to facilities and showers
Meals
- Hot meals morning and evening outdoors. Picnic with local and organic products at midday
Equipment
- Comfortable backpack with carrying frame of 60L minimum
- Sleeping bag 0 to 5 degrees comfort depending on individuals
- Polar sleeping bag liner as bonus
- Telescopic hiking poles 3 or 2 sections mandatory for carrying
- Hiking shoes (low, trail or high depending on your personal experience)
experience)
- Rest shoes crocs or flip-flops
- Gore tex jacket
- Poncho / rain cape (as bonus if no pants + effective goretex jacket)
- Rest down jacket
- Light effort down jacket or light soft shell jacket (protection particularly against wind)
- Light effort fleece
- 2 pairs Merino Day socks
- 2 pairs Merino Night socks
- 1 merino tights
- 2 t-shirts + 1 long sleeve merino
- Hiking pants with side openings (not necessarily gore tex)
- Shorts
- Waterproof overpants (if no gore tex pants)
- Beanie
- Cap
- Pair of light gloves
- Neck gaiter / Buff
- Toiletries kit / Personal first aid (personal medications + Compeed and good medical tape
or strap), sunscreen
- Knife
- Lighter
- Headlamp
- Emergency blanket
- Powerbank
- Water bottles 1.5 L or better camel bag, filterable soft water bottle possible
- Microfiber towel
- Swimsuit
- Small inflatable bivouac pillow if needed
- Departure confirmation: at the latest 7 days before the stay date
- Departure confirmed: from 4 registered participants
- Sales closure: up to 3 days before departure, subject to availability
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
France is part of the Schengen area. French nationals have no procedures to complete, of course. If you invite foreign relatives to join you, the conditions vary depending on their nationality: check with the French embassy in their country of residence before purchasing any tickets.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality custom trip, budget between €200 and €400 per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transfers and activities. Paris is noticeably more expensive than the provinces. Our detailed quote allows you to adjust each item according to your preferences and comfort level.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We design itineraries at your pace, with stops tailored to children: Loire Valley châteaux, natural parks, Provençal villages, Breton and Basque beaches. We select family-friendly accommodations and activities that blend discovery and enjoyment for the youngest travelers.
It's simple: chat with our team to define your wishes, dates and budget. You'll receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours, which you can adjust freely. Once confirmed, your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your stay to answer any questions.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Nomadays is a network registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee, which protects all your funds in case of default. Secure payment, English-speaking assistance during your trip and support from A to Z: your peace of mind is our priority.
Let's talk about your adventure — Queyras
A Nomadays advisor will get back to you to refine this project — itinerary, dates, budget, wishes — and propose a tailor-made version suited to your trip.
