High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 40

Guided & Independent

QUEYRAS - Best Kept Secret in the Alps

T

his walking holiday, which explores the spectacular and relatively undiscovered Queyras Region by a series of day walks, is

available as a guided & independent break. Its range of accessible
summits linked by good trails makes this unspoilt region a paradise
for walkers wishing to have a real high alpine experience and who
love far ranging panoramic views. In addition, its southern location
on the border with Italy means it enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.
Your day walks will pass through varied landscapes: with mountain
torrents snaking down deep gorges, whilst above, alpine meadows
merge with astonishing rocky deserts capped by a succession of
stunning mountain peaks. Its wildlife is exceptional with chamois,
ibex, marmots, golden eagle and a vast array of rare wild flowers.
The region also has a rich architectural heritage which is
encapsulated by the pretty alpine village of St Veran.

Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Welcome at guest house in Queyras or in Lyon & transfer
Day 2: Col Neal & Clapeyto meadows (5hrs, +650m)
Your week will start with a gentle climb out of the Arvieux Valley through flower-filled alpine
pastures to the Col Néal with its numerous glacial lakes. From here, we have stunning
views of the Ecrins mountain range. Your circuit then descends through the pretty hamlet of
Clapeyto with its traditional chalets and summer meadows.

Day 3: Lakes Mirroir & Ste Anne (6hrs, min +800m)
Start by visiting the village of Ceillac and the amazing waterfall de la Pisse. After, climb
through forests to reach the beautiful Lac Mirroir, with stunning limestone peaks rising
above lush green pastures. Higher up Lake Ste Anne’s turquoise blue waters are surrounded by the highest mountain in the Queyras. Option of climbing to a mountain pass for
exceptional views of the Queyras. Descent by a different route.

Day 4: Chateau Queyras & Lake Souliers (4hrs, +300 - 700m)

♦ An unspoilt, rugged Alpine region with

breath-taking scenery, dramatic walking
& a great variety of landscapes

♦ Great alpine hospitality & food staying in
wonderful small guest houses

♦ Accessible summits, sunny climate &

good paths make it an ideal alpine destination for novices & experienced alike

Visit Chateau Queyras in the morning - the principal fortified site of the region. Our afternoon’s walk starts from the Casse Deserte, an area of barren rocky slopes and wonderful
pinnacles, before climbing to reach the beautiful lake Souliers, surrounded by rocky mountains. Rest in the sun or climb onto a surrounding peak for spectacular panoramic views. An
alternative longer circuit available taking in pretty hamlet of Souliers & Lake Roue.

♦ Plenty of historic and cultural interest

Day 5: Tour of Furfande (7hrs, +800m)

♦ A rich alpine flora and fauna

Climb to the Col de Furfande, where it’s possible to make the easy ascent of Pic du Gazon
at 2744m with great views. Descend to Refuge de Furfande for refreshment before a
dramatic traverse high above the Guil Valley. Descend via pretty woodland.

Day 6: Lac de Grand Laus (7hrs, +1000m)
From the village of Abries, a pleasant climb to lac de Grand Laus which makes a perfect
spot for lunch. Great views. It’s possible to climb up to the ridge beyond and the Pic Malrif
for wonderful views of the Ecrins mountain range. Descend via Aiguilles. Possible shorter
alternative walks available.

Day 7: Caramantran & St Veran (5hrs 30, +750m)
Your last day's objective is nothing less than a 3000m high mountain. The walking is pleasant and easy as you pass tumbling streams, meadows and rocky bluffs to reach the summit
where views extend to the Piedmont in Italy, the Mont Blanc in France, and the Matterhorn
in Switzerland. The descent will take you past Lac de la Blanche. We'll visit the historic and
well preserved village of St Véran, the highest permanently inhabited village in Europe.

with remarkable & varied architecture

At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT
Price: See Price List
Grade:
Profile:

Day 8 Departure - Transfer to Lyon after breakfast

Dates: 15 June to 15 Sept
Price p/p
Date
Walking
Profile

Holiday
Profile

See Price List or Web Site for details
15 June to 15 September
6 days walking staying in two guest houses. Average walking days are
about 6 hours long and include height gains of between 400m and 1000m.
In addition four of the days include the possibility of ascending further to
reach some easy alpine summits where you'll be rewarded by spectacular
views. This flexibility allows a group of mixed abilities to make the most of
the holiday. However, as most walks will take place above 2000m where
the effects of altitude can be felt, and the climbs are sometimes steep, a
moderate to good level of fitness is required. You should also be comfortable on mountainous paths and have a good head for heights.

7 nights: 6 days guided or independent walking. Centre based
holiday staying in two guest houses. Self-guided requires own
transport to reach walks

Included

7 nights' full board accommodation, transport to & from Lyon and during
the week on guided holiday, 6 guided walks or walking notes & maps

What’s not
included

Travel to Lyon or to Queyras, France; lunches on arrival & departure days,
visits, travel insurance

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Accommodation
Stay in 2 very comfortable and
charming guest houses or small
hotels located close to the walking areas. They offer delightful experiences and are run by welcoming and helpful hosts.
Meals will be taken in your guest house and are delicious
local specialities served with wine. Example: Ferme d’Izoard
in Arvieux Valley is a great 3 star hotel with pool at 1700m
altitude.

Book now on [phone] or visit

www.highpointholidays.co.uk