Best of Tour du Queyras (GR58)

Your trek begins in the charming village of Arvieux, with the mountain character becoming clear almost immediately. The route climbs steadily out of the valley, gaining height with every step as the landscape opens up. This is a demanding start, setting a confident tone for the days ahead and pulling you straight into high alpine terrain.

The trail winds through larch forest before emerging onto broad alpine slopes and open pastures. A wooden fountain with icy spring water offers a brief pause before the climb intensifies. The final ascent leads to the Furfande Pass at 2500 metres, where wide panoramas unfold toward Dent du Ratier, Rochebrune and Font Sancte. The setting is open, exposed and unmistakably mountainous.

A short descent brings you to the Refuge de Furfande, beautifully positioned in a high mountain meadow. Recently renovated, the refuge feels solid and welcoming after the long climb. Surrounded by peaks and silence, this is a true high-altitude stop and a rewarding end to a tough first day.

This stage is dominated by descent, but it is far from easy. Leaving the high plateau of Furfande, the route drops decisively toward the Guil valley, demanding concentration and strong legs. The atmosphere shifts from raw alpine to deeper, greener terrain.

The trail passes near the Furfande Pass at 2500 metres before committing to a long, continuous descent. The path traverses open slopes, mountain flanks and later forested sections, with big views back toward the higher peaks. Altitude is lost steadily, and the changing vegetation marks the clear transition from high mountain to valley.

The stage ends at Gîte Le Riou Vert, located in the valley at 1450 metres. The setting is calm and secluded, with a welcoming, no-nonsense mountain lodge atmosphere. After the long descent, this feels like a well-earned and restorative stop.

The final stage delivers one last demanding effort, combining a solid ascent with a long descent into Ceillac. It feels like a complete mountain day, testing endurance before offering a satisfying finish.

The route climbs steadily toward the Bramousse Pass at 2251 metres, connecting the Guil valley with the Cristillan valley. The ascent is sustained and open, with expanding views across the surrounding ridges. From the pass, the trail descends through alpine meadows and mountain paths, gradually easing as you approach lower ground.

Arrival in Ceillac is calm and atmospheric. The route passes the Sainte-Cécile church before entering the village, where stone houses and quiet streets signal the end of the journey. It is a grounded and fitting conclusion to these final mountain stages.