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Queyras NP & Col d'Izoard

D902, Arvieux, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Queyras is a valley located in the French Hautes-Alpes department. The Regional Natural Park covers an area of 614km2 and is one of the least populated in the country. The area is known for its relatively untouched natural environment (besides the skiing infrastructure), its several small to medium ski resorts and the Col d'Izoard, an iconic pass at 2,360m (connecting the valley with Briançon) that is regularly tackled by cyclists during the Tour de France race. There is a small cycling museum at the top and a memorial to legends Fausto Coppi and Louison Bobet. From the south, the climb gains 1,100m over 31km and the same gain from Briançon over 19km. The barren scree slopes on the upper south side known as the Casse Déserte form a very dramatic backdrop. Because it is so high in altitude, the col is generally closed by snow from late October to early June.

Access & Transport

The pass is 20km southeast of Briançon, 90km northeast of Gap and 130km from Grenoble.

Instructions & Recommendations

Heading in a norther direction, we suggest visiting Fort Queyras, taking a short hike in the Queyras valley and then driving over the pass to Briançon.

Meta review

Online reviews are quite biased here because travellers to the area are overwhelmingly nature lovers. Nonetheless, they are pretty unanimously positive, describing the Queyras as an ideal place for its mix of hiking trails, beautiful mountains and valleys, picturesque villages and streams, and quiet atmosphere. Likewise, the Col d'Izoard gets sterling feedback for the views, its beautiful scenery and demanding but rewarding climb for cyclists. Beware the hairpins on the way down and the trajectory of the numerous cyclists.

Environmental & Social

Green activities. Tourism (and skiing) helps bring some economic activity to the various villages in the valley.

Conclusion

The Queyras valley is idyllic for those looking for a mix of mountain villages, grand vistas and a range of physical activities opportunities. There are also some impressive fortresses in the area to add a touch of culture. It can be enjoyed as part of a road-trip or over several days.

Key positive

Fantastic alpine scenery

Not busy or over-commercialized

Key negative

Time consuming to get to

Suitability

Suitable for all ages. Visitors with reduced mobility will be able to enjoy the views from the valley floor and the drive up the pass but not the hiking opportunities

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Seasonality reflects the likelihood of the area being snowed in.

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:5h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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