Looking for a great adventure through the mountains and small Alpine villages? The incredible Tour du Queyras, also known as the GR58, is one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the continent. The entire trail takes you on a 5-10 day hike through the heart of a regional nature park, combining authenticity, sunshine and, above all, breathtaking panoramas.
France’s most beautiful trek just 5 hours from Paris
If there’s no shortage of hiking in the Paris region, it’s time for a real adventure in the Queyras regional nature park, one of the most impressive natural settings to be found in France. Accessible by train from the capital, this destination promises several epic days of high peaks, charming villages and nature galore.
Each stage begins in a typical village such as Ceillac, Saint-Véran (Europe’s highest town!) or Abriès, and climbs up to Italian- or French-facing passes such as the Col des Estronques or the Col de Péas. The route alternates between flower-filled mountain pastures, glacial lakes, panoramic plateaus and more challenging climbs, with daily vertical drops ranging from 700 to 1,100 metres. This mix of terrain is accessible to experienced hikers, with no major technical difficulties.
This GR58 is for anyone who wants to trek independently, at a reasonable alpine pace (6 to 7 hours’ walking per day). It’s most accessible in summer, from June to September, with moderate crowds in September-October. While it is possible to start the loop from any stage, Ceillac remains the most popular starting village.
The Tour du Queyras is therefore an emblematic alpine tour. Accessible, spectacular and authentic, it crosses a massif that has remained unchanged for decades. Between silent passes, crystal-clear lakes, mountain villages and peaks over 3,000 m, it’s an experience you should have at least once in your hiking life.
📍Location: GR 58 or Tour du Queyras
🗺️ Route: 130 km loop to be completed in several stages – departure from Ceillac or any other village on the loop.
⚠️ Difficulty: Although the trail has no overly technical sections, its overall length makes this a difficult trek.