Interval passes
Col de Chamoussière (2884 m) to Molines - Saint-Véran
The Col de Chamoussière leads from the Aigue Agnel valley (Molines) to the Aigue Blanche valley (Saint-Véran). It is used when touring Queyras on the GR 58 (see interactive map).
Au col de Chamoussière à Molines-en-Queyras
Col des Estronques (2519 m) to Ceillac - Saint-Véran
La vue au col des Estronques entre Ceillac et Saint-Véran. Dans le bas la vallée de Ceillac.
The easiest way to get from Ceillac to Saint-Véran on foot is to follow the GR 58 over the Col des Estronques. This is a beautiful walk that can be made even more enjoyable by passing over the Col de Bramousse and the Col Fromage if it seems too short.
Col des Prés Fromage (2146 m) to Molines
This pass, which leads from Molines to Ceillac, is both a lush pasture and a superb viewpoint over the whole of the Queyras. It provides access to another viewpoint (orientation table), the Sommet Bûcher (2254 m).
Au col des Prés Fromage (Château-Vile-Vieille), la vue sur les lointains n'a pas son égal.
Col Fromage (2301 m) to Ceillac
Au col Fromage
Before the Guil road was built, communications between Queyras and Guillestre and further afield in the Hautes Alpes were via Molines, the Fromage pass and Ceillac. This is where the Duke of Savoy's men escaped from their siege of Fort Queyras, when Catinat led his soldiers down the Col de Péas. From the pass, you can see the optical post at the top of the Chambrettes ridge.
Col de la Croix du Signal (2364 m) to Ceillac
From Ceillac, steep ascent through the Lourette ravine.
Vue sur Ceillac depuis le col de la Croix du Signal
Col de Bramousse (2251 m) between Ceillac and Guillestre
Col de Bramousse entre Ceillac et Guillestre : vue sur la vallée du Guil. Au fond la crête de Croseras au dessus de Furfande
The Col de Bramousse is well known to followers of the GR 58 - Tour du Queyras who, coming from Ceillac, propose to cross the Guil before climbing to the Furfande chalets.
Pas du Curé (2783 m) between Ceillac... and Ceillac
Starting from Ceillac (1633 m), to get to the Pas du Curé between the Pointe de la Saume and the Font Sancte ridge, you must first go to Lac Miroir. From here, head west through a pretty larch forest and then onto alpine meadow. So far, so good. It's towards the end that things start to go wrong: steep slope, scree, stones rolling underfoot... But the scenery at the pass is worth all the effort. The descent can be made via this left-bank tributary of the Cristillan, which takes you back to the road to Ceillac.
Une belle pelouse vers le Pas du Curé à Ceillac
Col de Furfande (2503 m) to Arvieux
Au col de Furfande à Arvieux
The Col de Furfande is reached by 4X4 from Arvieux via the valley of the same name, or better still on foot from Queyron or Les Escoyères via the GR 58. From the pass you can see the summer pastures, the Pic du Gazon and beyond to the Durance valley and the Hautes Alpes.
Col de Fontouse (2286 m) to Arvieux
The upper part of the Fontouse valley in Arvieux, closed off by the pass of the same name, still bears the traces of the glacier that carved it out. It's a succession of flat areas, ideal playgrounds for children, the lowest and widest of which is occupied by the Fontouse hut. Further down still, the glacial torrent has carved out a narrow valley with steep sides, along which the path winds its way. Enchanting!
Vue depuis le col de Fontouse à Arvieux. Au fond Clot la Cîme
Col de la Crèche (2284 m) at Château-Ville-Vieille
Le col de la Crèche à Château-Ville-Vieille, un magnifique terrain de jeu. Dans le fond on reconnaît les montagnes qui dominent la vallée d'Arvieux avec notamment la Dent de Ratier.
The Col de la Crèche, between the Péas valley and the Guil valley at Château-Ville-Vieille, is a charming destination for a family picnic. The courageous can climb to the Agrenier peak (2793 m). From Meyriès (1700 m), you can follow the dirt track that leads to the Péas sheepfold and from there take the footpath, or follow the GR58 towards Aiguilles and at the oratory take the path up into the forest.
Col Tronchet (2347 m) to Arvieux - Château-Ville-Vieille
The Col Tronchet between Arvieux and Château-Ville-Vieille, on the GR 58, Tour du Queyras, is accessible from the Clot la Plâtrière parking lot in Arvieux, at the foot of Casse Déserte, on the road to the Col d'Izoard. The trail winds its way across the valley, offering lovely views of the Crête des Oules and the Arvieux valley. On the Souliers side (Château-Ville-Vieille), the climb through the forest is steeper.
Vue sur Brunissard (Arvieux) depuis le col Tronchet. L'orage se prépare.
Col Vieux (2806 m) to Molines - Ristolas
Au col Vieux entre Molines-en-Queyras et Ristolas
The Col Vieux leads from the Col Agnel, in the Aigue valley at Molines, to the Bouchouse valley, which descends to Ristolas. It provides access to the Eychassier, Foréant and Egorgéou lakes, and to Lac d'Asti. From the pass, there are magnificent views of the Pain de Sucre, the Crête de la Taillante and many other peaks.