Tour of the Queyras The GR58 and GR541 in the French Alps

The Queyras is a dramatic, unspoilt region of the French Alps, between the Durance Valley and the Italian border, in the shadow of the mighty Monte Viso. Sheltered to the west by the high peaks of the Ecrins, it is one of the sunniest areas of the Alps, a mass of alpine flowers early in the season. The absence of glaciers makes ideal hillwalking country, with several high mountain summits accessible to the ordinary walker and scrambler; one of France's best kept secrets! The Tour of the Queyras offers high-level, but generally moderate-grade mountain walking, along the GR 58 and GR 541 trails. In all, twenty-four cols above 2000m are crossed, with options to climb up to seventeen summits of varying difficulty, five of which are above the magic 3000m altitude. The route is described in twelve stages, with an optional one-day excursion - suitable for a two-week mountain walking holiday. It includes details of facilities en route, including a baggage transfer service and accommodation in gites and refuges, allowing easy booking. Several alternative routes and excursions are described, allowing for flexibility. It is ideal as a first-time alpine walking tour, but with more challenging alternatives suitable for the experienced.

Alan Castle has trekked and cycled in over 30 countries and five continents and for many years led organized walking holidays in Europe. He has written more than a dozen guidebooks for Cicerone, several on long-distance mountain routes in France and has been exploring the French Massif Central for over 20 years.