Tour of the Ubaye – Hidden Alps

Tour of Ubaye

Discover our wonderful self-guided walking Tour of the Ubaye, a circular hiking trail through a hidden and unspoilt corner of the French Alps with a small excursion into Italy. This alpine walking trail takes you through wild and picturesque mountain scenery. Starting in the Queyras, this ‘off the beaten track’ itinerary will take you through some magnificent landscapes with beautiful alpine summits, serene mountain lakes and remote and traditional alpine hamlets including Maljessat in France and Chiaperra in Italy. Our trek in the Ubaye takes you up close to the dramatic rocky summits of Font Sancte and Chambeyron over 3400m high. You can decide whether you wish to carry your own gear or have your bags transported for you. Equally on this alpine walking holiday there is the possibility to choose rooms for 2 on 4 of the nights (if available).

Accommodation & Meals

Half board accommodation in gites and refuges (in a mixture of rooms for 2 (if available and chosen) and small dormitories.)

Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps

A couple of days on this walking holiday follow the GR5 (Grande Randonnee) long distance trail which is well way-marked with red and white markings. There are also a lots of signposts along the trail. The walking holiday follows clear paths for the vast majority of the time, although some sections at altitude can be on screes where greater care is required to find your way. The other days follow local trails which are often marked in yellow. Our walking notes are detailed and include information about the Ubaye and the villages which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply detailed walking maps.

Luggage Transfers

On this walking holiday you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodation so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch, water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On one night your luggage will not be available. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15kg.

Travel Info

Transfers between Mont Dauphin – Guillestre train station and the first and last guest houses can be included in the holiday if arriving by train.

By Train

Eurostar and the TGV provide a relaxing journey from London to Lyon Part Dieu via Lille or direct. From Lyon you’ll need to take local train services to the Mont Dauphin – Guillestre station, changing at Grenoble. Some trains go direct to Guillestre from Grenoble, whilst others require a further change. The section between Grenoble and Guillestre takes a minimum of 3hrs. Recommended times if travelling all in one day: Leaving London at 9am arriving in Lyon 3pm. Leaving Lyon at 4pm and arriving at Mont Dauphin at 9pm (times approx). You can also take trains from Lyon to Valence and change at Valence going via Gap.

www.eurostar.com

By Air and rail

Flights from the UK to Lyon St Exupery, then bus (Satobus) or tram to Lyon Part Dieu. Train then as detailed above.

Possibility to fly into other airports such as Marseille and then take the train from Marseille St Charles.

Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements

By Car

Once in France, the journey from Calais to the Queyras takes about 12 hours (excluding long breaks). Tolls amount to about 80 euros each way. Channel crossings are provided by the following companies.

www.poferries.com

DFDS Seaways

www.eurotunnel.com

Parking available at first guest house. Taxi service to take you back to your car at the end of the week

Further Information & Advice

For useful advice about independent walking trips and preparing for your self guided holiday please take a look at the articles in our top-tips section. Once you have booked on this independent walking or trekking holiday, further information about the walking, the region and what to bring, will be sent to you.