Sundials and fountains at the start of the walk in Molines-en-Queyras

Park in the herringbone-style car park on the D5 towards Saint-Véran, situated just after the junction with the D205 leading to the Col Agnel.

(S/E) Head back towards the bridge over the Aigue Agnelle, cross it and immediately turn right onto the uphill lane. Then cross the D205 and join the Route de Gaudissart. Reach this hamlet and then pass under the footbridge connecting the two houses of the Gaudissart lodge.

(1) Turn right into the street mentioned, which is a dead end. At the end of this street, you’ll reach the Canal de Pierre Dimanche.

(2) Turn right onto it and continue along the path; unfortunately, the canal has disappeared. After a pleasant walk on level ground, you’ll reach the junction with the^{GRP® trail} to the Dent de Ratier.

(3) Take this path opposite and follow the red and yellow markings to enter the hamlet of Pierre Grosse. Stay on the tarmac road and, at the chapel, join the D205.

(4) Be careful here: follow this narrow road for about a hundred metres; it is very busy in summer. Turn right off it and, after a short descent, you’ll reach the Pont de Chanterane.

(5) Cross the bridge and turn left at the other end. Continue along the wide track, then turn right onto the ascending track to join the Bois de la Salce forest track. Turn left onto this track and follow it past the picnic areas; after a short descent, you’ll reach the Pont de Peyre Bartino.

(6) Cross the Aigue Agnelle and follow the bridge; after a short climb, you’ll reach the hamlet of Fontgillarde.

(7) Retrace your steps along the same route as on the way there to return to the^GRP® junction^.

(3) Keep left onto the^GRP®; you’ll soon reach the D205. Take great care when crossing to the right and^, about a hundred metres further on^, you’ll rejoin the GRP® path^. Turn left onto it, then walk through the village of Molines-en-Queyras to return to the staggered car park (S/E).

Between (5) and (6), there are small rest areas equipped with tables, amongst other things.

A few particularly interesting sundials:
(1) Molines-en-Queyras, with the sundial known as the ‘magic square’
(2) Gaudissart, with the sundial bearing Galileo’s famous quote, as well as another, more discreet one whose prophetic motto is none other than: ‘The Earth Is Not Infinite – Let Us Manage Our Energy’
The two hamlets of Pierre Grosse and Fontgillarde still preserve a few truly remarkable half-timbered houses.
On this walk, there will be plenty of water available from the numerous and original fountains you’ll come across along the route.