Ceillac – Saint-Véran

(S) From the Baladins Lodge, head up to the centre of the village of Ceillac. Cross the village and take the^GR® 58 along a forest track until you reach a junction with a path branching off to the left.

(1) Take the path on the left, staying on the^GR®, which climbs gradually until it reaches a forest track. Follow this track, passing above the hamlet of Le Villard. Leave the^{GR®5–GR® 58}variant, which leads to the Col Fromage, on your left.

(2) Continue along the wide forest track to Le Tioure and carry on along a footpath. Pass a signpost indicating the^GR®58Philippe Lamour at a further junction.

(3) Take the^GR® to the left, then left again at the next junction. Here, begin the ascent of the Col des Estronques, first through woodland and then entirely across mountain pastures. You’ll emerge at the junction with the path coming from the Col Fromage. Continue to the right on the^GR® to reach the Col des Estronques.

(4) Turn right to reach the Tête de Jacquette via a ridge path. At the summit, there is a magnificent view of the highest peaks in the Queyras. To enjoy this panorama from even higher up, you must reach the Tête de la Jacquette. Take in the superb panoramic view here.

(5) Return via the same route to the Col des Estronques.

(4) Turn right onto the^GR® for the long descent towards the Saint-Véran valley. After passing through a slate-covered area, walk through a magnificent larch wood. Pass beneath the Cabane du Puy and, further on, reach the ford at the Torrent de Curlet.

(6) Cross the torrent, with a beautiful waterfall on your right. Continue to the bottom of the valley at the Pont du Moulin.

(7) Cross the bridge to tackle the day’s final climb, reaching the Gabelous lodge (E) in the centre of Saint-Véran – today’s destination. The final climb up to the village really takes its toll after this first day.

Note regarding the start: having arrived in Ceillac the day before, we didn’t camp on that first night but stayed at the Gîte des Baladins, where it’s easy to leave your car for the duration of the route. The welcome is extremely warm. The food and accommodation are of a high standard.
There are plenty of water sources throughout this stage.
Binoculars and a camera are essential. Don’t forget that this 9-day route is a mountain trek, which requires a good level of fitness and suitable kit, even in summer. The weather can change very quickly, as can temperature fluctuations.

(2) Le Villard: destroyed in January 1978 by an avalanche, along with the villages of Tioure, Rabinoux and Chalmette. Most of the houses in Le Villard have been restored.
(5) La Tête de Jacquette: a 360° panorama offering views of the Pics de la Font Sancte, the Aiguille de Chambeyron, the Bric de Rubren and the Peouvou; to the north, you can see the Grand Glaiza and the Rochebrune.
(E) As wild camping is prohibited in the commune of Saint-Véran, we chose the Gîte des Gabelous.