Maljasset - Ceillac

Return to Queyras by crossing the Col Girardin via a path that starts off quite steep but then levels out before ending with large hairpin bends that finish at the pass. This is followed by a long descent past the lakes, which reflect the famous Font Sancte, the highest point in Queyras.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Horse riding in Queyras and Ubaye

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.07 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 55 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 856 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,121 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,699 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,630 m

Description of the walk

(S) From the lodge, walk up to the road through Maljasset, then take the pale yellow marked trail on the right and begin the ascent to the pass through the mountain pastures. After a steep climb, you will reach theGR®5crossroads.

(1) Turn right onto the red and white markedGR® trail, cross the beautiful mountain pasture before reaching the last hairpin bends that lead to Col Girardin.

(2) Begin the descent via a series of good hairpin bends to reach Lac Sainte-Anne and the chapel overlooking it.

(3) Continue straight ahead on theGR®. At the ski lift pylons, continue on theGR® and leave the yellow-marked trail on your left. Cross the ski slope, continue through the forest and arrive at Lac Miroir.

(4) Continue along the lake on your left. Cross the Ruisseau de la Pisse stream via the footbridge and stay on the trail (see Practical Information for details of the route). Take the last hairpin bends to reach the Mélezet car park.

(5) Continue north-west along the left bank of the Torrent du Mélezet to reach the footbridge at the campsite.

(6) Leave the footbridge on your right and continue on the GR®. Reach the footbridge opposite the village of Ceillac. Cross it and cross the road to reach the Lodge des Baladins (E) opposite.

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,896 m - Lodge de la Cure - Refuge de Maljasset
  2. 1 : km 1.46 - alt. 2,371 m - GR5 crossroads
  3. 2 : km 3.08 - alt. 2,687 m - Col Girardin
  4. 3 : km 4.69 - alt. 2,413 m - Lac Sainte-Anne
  5. 4 : km 7.02 - alt. 2,214 m - Lac Miroir
  6. 5 : km 9.65 - alt. 1,699 m - Mélezet car park
  7. 6 : km 10.87 - alt. 1,651 m - Campsite footbridge
  8. E : km 12.07 - alt. 1,633 m - Lodge des Baladins

Notes

(Between 4 and 5) The route on the IGN map and the actual route are different. The Queyras Regional Park and the municipality of Ceillac have re-routed the trail to prevent erosion caused by the large number of hikers using it. The old trail was too close to the streams feeding the Pisse torrent. This new, particularly wide trail makes for a much easier walk.

Worth a visit

(4 and 5) When the lakes are completely calm, the reflection of Font Sancte in their waters is splendid.
(E) See the many photos in the streets of Ceillac, which give an idea of these magnificent summer and winter landscapes.
(E) Note the church and its typical bell tower in the village.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.