Prazzo walks

On this fourth day, you will continue along the left bank of the Maira. At Punta Culour, the highest point on this bank, a magnificent view to the west over the peaks on the border with France awaits you. You will then descend back down to the Maira river at Acceglio to cross over to the other bank. You will climb up the Unerzio valley to reach Chialvetta.

Before setting off on this third stage, take a moment to admire Monte Chersogno in the distance, which rises to over 3,000 metres. You’ll pass through more charming little villages in Chiosso before tackling the pleasant climb up Colle San Michele. After a long descent, you’ll pass through two more hamlets: Cesani and Castiglione. In Ussolo, you’ll be in for another culinary treat at the Locanda La Carlina. The vegetables come from the small vegetable patch adjoining the typically Occitan building.

The village of Macra is ideally situated to start this route. A car park on the outskirts of the village, the Maira stream which is truly at the heart of these seven stages, and small, well-kept hamlets to help you get into the spirit of Occitania. Along the way, you’ll see votive pillars, religious frescoes on the façades of some houses and numerous chapels. At the end of the route, the hamlet of Ruata Valle is entirely dedicated to the Locanda Codirosso.

This 7-stage route takes place in Val Maira, one of the four valleys of Occitan Piedmont. This mountainous valley, devoid of ski resorts, has successfully showcased its cultural heritage. Numerous stone hamlets with slate-roofed houses have been restored. In these valleys, every effort is made to give hikers a warm welcome. Since 1992, a very well-signposted route has offered a wide choice of stopover lodges where Occitan cuisine is served.

A lovely stage featuring a beautiful climb to the Stroppia Waterfall and the Lac des Neuf Couleurs.

Last stage of this trek around Chambeyron mountain range, taking you back to France through Col de Sautron. You'll find yourself in superb wildlife setting when arriving at the pass.

This route largely followsGRP®® markings (Tour du Chambeyron). A safe option, yet still spectacular.Spectacular, because the route constantly alternates between stark, steep and rocky terrain and lush, rolling and reassuring landscapes.Safe, because it is fully signposted and even offers alternative routes to avoid the most difficult sections in the event of bad weather.

A very long day criss-crossing the border. But what breathtaking scenery! And you won’t be bothered by the neighbours... there’s little chance of coming across other two-legged creatures. But perhaps some ibex, vultures, including (apparently) a pair of bearded vultures.

One of the most beautiful lakes in Haute-Ubaye. An easy hike with a slightly steep start, but it can be shortened if necessary.

A magnificent and very varied hike, offering superb panoramic views of numerous peaks and lakes. Numerous military remains bear witness to the strategic importance of this summit (bunkers, shelters, tunnels, cable car with the wheel still in place). The return route, equipped with chains and handrails on a fairly short section, then follows a splendid balcony path in a dolomitic landscape. This is an aerial route, so you must not be prone to vertigo.

This is a pleasant hike, starting off easy and leading to Lac du Lauzanier. Hikers will encounter many marmots, lakes and waterfalls, ending with a beautiful view from Pas de la Cavale.

A beautiful family hike with the chance to see marmots just a few metres from the path (from the start and also at the lake).

If you’re heading to Col de Larche to see the classic lakes of Lauzanier and Oronaye, stop off at Larche; this quiet village offers numerous opportunities for circular walks, including this one which will take you up to the heights of Tête Dure, aptly named, after a moderately challenging walk through the varied landscapes of the Rouchouse valley.

Route starting from Larche for lovers of flora and fauna.

The most demanding stage of the hike during which you'll go through at least 4 passes at over 2700 metres in altitude. Beautiful scenery all along the way! The "Lacs Marinet" offer the opportunity for refreshments before the final descent.

A climb to the highest point of this hike around the Chambeyron mountain range, at over 3000 metres in altitude. A summit offering an unobstructed view over Queyras and the neighbouring mountain ranges. A downhill route allowing a well-deserved rest by a lake.

On thissecond day of the Tour of Mount Aiga from the Ferrere Refuge, you will pass through Plan de Belvédère, where there is a tin shelter overlooking the Rio Forneris valley and a fountain. You will also pass below Lake Emma, Monte Peiron at 2,796 m and Pointe Testa di Garbe at 2,749 m, to arrive, after a few hairpin bends, at Col de Fer at 2,584 m. You will then head towards Small Pass of Tortisse and the Vens Refuge, the end of this stage.

Circular hike from the beautiful village of Sambuco in the Valle Stura, Provence of Cuneo. The high point is Monte Bersaio directly above the village. The majority of the walk is through high alpine meadows. If done in late June or early July there will be a profusion of wildflowers and the final meadows, just below the summit of Monte Bersaio, are full of Edelweiss.

This Italian stage of the Mont Viso circuit presents no particular difficulties. You will discover its wild high valleys dotted with high-altitude lakes. You will cross a few scree slopes before reaching the Sella Quintino Refuge, near Lake Mont Viso.

This stage involves a pass with neves and crossing Refuge du Viso high berm then Guil valley.

Beautiful stage, green at first, covered by neve at the pass then very floral in Guil Valley.

This is a pleasant route through a magnificent summer valley to one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Mont Viso, where you will be captivated by the unfailing beauty of the surrounding peaks.

Italian stage through wild upper valleys and rocky wasteland, scattered by beautiful mountain lakes, consistantlyaround Monte Viso.

This stage gives you a frontline view over Monte Viso on one side and Pô prairie (plaine du Pô) on the other. Then a climb through Vallanta's small green valley.

This short stage of the Mont Viso circuit is completely straightforward. To make the day more enjoyable, 500 m from the starting point, you can turn right for a return trip to the summit of Viso Mozzo at 3,019 m, offering a stunning view of the Po Valley, which has its source at Pian del Re, the end point of this stage

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.

Quite a long stage but a steady route. A climb up to Col de Mary then a long downhill hike all the way to the shelter, in Chiaperra, Italy.

The passage between the two departments of Alpes de Haute Provence and Hautes Alpes is via the famousGR®5, which supports theGRP® of the Tour de la Font Sancte on this section.

A superb walk offering views of the four Marinet lakes and at least two of the Roure lakes. The hike is long but not difficult; you’ll need a bit of a sense of direction to find the access to the upper Marinet lakes and to walk around the Roure lakes, but it’s child’s play. We regretted not having taken the time to explore the whole area and see all the lakes of Roure.

A beautiful hike towards Lac de Longet and its eponymous pass. TheGRP® "Petit tour du Bric de Rubren" will take you to the pass and its many lakes, following the Ubaye river.

If you park at the Maljasset car park, this is the first peak you’ll come across! Very few people climb it. From the pass and its summit, there is a magnificent view of the hikes available in the area.

This is a beautiful circular of just under 30 km, crossing the Ubaye several times and taking hikers to one of the highest peaks in the Ubaye at 3,340 m. The view from the top is magnificent and stretches far into the distance. At the foot of the Bric is the high-altitude lake of Mongioia at 3,080 m. Return to the starting point via the Pas de Salsa and Lac du Loup.

On the agenda: flowers, marmots, mountain lakes (those of Marinet), waterfalls, streams and rivers, snow and two passes (Marinet and Mary). There are some beautiful patches of snow on the trail leading from the last Marinet lake and the nearby bivouac to the Marinet pass (2,800 m) and then to the Mary pass. There are views of Italy from the trail between the two passes. There are quite a few marmots in the Mary valley, which can be seen in the early morning and late afternoon.

From La Barge, this walk offers a lovely climb up to the Col Girardin, with marmots and incredible views. A short descent allows you to enjoy a lunch break above Lac Sainte-Anne. Then a climb back up to the pass to reach the Tête de Girardin, which offers a magnificent panorama of both valleys.

Summit at 3,000 metres via the pretty valley and the Col des Houerts, with Lac Vert and Lac Bleu as a bonus.

This route takes you on a circular hike up Mont Ténibre on the Italian side, starting from the Alfredo Talarico Refuge. The route passes by the Ervedo Zanotti Refuge and Lake Mongioie. The final 500 metres, between the Pas de Ténibre and the summit, are within the Mercantour National Park.

Discover two superb lakes nestled in the valley formed by the rocks of La Blanche and the ridges of Montagne de Rocca Bianca, which mark the French-Italian border.

Here, the names change from white to black with great dexterity. Indeed, the passage from Queyras, Refuge de la Blanche, to Ubaye is via the Col de la Noire. Original, isn't it?

This lovely, short and easy route offers a touch of adventure: it involves crossing a stream over a few tree trunks forming a makeshift footbridge, then wading across another one with your shoes off – a refreshing experience guaranteed.

This hike starts at the beautiful Lac des Sagnes and ends at Lac de Pelouse, passing through woods (full of raspberries when we were there) and mountain pastures (with flocks of sheep and their canine guardians), where you may be lucky enough to spot lots of chamois.

A French-Italian loop to discover Lake Asti in a very rocky setting. The path to the lake is mostly very stony and requires careful attention.

A border route to tackle the Pic de Caramantran (3,025 m), observe a multitude of 3,000-metre peaks: Mont Viso, Pain de Sucre, Tête des Toillies, and discover three magnificent lakes: Blanchet supérieur, Blanchet inférieur and Blanche.

Nestled at the foot of the Crête de la Taillante and overlooked by the Pain de Sucre, Lac Foréant is located in a very protected environment. Indeed, many animal and plant species have made it their home (marmots, ibex, marsh plants, cottony cotton grass, etc.).

A wild climb to Pic Foréant via equally wild ridges. This is followed by a visit to several lakes, each different in size and charm. All this at the foot of the Pain de Sucre and the Crêtes de la Taillante.

Starting from the Chapelle des Clausis, we will circle a remarkable peak, passing through three mountain passes and making a short detour into Italy. Numerous lakes and the beautiful Refuge de la Blanche.

Fifth stage with the recommended ascent of Pain de Sucre.

Thisthird and final stage of the Tour du Mont Aiga starts from the Refuge de Vens and crosses a balcony below the slopes of the Aiguilles de Tortisse to the north-east of the Lacs de Vens. After passing the Crête de la Côte and descending to the Maisons Forestières de Tortisse, you will walk along a balcony path beneath the slopes of the Tête des Mourres to reach the Morgon plateau and climb back up to Laussets and finally to the Lacs de Morgon. At the large Morgon lake, you will descend eastwards into Salso Moréno to rejoin the path of thefirst stage and Camp des Fourches. It is possible to see chamois early in the morning and, of course, marmots throughout the day.

Set off to climb the Pic de Caramantran, one of the easiest 3,000-metre peaks in the Queyras Regional Nature Park, and enjoy transalpine views of Italy and the Saint-Véran valley from its summit.

A short, challenging hike to a first-class viewpoint on Mont Viso, which, at an altitude of 3,208 metres, offers a magnificent 360° panorama of Italy and the Queyras.

The Pic de Caramantran is an extraordinary destination! This hike takes you on a circular route that also allows you to discover the Col de Saint-Véran. You may see ibex and numerous marmots along the way.

A physically demanding hike starting from the Refuge Agnel, passing a total of five passes and offering views of a dozen lakes in these magnificent areas. It starts in Queyras and returns there after a loop through Haut-Ubaye and Italy. This hike can be completed in two days (refuges, bivouac).

A hike to a 3,000-metre peak, offering magnificent views of Mont Viso, the high peaks of the Ubaye and the Écrins, with the chance to discover some lovely lakes. A route with a few exposed sections, one of which requires you to use your hands.

A relatively short hike that is well suited to a family outing and may be suitable for children who are used to walking. The route follows good paths in a very beautiful setting. Lake Sainte-Anne is superb and, with the peaks dominating its western and southern shores, you can enjoy a beautiful high mountain atmosphere.

A beautiful loop allowing you to visit these different lakes as well as the Tête de Girardin.

A fine hike, not too strenuous, with a pretty lake in a high-mountain landscape. The last part, a little harder, takes you up to 2800m and offers magnificent views. A few marmottes can be seen on the way to the pass.

A beautiful, accessible hike starting from Camp des Fourches. You will cross the Salso Moreno sinkholes to discover the superb lakes of Morgon and Laussets. You are in the Mercantour National Park, where there are regulations to be observed, with fines of up to €1,500 for non-compliance. See practical information.

This hike, starting from Camp des Fourches, will take you through the magnificent Salso Moreno valley, characterised by its many winding streams amid marmot meadows and numerous sinkholes. You will climb to the small Lacs d'Agnel lakes, overlooking this pretty cirque at the foot of the Roubines Nègres. You are in the Mercantour National Park, where there are regulations to be observed, with fines of up to €1,500 for non-compliance. See practical information.

A beautiful climb takes you to a summit at 2,757 metres, from where you can enjoy a 360° panorama of many of the high mountains in the surrounding area. These forts were built at the end of the 19th century to prevent Italian troops from entering the country via the Salso Moreno valley. They were occupied during both World Wars but were never actually used.

Three days of hiking in Haute-Tinée and Alta Val Stura in Italy, starting from Camp des Fourches, with balanced stages and no technical difficulty. This tour will allow you to discover Salso Moréno, the charming village of Ferrere in Italy and the Refuge des Lac de Vens.

This first stage of the Tour du Mont Aiga starts from Camp des Fourches on the Bonette road and, via the Col des Fourches, descends into the large Salso Moreno valley, which you climb back up to the Col de Pouriac. From the Col de Pouriac, you quickly reach Bassa di Colombart and then, after a long descent through the mountain pastures, the charming village of Ferrere. You may encounter flocks of sheep in Salso Moreno and, at night, the wolves that prey on them.

A summit off the beaten track. This is a challenging hike with a significant elevation gain and difficult terrain.

A magnificent hike in the Haute-Tinée offering varied panoramas and one of the most beautiful series of lakes in the Mercantour! The climb from Le Pra is gradual and easy, with the Cime de la Bonnette behind you. You then pass under the strange Aiguilles de Tortisse before arriving at the Col du Fer (view of Mont Viso). After the Collet de Tortisse, you arrive at the arch, where you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the Lacs de Vens and the peaks of the Trou de l'Âne!

In a lush green setting, Lac de Clausis offers a relaxing break with friends or children after a short climb that is accessible to all.

A very pretty hike starting from Ceillac, from the Bois Noirs car park.The trail begins in the heart of a magnificent larch forest, offering shade and coolness. As you progress, you will reach the superb Lac de Clausis, nestled in a wild and peaceful setting. The climb then continues towards the Tête du Rissace (or Longet). The landscape then becomes almost lunar, mineral and grandiose.At the summit, the reward is well worth the effort, with a 360° panorama offering exceptional views of Mont Blanc (in the distance), Pic de Rochebrune and the majestic Barre des Écrins.

The hike is not too difficult and ends at over 3,000 metres. There is a magnificent view from the summit. There are many marmots.

This is a variation on the traditional hikes to the magnificent lakes of Vens. Although the last section on tarmac between Le Pra and the car park at the start is not the most attractive, this circular route takes you through both the Vens and Tortisse valleys, with a more pleasant climb along the torrent and a breathtaking descent from the Col de Fer.

This is a very pretty, easy and enjoyable hike that takes you from green, flower-filled mountains to the arid, rocky landscapes at the end. This hike is not very popular and you may be surprised not to meet anyone for hours. It offers superb views at the end, a few metres below 3,000 metres. The last section feels like you're on the moon! No difficulty to worry about.

This is a wild hike with no directional signs, as is often the case in the Alpes de Haute Provence. No major orientation difficulties. It begins with a long descent towards Lac des Sagnes in an area of summer grazing where sheep are present from the end of June. The presence of guard dogs requires vigilance, even if they are not all naturally aggressive. The climb back up to Lac de Pelouse is first through larch trees, then through alpine meadows. Beyond that, you need to join the rocky trail below the Crête de la Tour with a few exposed and somewhat degraded sections until you reach the Col de Pelouse. The final section is not difficult.

The fourth stage takes you towards the Italian border, offering beautiful views of Mont Viso.

This hike starts in Saint-Véran, follows the Clausis chapel trail, which it leaves to return via a beautiful balcony path along the course of the old Grand Canal. Without any difficulty, it offers superb views of the Saint-Véran valley, the village and the surrounding peaks throughout the route.

Via the Grand Canal, now completely disused, a long crossing opposite the Grande Tête des Toillies, ending at the Refuge de la Blanche and then at the observatory car park.

This is a superb hike, partly unmarked on the IGN map, where you will undoubtedly be the only ones to enjoy the 360° panorama throughout the central part of the hike.The ridge is safe for hikers who are not afraid of heights and are used to the mountains. Hiking boots are recommended.About halfway along the ridge, there is a lovely spot for a snack, with a hollow to shelter from the wind.

From the Curlet cross, there is a superb view of Saint Véran, the highest village in Europe, and the entire upper Queyras, from the Col d'Izoard to the Col Agnel.