Intermediate one-day hikes

Outside the gîte, you'll cross the road, then the bridge. The trail starts just below the cross. You'll find yourself on the Tour de la Dent du Ratier GRP, a regional hiking trail. The path is fairly steep and follows the Rifu du Rouart. You'll cross the torrent and continue to the small Clos lakes. Then you'll reach the Saint Simon chapel. Cross the larch forest to the Prés Fromage pass. You may want to continue to the Bucher summit (maximum 1/2 hour there and back) to enjoy a 360° view over the Queyras valleys. The descent is via the Prés Fromage pass and Saint Simon woods. You'll head for Molines via the Clot Henri cabins. Finally, you'll follow the Aigle Blanche torrent along the cross-country skiing trail to La Chalp.

On leaving the gîte, go right to cross La Chalp hamlet. Continue through the larch forest above the hamlet. As you leave the woods, you'll find yourself amid pastureland on a balcony trail. At the oratory, turn right onto Route des Amoureux which takes you to Saint Véran. Cross Saint Véran and take the GR58 trail leading through the hamlet of Le Raux. Next, cross the Aigue Blanche torrent on the Moulin bridge and follow the river as far as La Chalp.

From LE RIOU VERT, head for the Fromage pass. After climbing through the forest you'll reach a footbridge from which you'll walk down to MONTBARDON where you'll find a cheese restaurant. Remember to book ahead, or you can purchase your picnic. Take the same route back, stopping on the way to see the Fontaine de l'Oules, a natural marvel made up of water pools, then walk back up to the footbridge to rejoin the path to BRAMOUSSE and LE RIOU VERT.

A lovely loop itinerary including one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Queyras