A change of scenery for this immersion in one of the best preserved Piedmontese valleys: the Val Maira.
The Val Maïra, a very wild valley inhabited by only a few hundred inhabitants, is located in the south of Piedmont, between France to the west and the Po Valley, only 45 km long and bordered by two massive mountain ranges.
Also called the Occitane pearl, the Val Maira offers a panoply of hikes, in green alpine pastures, on the edge of lakes or on a ridge with stunning panoramas. Starting from a comfortable Locanda*** (hostel), you will enjoy an incomparable welcome under the generous sun of the Southern Alps. To top off your week, a hike to a mountain hut makes you appreciate the lively life of the alpine pastures where cheese making remains an important activity.
Dates | Status | Prices | |
---|---|---|---|
From 24/09/23 to 29/09/23 |
Open departure | 930 € | Book online |
From 01/10/23 to 06/10/23 |
Open departure | 820 € | Book online |
From 08/10/23 to 13/10/23 |
Open departure | 820 € | Book online |
From 15/10/23 to 20/10/23 |
Open departure | 820 € | Book online |
From 22/10/23 to 27/10/23 |
Open departure | 820 € | Book online |
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Single room option at extra charge: 280€ / person for the stay
The price includes:
The price does not include:
The price is all inclusive from departure to end point.
Personalised tour available
Contact us !GUILLESTRE - LARCHE PASS - VAL MAIRA
Welcome in the morning at 9 am at the SNCF station of Guillestre - Montdauphin.
Transfer to the Franco-Italian border (1 hour) at the Larche pass. We set off to discover the Val Maira by one of the most beautiful border passes: the Ruburent pass at 2,502 m. By a beautiful green valley, we reach the Oronaye lake which stretches into the bottom of this valley. From the pass, we will go down picnic at the edge of Lake Roburent... we are already in Italy! Back to the Col de Larche by the same way.
Night and dinner in auberge
5h walk. Altitude difference: +550m -550m
BELLINO PASS - ROCCA PROVENCALE
Departing from Chiappera, we will go up to the bottom of the Maurin valley to reach the magnificent Bellino pass and its remarkable alpine sheepfolds. For the return, descent on Chiapperra by going around the most remarkable rock of the valley: the Rocca Provençale. Back to the accommodation.
Night and dinner in hostel
5 hours walk. Altitude difference: +800m -800m
HAMLET OF SAN MICHEL - ALPINE PASTURE AND PASS OF CHIOSSO VALLON D'ELVA
After a transfer to the hamlet of San Michele where we discover the admirable murals on the facades of the church, we reach the alpIine pasture of Chiotti then Il sentiero Passetti which proudly dominates the magnificent valleys of Elva. Magnificent panoramic view of the Po Valley and the mythical peaks like the Viso, Monte Camoscere... Descent into the magnificent Elva circus.
Night and dinner in hostel.
5 hours walk. Altitude difference: +750m -750m
5 LAKES LOOP
Beautiful and great hiking for this day rich in high lakes and heritage of the Second World War. Transfer to the Maira springs to reach Lake Visaisa nestled in an impressive mineral circus dominated by Monte Arpet. Depending on the level of the group, we can finish this day by the second remarkable lake: the Apsoi lake. A nice alpine crossing will take us in the nearby valley of Sautron and end your day by an old military road to the source of the Maira.
Night and dinner in hostel.
6.5 hours walk. Altitude difference: +950m -950m
LAGO NERO LAKE
We change valley with this hike to reach the small hamlet of Preit. Black Lake is one of the jewels of Val Maira. It is a beautiful glacial lake with turquoise reflections, surrounded by blueberries, larches and rhododendrons. Lying at the edge of the lake you admire the magnificent panorama that offers you... It is also an opportunity to discover the typical architecture of the canton of Canosio.
Night and dinner in hostel.
5.30 hours walk. Altitude difference: +800m -800m
MACRA - WALKS OF CYCLAMENS
On your way back, we offer you an easy route to one of the villages bordering the Maira: Macra. In this village at 875m altitude, the vines were cultivated abundantly on its sunny hillsides and produced a sparkling white wine appreciated in the valley. It is on these same hillsides that we propose this relaxing walk in the form of a botanical trail. The Chapel of Saint Pierre and the beautiful viewpoints along this route, round off your stay in Val Maira.
Transfer to Montdauphin station at 6pm.
3.30 hours walk. Altitude difference: +350m -350m
Altitude of accommodation: 1500 m
Stage duration: 4-6 hours per day
Average elevation: 700 m per day
Maximum altitude difference: 1000 m
Maximum crossing altitude: 2,800 m
Nature of the terrain: on trails and varied easy medium mountain terrain. You only carry your business for the day.
This stay requires a good general form.
Your physical preparation will facilitate your stay and allow you to enjoy it all the more. To prepare, we recommend regular walking, jogging, cycling or any other sport.
Number of participants between 5 and 12 people supervised by a qualified professional (mountain guide).
Auberge*** (locanda), offering a warm and family atmosphere and a restaurant with local specialities. Accommodation in a mixed room of 2 people, exceptionally you can be brought to share a room with 3 beds. Possibility to be accommodated in single room with supplement of 280€ for the week.
Breakfasts and dinners are taken at the hostel.
For lunch, your guide will prepare your picnics, usually consisting of a salad and regional products.
We do our best to take into account special diets (gluten-free, vegetarian etc.). However, we encourage you to include some complementary products for your own picnics.
The reception is at 9:00 am at the SNCF station of Montdauphin-Guillestre, where you find your accompganteur and the rest of the group. Be ready, in hiking outfit, flask or thermos full(e).
BY TRAIN
Montdauphin-Guillestre station, line of Briançon (Hautes-Alpes).
From PARIS:
- One way: night train Paris/Montdauphin-Guillestre or day train TGV via Valence or Grenoble.
- Return: night train Montdauphin/Paris or day train Montdauphin/Valence or Grenoble then TGV Valence or Grenoble/Paris.
The stay is planned so that you can take the day train from Guillestre Montdauphin station to Paris.
BY CAR
From Grenoble, 2 routes are possible to reach Montdauphin-Guillestre:
- Via Gap
- Via the Col du Lautaret and Briançon.
In order to plan your trip, we advise you to inquire about your route at the various sites: www.viamichelin.fr and www.mappy.fr
End of the stay on Friday around 18:00 at the station of Montdauphin-Guillestre.
If you are late please let us know as soon as possible : +33 (0)4 50 79 09 16 or +33 (0)6 42 49 76 07
Clothing
Other Equipment
Bring a comfortable backpack of 30 to 40 litres for your personal belongings for the day (warm clothes, waterproofs, water, plate and cutlery for your picnic, sunscreen and your identity papers) and please keep a little room to carry a picnic and snacks.