Queyras

Queyras is a high mountain valley and massif in the southern French Alps, located in southeastern France near the Italian border. The area is known for its preserved alpine villages and traditional stone architecture.

The region is used year-round for outdoor recreation - marked trails and mountain passes attract hikers and mountaineers in summer while groomed cross-country and small-scale ski areas serve winter visitors. Small villages act as bases for alpine activities and local cultural tourism.

Historically the valley’s relative isolation preserved local building styles and rural ways of life; more recently the area has been managed for both conservation and tourism. The valley and surrounding peaks form the core of a regional natural park aimed at protecting landscapes and local heritage.

Queyras lies in the southern French Alps within the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur administrative region, close to the Italian border and within the Hautes-Alpes area of southeastern France.

• Recreation and character: Contains high-altitude villages and preserved traditional alpine architecture, and serves as a base for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter.

What to See #

• Parc naturel régional du Queyras: A protected regional park covering the valley and its traditional high-altitude villages, trails and mountain landscapes.
• Saint-Véran: One of the highest inhabited villages in Europe, located at about 2,042 metres and noted for preserved stone architecture and access to high mountain trails.