A challenging route, at the pace of the mountain, to reconnect with what is essential.
A protected mountain range in the Southern Alps, the Queyras captivates with its rugged landscapes, its tranquility, and its valleys seemingly suspended in time. For those seeking complete immersion in nature, far from the hustle and bustle and marked infrastructure, a self-guided trek is a unique experience.
Last July, we chose to hike through the Queyras region, completely self-sufficient. Four days of walking, camping, and contemplation, with only one luxury: freedom. This is the story of an adventure where performance rhymes with simplicity, and where every step is taken mindfully.
Day 1 — Ceillac > Col Fromage > Saint-Véran
The departure is early in the morning from Ceillac. The pack is lightened to the essentials: technical clothing, stove, water filter, compact tent. After a gradual climb, we reach the Col Fromage pass, offering a breathtaking view of the Font Sancte spring. Then, a descent towards Saint-Véran , the highest village in Europe, bathed in brilliant high-altitude sunshine.
The first bivouac will be set up further along, away from the trails, on a secluded plateau. No trace left behind, no fire. Just the sound of streams and marmots.
Day 2 — Saint-Véran > Refuge de la Blanche > Bivouac
We set off again towards the Refuge de la Blanche . The slopes rise, the vegetation thins out. This is where the alpine atmosphere begins: mineral, raw, silent. In the afternoon, we pass Lac de la Blanche , then leave the trails to set up camp at 2,400 meters, facing Italy.
Temperatures are dropping, but technical gear (breathable fleece, lightweight down jacket, over-trousers) keeps you comfortable. That evening, there's no cell service. Just the sky ablaze and the cold settling in.
Day 3 — Col de Chamoussière > Lac Egorgéou > Souliers
We rose at first light. After a challenging climb over the Chamoussière pass , we began a descent along a balcony trail to Lake Egorgéou . The route became wilder and more solitary. We stopped for a water filtering break, had a freeze-dried lunch, and then arrived in the late afternoon near the hamlet of Souliers.
We set up camp for the night in the forest. We hang our provisions up high to avoid nighttime raids. The wind picks up, but the tent holds. The simple yet technical equipment lives up to its promises.
Day 4 — Peynin Ridges > Return to Ceillac
Last day. Legs are heavy, but the desire remains. We climb to the Peynin ridges , offering a panoramic view over the entire Queyras region. The path back to Ceillac crosses alpine pastures, then spruce forests. A final picnic, shoes dusty, still breathless.
The return to civilization is silent. What we took with us is minimal. What we bring back is essential.
Experiencing adventure consciously
This crossing was an opportunity to apply our convictions: to leave as few traces as possible , to prioritize simplicity, to optimize our equipment, and to reconnect with what the mountain has to offer in its deepest form.
- Pack technical, lightweight and durable clothing
- Filter the water on site to avoid plastic bottles.
- Plan simple, vegetarian, and minimally processed meals.
- Respect the wildlife, the flora, the inhabitants and the local rules
Every action, every choice counts. And the satisfaction of travelling differently is immense.
Conclusion
Self-supported hiking is a school of humility and freedom. It teaches us to slow down, to listen, to adapt. It reminds us that the equipment we choose is much more than a tool: it's a commitment.
At Palmow, we design technical clothing specifically for this type of adventure: functional, understated, and durable . Discover our collection to accompany you on your own journeys—whether they last four days or a lifetime.
