Pic de Bramousse

One of the Queyras Regional Park's most accessible and enjoyable walks.

TOTAL DISTANCE: 11.8km
APPROXIMATE TIME: 3hrs 15mins

START: Ceillac
FINISH: Ceillac

This walk takes place in the heart of the Queyras regional park, beginning at the little, picturesque village of Ceillac, which is a good starting point for many walks in the Queyras. Pic de Bramousse, with its observatory perched precariously on top, lies to the north-west of Ceillac. This walk not only takes in the peak, but also two mountain passes: the fantastically named Col de Fromage, as well as the beautiful Col de Bramousse. 

Park at the north west of Ceillac, and walk north along the roads until you find the track running northward parallel – but up the valley from – the Christillan river. This wide track snakes up the contour of the hillside; follow it until you come to the small hamlet of le Villard.


View this route in a Larger Map


At le Villard, you will come across a set of signposts pointing up the hillside. The first takes you to the Col de Bramousse; continue along the track until you come to the path signposted as the way to the Col de Fromage (Col of Cheese).

This path winds steeply up the hillside, in and out of wooded areas, and the view of the valley and mountains begin to open up in the gaps in the trees. Continue up this path – you don't really have an alternative – until you come to the lovely pastures of the Col de Fromage itself.

From the Col, you gain views of both the northern Queyras' mountains and the remainder of those surrounding Ceillac. You can also see the Pic de Bramousse towering to the south of you. Don't worry, you don't have to ascend up the path which appears alarmingly close to the edge of the peak's western cliffs.

A view of the Queyras mountains from the Observatoire

No – instead, walk towards the mountain, then find the path which goes around the hill. This path sweeps in a zigzag along the side of the hill, in stark contrast to the steep ascent of the path on the edge of the peak. This does not mean to amble aimlessly, however, as the path is narrow and the hillside steep; concentration is needed at all times.

It is worth it though, as the view from the top (either the one indicated by the cairn or the Observatoire on the subsidiary peak) is breathtaking. Not only are you awarded with extensive views of the Queyras national park to the north , west and south, but also on a clear day you can see the towering snowcapped peaks of the Ecrins national park: Pelvoux, Barre des Ecrins and Ailefroid are the main attractions.

From the Observatoire looking towards the main peak. The Ecrins snowcapped mountains of Barre des Ecrins and Pelvoux can be seen in the distance.

To descend the peak, go back along the last of the zigzags you encountered and take the path which carries straight along the east side of the peak, towards the south. Follow this path all the way to the other col, the Col de Bramousse. This is a lovely, slightly wooded yet open Col with great views.

Decsend the path down towards the forest below; if you have any problems follow the red and white horizontal markers. After this, follow the zigzag path (for a long time) through the forest, and eventually you will find yourself at the north east point of Ceillac, follow roads along the periphery of the town to find your way back to the north west of the town.

One of the Queyras' many hidden gems, the Pic de Bramousse is a varied walk with amazing views in both the foreground and the distance. If you venture into the Queyras, make sure to put this on your list.