Le Balcon du Queyras en gravel

This walk follows the south-facing slope of the Guil valley. It offers sumptuous scenery towards the Font Sancte peak. It could be the perfect hike for a blazing autumn. 1 - Château-Ville-Vieille From Ville-Vielle, via a path accessible to bicycles, I follow the impetuous course of the Guil on its lesser-known left bank. 2- Château-Queyras At Château-Queyras, a small asphalt road on the right leads away. The ascent is demanding and sustained. I'm in a Garden of Eden of spring flowers. 3 - Les Meyries The winding road leads to "Les Meyries (1,700 m)", which has retained all its authenticity. On leaving the village, a carriageway replaces the asphalt road. It leads to the Péas mountain pasture. The winding road has an average gradient of 7.7%. 4 - Balcony path At the top of Les Meyries, as I take the first path on the right, the mountain pastures appear, open and welcoming. Their length takes me right into the heart of the mountain. A glance at the map reveals a series of contour lines, which suggest a beautiful balcony path. Covered in shot, it heads towards "Les Chalvets des Borels (1,823 m)". 5 . A path through the undergrowth I leave the wide path leading to the sheepfold and turn right onto a path descending through the larch trees. It's not difficult, but its narrowness means I have to put my foot down. Further down, I cross a meadow and then an undergrowth. Here I reach a gravel path. All that's left is to let myself be carried away by the long descent to the right. The slope faces due south: the hot, dry summer has killed off the last of the gentians and ranunculus, and the golden grasses seem to glisten in the sun. 6 - Aiguilles I pass the ravine and negotiate some very tight switchbacks. I continue down the slope towards the panorama offered by Aiguilles. 7 - Back to Château-Ville-Vieille Via one of the narrow streets, I reach the center of Aiguilles. I take the main street to the right to reach the route des gorges, which will take me straight back to Château-Ville-Vieille. Water bottles can be refilled at the Meyries fountain. With its moderate altitude, this hike can be enjoyed in low season, autumn or spring.