Visiting Eygliers
Eygliers is a village in the Hautes-Alpes department of the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region, located just outside Guillestre. It is a popular base for hikers, as it sits within the Parc naturel régional du Queyras. The village is also known for the nearby military stronghold designed by Vauban.
Historical Heritage
The village has a distinct local character. Its fortified site, Mont-Dauphin, has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2008. It is one of eleven exceptional locations across France designed by the military engineer Vauban. Another site of interest is the église Saint-Antoine, built in the 15th century under the direction of Jean Bayle, the archbishop of Embrun. This late Romanesque structure is listed as a historical monument and features Lombard-style architectural details along with frescoes depicting the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Eygliers also contains numerous chapels, oratories, and historic homes. The local tourism office offers guided tours for those who want a deeper look at the village's historical landmarks.
Family Activities
Locals spend long summer days at the Plan d'eau d'Eygliers. This four-hectare lake is a family favorite for swimming. The surrounding recreation area offers various amenities, including a high-ropes course for kids, horseback riding, and mini-golf. You can also rent kayaks or try other water sports on the lake itself.
The Sentiers des marmottes (Marmot Trail) is a popular path open from spring through early autumn. It is a marked, one-kilometer trail that is easy to navigate, allowing visitors to observe large colonies of marmots in their natural habitat. Children often enjoy hearing the animals whistle and watching them scramble across the slopes.
Outdoor Sports Paradise
You need to enjoy the outdoors to appreciate life in Eygliers. The village occupies a prime location near four national parks and eight regional parks. It is a premier spot for hikers, with endless trails to explore. The climb to col Garnier, for instance, provides sweeping views over the Vallouise valley and the Queyras landscape.
The region is also famous for mountain biking, via ferrata, paragliding, and horseback riding. Cyclists with serious endurance can tackle the legendary mountain passes of the Hautes-Alpes, such as the Izoard, the Lautaret, the Lombarde, or the Galibier. These climbs have become household names thanks to the Criterium du Dauphine and the Tour de France.
When to Go
Plan your trip to Eygliers during the summer months to take full advantage of hiking and outdoor activities. Many hotels and restaurants close for the winter season. Since the village sits at an elevation of over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), expect temperatures to drop significantly from October through May.
Getting There
By car, Eygliers is one hour from Gap, two hours and 40 minutes from Grenoble, and three hours and 40 minutes from Nice. You can also reach the area by train by stopping at the Montdauphin-Guillestre station.
A small village in the Guillestrois area, close to the Parc du Queyras. Several very charming hamlets. Right next to the town of Guillestre, where you will find all the shops, restaurants, etc.