Abries: Nature, Ski Area and Parish Complex

Abries lies at the confluence of the Guil and Bouchet mountain streams and is part of the Queyras Regional Natural Park. An alpine ski area, a bike park and a historic parish complex give the village further distinct attractions.

Location and natural setting

The two mountain streams meet in Abries, providing a precise reference point for the village’s location. Its inclusion in the Queyras Regional Natural Park, by contrast, places Abries in a broader regional context. These details answer different questions as you find your bearings: the confluence identifies a specific feature on the water, while the park affiliation indicates the wider regional setting.

Winter sports and mountain biking

Abries’ alpine ski area has slopes between 1,550 and 2,450 metres in elevation, a vertical drop of 900 metres. The elevation range and the stated vertical drop describe two aspects of the same area: the elevations of the slopes and the difference between the stated heights. The marked La Peynian ski touring route is also associated with Abries.

The bike park lies among larch trees and offers downhill and all-mountain trails with berms and elevated bridges. Here, the focus is on trail types and specific trail features; for the ski area, it is on elevation figures. When comparing these activity profiles, consider whether you are more interested in elevation or in the types of trails described.

There is also a children’s park at the foot of the slopes. “Initiation Mini Rider” is a mountain biking activity for young people that starts in Abries and follows the Guil. These details have different focuses: the children’s park is located at the ski area, while Mini Rider specifies a target group, a starting point and a route.

The Guil thus features in two different contexts: as one of the mountain streams at the confluence and as a reference point along the Mini Rider activity route.

Parish complex and church architecture

Abries’ parish complex comprises the parish church of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul, the Chapel of the Pénitents and the parish grounds enclosed by a boundary wall. By decree of 7 February 2014, the complex was listed as a historic monument. The listing therefore applies to the entire group, not just the church building.

The church preserves medieval elements, including its bell tower and its column-bearing lions. The term “column-bearing” describes lions that support a column. Other features include a 16th-century portal, a wooden dome and a painted vault in the choir. The dates refer to the respective elements: the medieval designation applies to the bell tower and lions, while the 16th century refers to the portal. This helps place the church’s architectural features within the larger parish complex.

If you are considering Abries as a hotel destination, first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: are you mainly interested in outdoor activities, or in the parish complex and church architecture?

Discover more destinations: Réallon, Le Monêtier-Les-Bains, Prunières, Furmeyer, Puy-Saint-André, Villar-Saint-Pancrace, La Bâtie-Neuve, Ribeyret.

For the regional travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.