Discover Guillestre

Guillestre between the Old Town and Queyras

Guillestre lies at the gateway to the Parc naturel régional du Queyras. At the same time, the Site patrimonial remarquable in the Centre-bourg sector includes the old town and its immediate surroundings. This makes it possible to explore Guillestre according to the interests that matter to you during your stay.

History and townscape

Notre-Dame d’Aquilon was consecrated in 1532 and built on the site of a Romanesque church. The Tour d’Eygliers is the only surviving one of Guillestre’s ten 14th-century fortification towers. Both buildings offer a concrete glimpse into the town’s history: the church represents an older sacred tradition, while the surviving tower recalls the town’s former fortifications. Guillestre’s streets also showcase the town’s architecture and emblematic pink marble.

At the foot of the Tour d’Eygliers is a small parish garden, suitable for a break or a picnic. From there, you can enjoy views of Place Albert and Notre-Dame d’Aquilon. The garden thus combines a peaceful resting place with views of two local landmarks. If you’d like to include local history and an outdoor break in your plans, you’ll find both at this spot.

VTT loop to the Pain de Sucre

The “Du Guil au Pain de sucre” VTT route starts in Guillestre and forms an 11.6-kilometre loop. It leads from the town’s streets across the Plateau du Simoust to the Guil and on to the Pain de Sucre; along the way, it offers panoramic views across the Guillestrois. The starting point, loop distance and named stops give you a concrete basis for planning the route, without specifying a duration or difficulty level.

The route is freely accessible year-round, weather and snow conditions permitting. Trail conditions and signage may change; check them before setting out. This makes the route a standalone option alongside the town’s sights. Its length and course make the loop easy to understand, while weather and snow remain key factors in whether it is accessible.

Tulip season and nature

A plot in the garden of the Maison de la Nature is dedicated to the Tulipe de Guillestre. This endemic wild tulip is said to be unique in the world and can be viewed in April and May. Around the flowering period, the Maison de la Nature offers guided tours of the tulip garden. Dates vary from year to year and according to when the flowers bloom. If you choose this nature experience for your stay, plan around the seasonal flowering period and check the specific tour dates.

Market and agricultural fair

The Marché de Guillestre is a food and crafts market held at Place du Portail. Local and Italian producers are represented there year-round. The market takes place on Mondays from 08:00 to 13:00. This makes it easy to fit the weekly market into your travel plans; check the schedule before setting out. Its food and crafts offer adds a distinct focus on products from the region and Italy, alongside the old town, historic buildings and nature.

The Foire de la Saint-Luc is another of Guillestre’s event highlights. It is a traditional agricultural fair in the Hautes-Alpes, combining an agricultural market with fairground attractions, displays of sheep and cattle, and other activities. Its varied features make it more than just a market visit. If you’re considering travelling for the fair, check the event dates and programme, as individual details may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gap, Aiguilles, Ristolas, Saint-Martin-De-Queyrières, Ribiers, Aups, Laye, Orpierre.

For the main travel overview: Hautes-Alpes.