Isola walks

This is a must-do short hike if you are visiting Isola. Clearly visible from the village, the waterfall is nearly 90 metres high and offers canyoning opportunities for enthusiasts. The path is well marked and properly maintained.

This magnificent French-Italian hike allows you to discover the middle and upper reaches of the Mercantour: pastures, ungulates, lakes and panoramic views. This hike has a significant elevation gain and includes an exposed section between the Pas du Bœuf and the Col de la Guercha: not recommended for anyone who is afraid of heights or unsure-footed in the mountains.

This nineteenth stage continues the long traverse of the Mercantour. From the Refuge de Longon, the path descends the Vallon du Longon diagonally across the slope to the hamlet of Rougios, before following the Fracha forest road and then taking a shortcut to the pretty Provençal village of Roure. Via a stony descent, it cuts across the hairpin bends of the M130 and M30 roads and reaches Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, which it passes through before climbing up to the Chapelle Saint-Roch. Running along the hillside, it crosses the Vallon du Romarinier, passes through the hamlet of Roubinastre, crosses the Ravin de l’Esclosé and arrives at Rimplas. The GR®5 descends gently towards the small pass of Ragias and crosses the Vallon Gros, before climbing back up to the ridge on that side of the slope and then skirting the hamlet of La Bolline. From there, it climbs to the hamlet of La Roche and then ascends the ridge of the Vallon de Bramafam to reach Saint-Dalmas Valdeblore.

Superb hike starting from the Santa Anna di Vinadio Sanctuary in Italy. This 4-hour Lakes circuit can be done clockwise or anti-clockwise. Be sure to read the warnings about snow and equipment to bring with you in the practical information section.

From the Tinée Valley, a challenging round trip to the Italian border and a magnificent viewpoint on the northern slope of Mont Mounier.

A very beautiful hike starting from the Tinée Valley to discover the lost hamlet of Mollières. It is a bit long but has a very gradual climb, making it easily accessible. Temporary ban in 2023, see notices.

A superb hike on the Italian side of the Col de la Lombarde, revealing magnificent high-mountain landscapes and stunning emerald-green lakes. Abundant wildlife (ibex, chamois, marmots) and flora.Please note that the ascent to the Col d’Aver includes exposed and vertiginous sections. This is why I have classified it as difficult, even though there is no real danger.This hike is therefore not recommended for children or those prone to vertigo.

A superb circular hike, allowing you to discover no fewer than five lakes through magnificent landscapes at the foot of Mount Malinvern. It is located entirely in Italian territory, close to Isola 2000, starting from the Col de la Lombarde road on the Vinadio side.In addition to the lakes, the hike offers superb views of the peaks overlooking the Rio Freddo valley at the foot of Malinvern, which is omnipresent during the first part of the circuit.

A short, easy walk between France and Italy. You'll find yourself trying to guess which country you're in as you walk along the ridge. I've never crossed the border so many times in such a short space of time... And you can admire the view of the two valleys below.

Starting from the Isola 2000 resort, hike towards the Lausfer lakes and, following the French-Italian border, return via the Col de la Lombarde.

An easy snowshoe hike on a south-facing slope, offering access to the Col de la Lombarde and, consequently, a beautiful view over a wide Italian valley.

A relatively easy summit above Isola 2000, the Cime de la Lombarde offers superb views of the French and Italian Alps. The route described here is a beautiful circular loop that is relatively uncrowded, except for chamois, and offers beautiful views of the Orgials and Rio Freddo valleys.

A technical hike starting from Isola 2000 that will take you to the highest point in the area, with breathtaking views of the resort and the Italian Alps. Up to the beautiful Terre Rouge Lakes and Baisse du Druos, this route is accessible to all; things get a little more challenging once you reach Italy.

An easy round trip hike that allows you to discover a wild area very close to the Isola 2000 ski resort. During the ascent, you will pass close to the 5 Lacs de Terre Rouge lakes before arriving at the Baisse du Druos, which offers a beautiful view of the many Lacs Supérieurs de Valscura lakes. Although this route is outside the Mercantour National Park, you may encounter some chamois.

A viewpoint over Mont Viso (weather permitting!); in any case, a wild landscape just a few minutes from civilisation (Isola 2000 resort).

A very beautiful hike starting from Isola 2000, allowing you to discover six lakes, some of which are in Italian territory. The hike is varied in that it follows a fairly busy route offering magnificent views, as well as a much wilder and less frequented section. The numerous lakes and water sources along the way are an invitation to cool off. Please note: there are some difficulties on the terrain => see § Practical information.

This mountain hike is accessible to people who are prone to vertigo. As you walk along the Ars ridge, you will have a 360° view of Mont Brussière and the summit of Le Content. In summer, you may be lucky enough to see a golden eagle and a rich variety of mountain flora, with many different butterflies fluttering overhead. You may also encounter cows, sheep and goats, but please take care not to disturb them.

A challenging hike. Ascent through the superb larch forest of La Fracha. Most of the route is through forest, except for the climb to Autcellier and Pervoux.

The hike through the Fracha Forest, starting from the village of Roure, follows a well-marked trail that gradually winds its way up through the larch trees. The route, which is not particularly difficult, offers a moderate elevation gain and regular passages through the undergrowth, ideal for warming up. The viewpoints over the valley allow you to appreciate the Cime de Roubion and the neighbouring ridges, before returning via a comfortable and perfectly marked circular route.

This hike forms thesecond stage of the ascent of Mont Mounier. Starting from the Montagne de l’Estrop, you’ll climb to the Col de Crousette for a beautiful view over the valley of the same name and the Haute-Tinée. You’ll then reach the Mont Mounier ridge, which you’ll follow to the summit. The descent takes you through the hamlet of La Colle before climbing back up towards the Tête de Charnaye, then down again towards the altisurface, and finally the final descent to the Pont d’Aygue Blanche.

A short hike at the foot of the Falcon rock faces, in a varied landscape: climb through a sparse forest of spruce and Scots pine, enjoy beautiful views of the valley from the Falcon ridge, then descend among the sheepfolds and hamlets of Falcon and Les Vallons. This hike is featured in the short guidebook "Rando Passion" published by the Roubion tourist office. The elevation gain is lower than that indicated by Visorando, at around 400 metres.

A walk through summer pastures, partly off the beaten track.

This is a magnificent hike that starts in the picturesque medieval village of Roubion, with part of the trail already described on Visorando. Partly shaded by the forest, it will guide you through the Bois du Falcon and the meadows to the foot of Mont Buissière, at the Col de la Couillole, then to the Pin Pourri, where you can admire the Tête de Giarons and its vast meadows. The return journey will take you through the charming hamlet of Villars.

Starting from the charming village of Roubion – well worth a visit for its painted doors – you’ll head up towards Les Buisses via the Chapel of Saint-Sébastien (with its remarkable frescoes). After climbing Le Puy, you’ll descend through the forest to the Vallon de Saint-Sébastion, passing through some impressive and surprising natural arches. Finally, a final climb will offer you another view of the village.

The final day is less demanding than the previous one, consisting entirely of a descent. It’s a chance to walk the ‘Chemin de l’Énergie’ one last time before a long descent to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.

A short, very easy trail, ideal for a family walk, in an area frequented by marmots.

Mont Mounier (2,817m) is one of the must-see peaks in the Alpes Maritimes: magnificent panoramas, 360° views from the summit, a beautiful ridge at the end, a fairly steady and easy 1,100m climb with views of the summit almost all the way.

Nestled at the heart of rugged, untamed nature lies Mont Demant. Every step on its rocky slopes is a battle against gravity, a struggle against fatigue, but also a communion with a breathtaking landscape. As you climb, the view opens out onto deep valleys and distant peaks, silent witnesses to the courage required. Once you reach the summit of Mont Demant, silence reigns, broken only by the wind caressing the rocks. It is a moment suspended in time, where personal achievement blends with the immensity of the world. Conquering Mont Demant is not just about climbing a mountain; it is about pushing your own limits and experiencing the very essence of adventure.

A very beautiful walk/hike that begins with a crossing of the beautiful Couillole valley. The Ibac de Frache is a magnificent coniferous forest. The descent through the mountain pasture areas from Pin Pourri is still used for transhumance.

Starting from the hamlet of Les Launes, this circular hike takes you to Lac de Beuil, nestled in a sinkhole at the foot of Tête de l'Ubac, before climbing to Tête du Garnier for a magnificent panorama over the entire Beuil-Valberg area, as far as Mont Mounier and Mercantour in the distance.

Ideal for learning to ride a mountain bike, this ride, high above the resort, takes you to the hamlet of La Colle, the starting point for the walk to the marmot site, home to the Alps’ iconic animals. The route begins on a tarmac road and continues along a dirt track.

Starting from the Valberg Golf Club car park, a short (1h40) but intense trail marked as a Green Trail. Lac de Beuil invites you to take a break; you’ll enjoy the return via the Sentier Yoga on the balcony path.