Aisone walks

This trail passes through the Aisone Caves Nature Reserve, established by the Piedmont Region in 2019 to protect and promote the biodiversity and archaeological site. The route passes through a beautiful mixed woodland on the hillside, skirting several caves, including the famous Shelter 10, where traces of a seasonal Neolithic settlement have been found. The return journey takes you above the rocky outcrops of La Comba, passing through the small hamlet of Pirone.

There are several ways to circumnavigate this mountain: closer to the summit or further away. But this suggested route allows you to walk around the Argentera via the lakes and the King Victor Emmanuel II trails, always with a view of the Argentera and, of course, a comforting stop at the mountain huts every evening. The stages are fairly well balanced in terms of the effort required, so let’s set off on the tour.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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.

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

Circular hike from the beautiful village of Sambuco in the Valle Stura, Provence of Cuneo. The high point is Monte Bersaio directly above the village. The majority of the walk is through high alpine meadows. If done in late June or early July there will be a profusion of wildflowers and the final meadows, just below the summit of Monte Bersaio, are full of Edelweiss.

This family-friendly route allows you to explore the Gorge della Reina (Queen’s Gorge), carved into the limestone cliffs above the town of Entracque. The route does not present any particular difficulties.

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 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 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.