Ardon (rivière) Affluent de la Tinée walks

This eighteenth stage continues the traverse of the Mercantour Massif. From Roya, the GR®5 crosses the Vallon de Roya torrent, follows the Vallon de la Maïris upstream and then the Vallon de Sallevieille, before winding its way up to the Plan des Laces and then the Col de Crousette. From the pass, the path winds its way up the left-hand slope of the Vallon de la Culasse towards the Stèle Vallette, follows the ridge on the Vallon du Démant side, crosses the Baisse du Démant and descends to the Col du Refuge and then to the Col des Moulinés. It drops down to the bottom of the Vallon du Démant, crosses its torrent and, on the slope of the opposite side, meets the Vallon de la Gourgette. Above the hamlet of Vignols, it climbs beneath the ruin-like rocks of Les Chambrettes, where a colony of bearded vultures nests, and passes the small pass of Portes de Longon, then winds its way along a stream to reach the Refuge du Longon or Vacherie de Roure.

Étape de la traversée des Alpes de Roya jusqu'à Roure. Randonnée allant de la Haute Tinée en passant par le Mercantour où l'on peut apercevoir des vautours. À l'approche du Col de Croussette un univers minéral nous attend puis un plateau quasi désertique pour finir par la douceur des pâturages de Roure.

A long but beautiful stage combining the austere landscape of Mont Mounier with the green mountain pastures of Longon.Look up to watch the vultures.A gentle finish at the Vacherie de Longon, surrounded by animals.

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.

First stage of a two-day hike in the Haute-Tinée. Ascent to the magnificent Lacs de Vens and the small pass of Tortisse via the Claï valley and Lac des Babarottes. Plenty of marmots and chamois around the Lacs de Vens and below the small pass of Tortisse.

This hike is the first stage of a two-day circular route leading to the ascent of Mont Mounier. Starting from the Pont d’Aygue Blanche near Péone, you’ll climb gradually towards the small plateau of the Montagne de l’Estrop, where you can camp in sheltered conditions. A stage through deciduous woodland and mountain pastures at the foot of the rocky ridge of the Montagne de l’Alp.

A climb to a pass, followed by a descent of roughly the same length, with two beautiful lakes to admire. This walk also gives you the chance to compare the two sides of the mountain, which are quite different.

Alternative route to reach the Cluite car park from the Lac d’Allos refuge. The route passes via the Tête de Valplane, which offers breathtaking views of Lac d’Allos, the Cirque de l’Encombrette and the valley leading to Colmars. You are in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – see the practical information.This route takes you off the marked trails; please read the reviews.

A beautiful, long, straight-line hike, with significant elevation gain but no technical difficulties. It requires at least two vehicles: one at the start and one at the finish.

After a night at the Rabuons Mountain Hut, you’ll be ready to climb Mont Ténibre, the main highlight of this second stage. The route is challenging but you’ll be richly rewarded by the panoramic views that await you. To the south, you’ll recognise the Refuge de Rabuons and the lake; to the north and west, there are numerous lakes and the peaks on the border with Italy. After a more leisurely walk along the Chemin de l’Énergie, the scenery will become more pastoral as you approach the Lacs de Vens. You are now in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – please see the practical information.