A few water sources are indicated in the stage descriptions (after marker 89 (3) on the first stage, when crossing the Ravin de la Lavanche stream on the ascent to the Col de Crousette, or after the hamlet of La Colle on the second stage).
This two-day hike requires you to bring all the necessary equipment for a high-altitude bivouac.
This hike should be avoided in the event of uncertain weather conditions.
Ascent of Mont Mounier from the Aygue Blanche bridge
This two-day hike takes you up to Mont Mounier, a major and isolated peak in the Mercantour, via a circular route.
After a fairly short first stage, an early morning ascent to the summit will allow you to enjoy clearer weather and perhaps spot a few chamois and marmots.
The descent to the Pont d’Aygue Blanche will be very long (a 1,800-metre descent). Don’t hesitate to set off the day before from the Altifsurface to balance out the route.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 14.36 mi -
Average duration: 2 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 5,935 ft -
Descent: - 5,919 ft -
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Highest point: 9,226 ft -
Lowest point: 4,127 ft
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Country:
France
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Areas: Alps, Mercantour -
City:
Péone (06470) -
Start/End: N 44.114885° / E 6.922294° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
Notes
This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:
Worth a visit
The main attraction of this hike lies in the numerous viewpoints stretching from the Col de Crousette to Mont Mounier, which offers a 360° panorama of the Mercantour massif.
Reviews and comments
4.8 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.3 / 5
4.3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
5 / 5
Bastigraine
Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
Date of your route : Jul 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A hike completed in late July 2026, in one go, starting from Valberg. I was looking for an alternative route up Mont Mounier via a side I wasn’t familiar with and with a greater elevation gain. So this was exactly what I was looking for (even though I didn’t get to enjoy the bivouac experience).
The ascent to the Col de Crousette was completely deserted; I didn’t come across a single hiker (unlike on the Petit Mounier/Mounier section and the descent towards La Colle). There were herds of sheep and mountain dogs above marker 89.
The path was quite faint, often non-existent above marker 89. I should have taken the route map and description with me so I could navigate more accurately than I could with just my IGN map.
Beautiful scenery and varied landscapes, the chance to spot chamois below the Col de Crousette, the panoramic view from the Mounier… it was a real pleasure. Thank you for introducing me to this route.
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User 3987306
Overall rating : 4.7 / 5
Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
A wonderful tour. The landscapes are very varied, alternating between grasslands and carpets of broom on the south-facing slopes, high mountains, alpine pastures and cool forests on the north-facing slopes. There are several water sources, although they were dry at the start of the route when I was there (29 June). Fortunately, there is a watering hole fed by a spring near the hut close to the bivouac. The view at dusk from the end of the Montagne de l'Estrop is one of the most beautiful and unobstructed views you can get from a sheltered bivouac.
It's a good idea to start from Valberg, or more precisely from the altiport, to get your bearings. Having started the hike late on the first day (3.30 p.m.), the suggested route was ideal for me.
The travel times indicated are fairly reliable.
One thing to note, however: the passage from Petit Mounier to the summit requires sure footing, as the path runs along a narrow ridge.
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Potman
Overall rating : 5 / 5
Date of your route : Aug 22, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No
Thank you very much for this superb hike; the campsite is in an ideal location, and the route description is very comprehensive. We cut the return leg short as it seemed less interesting to us from point 7, La Colle.
Kind regards
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This hike forms thesecond stage of the ascent of Mont Mounier.
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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.
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