Around Lucéram: Col de l'Orme, Col de l'Ablé, Grand Braus and Mont Auri

From Nice, take the Paillon valley via the motorway towards L'Escarène, then continue towards Lucéram. Park in the municipal car park at the entrance to the village, just after the tunnel.

(S/E) From the car park, take the small staircase to the north to reach Rue du Docteur Robert Moriez. Continue straight ahead on this street until you reach the main road, then cross it carefully to reach the town hall.

(1) From the town hall, take the ramp on the right, which leads up to the old postern gate and the country house, and continue south to reach a small square. From there, climb the staircase that rises eastwards for about ten metres, then take the alley on the left, heading north towards the top of the village and the tower, to reach the upper car park on Avenue des Poilus and marker 184.

(2) Climb the stairs near the fountain to reach marker 184 towards Col de l'Orme, follow the path north to marker 183. From there, continue straight north, crossing the D21 several times, until you reach Col de l'Orme and marker 182.

(3) From this marker, take the recently built staircase heading due south. The path climbs a little steeply, then rejoins the Col de l'Orme road. Carefullyfollow this road for a few metres until you reach the hairpin bend, then take the forest track that goes around Mont Saint-Michel and reach marker 180.

(4) Take the ridge path that climbs very steeply between the two forest tracks in a south-easterly direction to reach the summit of Mont l'Ablé, where you can enjoy a magnificent 360-degree view.

(5) Begin the descent, still heading south-east, to reach the Col de l'Ablé, the D54 and marker 53.

(6) From this pass, follow the path that passes in front of a wooden table and climbs quite steeply towards the east, then continues gently downhill towards the south, along the mountainside, along the summit of Grand Braus. Then continue westwards, leaving the path that leads to the D54 on your left, to reach Caïre de Braus and marker 179.

(7) Continue along the ridge to the summit of Mont Auri, where the view down to the village is simply breathtaking.

(8) The trail now begins its descent towards the village, joining the track leading to Col de Braus at marker 174.

(9) Follow the Piste du Ranchet to the right to reach the pass and the Croix de la Plastra at marker 173.

(10) Continue downhill to the right, heading north towards the village, leaving the track on your right and the Sentier de la Reveira on your left.

(11) When you reach the village gates, take the steps to the west alongside the Church of Sainte-Marguerite, then descend towards the departmental road. Cross it carefully and join Rue du Docteur Robert Moriez, following it to the left towards the municipal car park (S/E).

There are no water sources on this route, except in the village of Lucéram. Bring good walking shoes and appropriate gear in case of rain. Refreshments and food are available in the village.

Visit the village of Lucéram and its 500 nativity scenes at Christmas.

Start of the Turini special stage of the Monte Carlo Rally in January.