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Balcon du Gélas walks
The Balcon du Gélas via Lac Long
Visorando Member 
14.01 km
+1,392 m
-1,383 m
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
The Balcon du Gélas, which rises to over 3,000 metres, is a minor peak in the Haute Vésubie, situated close to its larger counterparts, the iconic Gélas peaks.
The ascent, however, offers superb views of the highest peaks of the Gordolasque, Lac Long, as well as the Argentera and even the Viso on the Italian side.
This hike, starting from Pont du Countet, takes you up the Gordolasque valley to Lac de la Fous, then leads you to the peaceful Lac Long before a climb to the Terrasse du Gélas—the only tricky section—and an easy final ascent to reward you with this beautiful summit, at the foot of the highest peak in the Mercantour massif.
Walks near Balcon du Gélas
Refuge de Nice - Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre
Visorando Member 
5.41 km
+461 m
-772 m
2h 50
Difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
This route, which runs parallel to the border, is dominated throughout by the large peak of Gélas, the highest summit in the area.
Nice Refuge - Merveilles Refuge
Visorando Member 
9.23 km
+608 m
-702 m
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
Starting from the Refuge de Nice, the fourth stage of this journey through the Mercantour is the shortest. Short but just as difficult. You’ll pass the Baisse du Basto, the highest point ofthe GR®52. You’ll cross over to Lac du Basto, then it’s the climb up the Baisse de la Valmasque, before descending into the Vallée des Merveilles.
Madone de Fenestre refuge - Pont du Countet
Visorando Member 12.48 km
+857 m
-1,110 m
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
Route linking the Vésubie and Gordolasque valleys.
Pont du Countet - Refuge des Merveilles
Visorando Member 
5.84 km
+822 m
-389 m
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
Discover the Vallée des Merveilles by connecting the Vallée de la Gordolasque to the famous Refuge des Merveilles.
Le Boreon - Refuge de Nice
Visorando Member 
17.46 km
+1,820 m
-1,121 m
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
The most difficult stage of thisGR®, but the most beautiful for its landscapes, flora and fauna: chamois, marmots, ibex.
After the Pas des Ladres, we chose to take theGR®52via the alternative route that passes close to the Col de Fenestre, then descends to Lac de Fenestre before reaching La Madone de Fenestre.
Three sections are particularly difficult: between Lac de Trecolpas and the Pas des Ladres, the ascent of the Pas du Colomb, and the descent from the Pas du Colomb.
From Valmasque to Lac des Mesches via Mont Bégo
Visorando Member 
21.99 km
+1,221 m
-1,560 m
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This long one-way hike (two vehicles required) will take you up the pretty Valmasque Valley and its three beautiful lakes to the pass above the Vallée des Merveilles, before climbing to the summit of Mont Bégo via a sometimes steep and slightly vertiginous path, in an area where you may encounter magnificent ibex.
Finally, there is a very long descent to the lakes around the Refuge des Merveilles, then through the Vallon de la Minière to Lac des Mesches.
Refuge des Merveilles - Refuge de Nice
Visorando Member 
8.74 km
+775 m
-671 m
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This itinerary allows you to discover the wonders of this valley. In particular, the famous engravings such as Christ, the Tribal Chief and the Altar Rock. But be careful, these areas are monitored!
Refuge des Merveilles - Baisse de Camp
Visorando Member 
13.29 km
+593 m
-960 m
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
The fifth stage ofthe GR®52, where southern landscapes give way to mountain scenery. Challenging due to its elevation gain, this stage follows the old Italian border, where you’ll discover numerous military remains. Notably at Authion, where one of the last battles in France took place, resulting in the deaths of 273 French soldiers just a few weeks before the armistice of 8 May 1945. The views here are fabulous.
From the Refuge des Merveilles to L'Authion via the Pas du Diable
Visorando Member 
9.83 km
+564 m
-658 m
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A beautiful classic route on theGR®®52. As you progress along this three-part itinerary, you will appreciate the beauty of the lakes up to the Pas du Diable, then the very chaotic landscape at the foot of the Cime du Diable and Mont Capelet Supérieur. Finally, after the Baisse Cavaline, you will enter a more Mediterranean setting to discover the Authion massif, a historic site during the end of the Second World War.
La Minière de Vallauria - Col de Turini
Visorando Member 
20.09 km
+1,222 m
-1,108 m
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Thissecond stage is the most alpine of the three. At the Refuge des Merveilles, you’ll admire the beauty of the landscapes, from the Cime du Diable to the Vallon des Merveilles. You’ll pass several lakes before descending into a more Mediterranean-style valley at the Pas du Diable. With the Redoute des Trois Communes in sight for much of the way, you’ll walk along the old border ridge, dotted with defensive structures. Near the Authion, numerous ruins will remind you of the end of the last war.