Bévéra (rivière) walks

This is the last stage ofthe GR® 52. It is certainly not the highest in altitude, but it is difficult due to its distance and the passage of certain passes with steep ascents and descents. The Mediterranean views are splendid, especially those from the Col du Razet and Col du Berceau, which rises to 1,100 metres above the town of Menton, the end point of theGR®. You walk along the Italian border throughout the route. Be warned, in summer this stage is very challenging due to the heat, especially the descent from the Col du Berceau.

Starting from the pretty medieval village of Sospel in the Bévéra valley, this easy hike will take you through oak and olive trees to Mont Agaisen, where there is an old Maginot Line fortification. The summit is also a take-off point for paragliders.

A circular route around the small town of Sospel. Beautiful landscapes in the heart of the Mediterranean mountains.

In April 1945, the entire Authion massif was the scene of fighting that led to the liberation of the Alpes-Maritimes. This route passes through the main fortifications of the Alpes-Maritimes fortified sector (SFAM). Apart from its historical significance, this circular route offers magnificent panoramic views of the high peaks of the Mercantour to the north and the Mediterranean to the south.

A few kilometres from Sospel, the village of Moulinet offers beautiful mountain scenery. The end of this circular route follows the wooded, sometimes steep banks of the Bévéra Gorges, located in the Mercantour National Park.

The sixth stage ofthe GR®52, where the landscapes change dramatically. Due to its length and significant descent of nearly 2,000 metres, the stage is very difficult. The descent to Sospel, which makes up two-thirds of the route, puts a real strain on the knees and ankles. Please note, it gets very hot in summer on this section.

The route starts from the village of Moulinet, which you can visit on your return. At the Saint-Sébastien Chapel, take a steep path that winds its way up to the ruins of L’Avenquet. At the summit of Linière, you’ll catch a glimpse of the peaks around Sospel.

This area with its four fortifications located at high altitude was the scene of fierce fighting, both in 1793 when the French invaded the County of Nice, and in April 1945, during one of the last battles between the German army and the Allies. These stone and cement structures, bearing multiple cannon and gunshot marks, bear witness to the violence of these final confrontations.

A route with many facets. The medieval history of Sospel, the magnificent panorama from the Tête de Nervina stretching across the Bévéra Valley, the paved slanting streets, and the forts dating from the last war will delight curious hikers.

This route passes through numerous medieval villages in five very different valleys: Valle Argentina, Valle Nervia, Valle Barbaira, Valle Bevera and Valle Roja (Roya). You will stop off in typical Ligurian villages, some of which are listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”.

This fifth stage will take you from Torri Superiore to the Mediterranean coast at Ventimiglia. Upon arriving in Bevera, you will find yourself at the confluence of the Bévera and Roya rivers. A final climb through the Ventimiglia hinterland will lead you to the Riviera dei Fiori and the town of Ventimiglia.

This fourth stage will take you from Rochetta Nervina to Torri Superiore. Along the way, you’ll visit the picturesque village of Airole, which overlooks the Roya. You’ll stop off at the eco-village of Torri Superiore. This medieval village, which lay in ruins in the 1990s, has been entirely rebuilt by volunteers.