Circular route to Roc de l'Orméa and Col de Restaud

Park in front of the school, or in the smaller car park by the cemetery if there is space, in the village of Castellar.

(S/E) Head up towards Sospel, passing the cemetery, then look for marker no. 400.

(1)Head towards the Tour du Roc de l'Ormea. The start of the route is on a tarmac road. You can already spot the start of the red and white GR® markers . The markings will subsequently change to a single yellow line. You will reach marker no. 401.

(2) Continue to your left towards the Tour du Roc de l'Ormea. This is where the circular section of the route begins. Continuing along the tarmac road,you will reachmarker no. 402.

(3) Continue left towards the Tour du Roc de l'Ormea. You will reach the junction marked by marker no. 21.

(4) Take the track on the right and continue the climb towards the Tour du Roc de l'Ormea. After passing a goat farm on your way, go past marker no. 13.

(5)Take the steps on your right towards the Tour du Roc de l'Ormea. You will continue along a dirt track, and the red and white GR®52 markings reappear. You will arrive at the ruins of Vieux Castellar (851 m).

(6) Continue the climb until you reach the junction marked withsignpost no. 12.

(7) Carry on straight ahead, still following the GR®, to reach the Col du Berceau junction, which links the Roc de l'Ormea and the Cime de Restaud.

(8) Head up to your right to climb Roc de l'Ormea.

(9) Return to the pass in the opposite direction.

(8) Continue straight ahead to reach the Cime de Restaud.

(10)Descend back down to the Col du Berceau.

(8) Turn left to begin the descent towards the village. The path is straightforward and easy to follow.
Take care ,however , at the start of the path, where the trail is strewn with loose stones. You will then reach a multi-way junction at marker no. 11.

(11) Head towards Castellar on the right – GR®51. Continue your descent along the path, which becomes increasingly stable. Pass marker no. 411.

(12) Continue on the GR®51towards the village of Castellar. Reach the junction of the circular route at marker 401.

(2) Head back in the opposite direction along the road on the left that you came along, and you will eventually reach the car park (S/E).

(6) Ruins of Vieux Casteller:take a moment to catch your breath before continuing the climb.

(9) Roc de l'Ormea (1132 m), reminiscent of a Nepalese peak with its colourful decorations and flags. Enjoy the magnificent view of the French Riviera.
(10) Cime de Restaud (1148m). Once again, enjoy the view. This time, you can see the Italian coast as well as the hinterland with the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour.