Circular Vens loop via the Vens torrent, return via Tortisse

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This is a variation on the traditional hikes to the magnificent lakes of Vens. Although the last section on tarmac between Le Pra and the car park at the start is not the most attractive, this circular route takes you through both the Vens and Tortisse valleys, with a more pleasant climb along the torrent and a breathtaking descent from the Col de Fer.

Details

n°2307061
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 19.48 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 9h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,188 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,181 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,590 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,543 m
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Photos

Tortisse
Tortisse
Col du Fer
Collet de Tortisse

Description of the walk

The hike starts at the car park just after the Vens waterfall, shortly before arriving at Pra. There are several parking spaces available on the left side of the road opposite marker 20.

(S/E) At the marker, take the path that descends towards the waterfall for a few hundred metres. You will pass another small car park and then cross the stream via a bridge to the next marker.

(1) At marker 21, climb towards the Lacs de Vens. The ascent is very gradual and pleasant, with plenty of shade if you set off early enough. The path winds gently, crossing the Vens stream several times.

(2) At marker 22, continue south-east towards Pas des Pêcheurs. The gradient increases slightly for a few metres, then you will finally see the fourth lake below.

(3) When you reach marker 27, head down south-west, going around the lake to visit the three smaller lakes, which are well worth the detour. Pass marker 26 to see thefirst lake (the smallest).

(4) Here, you can continue towards Lac de Rabuons via the energy trail and take a look at Lac des Babarottes. Otherwise, turn back to return to thefourth lake you reached when you arrived.

(3) Pass marker 27 again to go around the lake to the north towards the Refuge de Vens.

(5) After following the northern shore ofthe fifth and final lake, follow the path along the electric fence to reach the refuge.

(6) Take the opportunity here to refill your water bottles before beginning your ascent to the Col de Fer.

(7) At marker 25, head towards the Col de Fer.

(8) At marker 24, continue in the same direction. The climb to the pass is gradual and pleasant, with no technical difficulties. You will arrive at the small pass of Tortisse at marker 35a.

(9) Continue north towards Col de Fer. The summit of Fer is accessible via the path on the right.

(10) Marker 35 marks the Col du Fer and the Italian border. Descend north-west towards the Tortisse huts.

(11) You will arrive at marker 34 at the Tortisse huts. Continue west towards Le Pra. You will arrive at marker 33, continue towards Le Pra, which you will soon see below.

(12) You will rejoin the road at marker 32. From there, simply descend towards the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,544 m - Car park after the Vens waterfall (marker 20) - Tinée (rivière)
  2. 1 : km 1 - alt. 1,601 m - Crossing the Torrent de Vens
  3. 2 : km 5.47 - alt. 2,297 m - Towards the Pas des Pêcheurs
  4. 3 : km 5.97 - alt. 2,310 m - Lake Vens 4
  5. 4 : km 6.7 - alt. 2,308 m - Lake Vens 1
  6. 5 : km 8.61 - alt. 2,335 m - Lac de Vens 5
  7. 6 : km 8.97 - alt. 2,367 m - Vens Refuge
  8. 7 : km 9.1 - alt. 2,367 m - Towards the small pass of Tortisse
  9. 8 : km 9.21 - alt. 2,382 m - Towards the small pass of Tortisse
  10. 9 : km 10.54 - alt. 2,589 m - Collet de Tortisse (2591m)
  11. 10 : km 10.94 - alt. 2,579 m - Col du Fer (2584m)
  12. 11 : km 13 - alt. 2,246 m - Cabannes de Tortisse
  13. 12 : km 17.72 - alt. 1,662 m - Le Pra
  14. S/E : km 19.48 - alt. 1,544 m - Car park after the Vens waterfall (marker 20)

Notes

A long but gradual hike with no technical difficulties (you will see many children on these trails). Several springs are available along the route and there is an uncontrolled fountain at the Refuge de Vens.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

The five magnificent lakes of Vens (between points (3) and (5))
The Col du Fer at (10) with breathtaking views of the Italian Alps
The beautiful Tortisse valley at (11) and its picturesque peaks

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 6 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 15545052

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed on 7/08/25. Beautiful loop, for this top-notch route. Definitely one of my best hikes this season.
Be aware that there are quite a few rocks and scree before you reach Le Pra (no difficulty getting through), and parking is limited at the start (so arrive early).

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Maniroule
Maniroule

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

For occasional hikers, especially those carrying heavy loads (backpacks, camping equipment), I strongly recommend doing this circular route over two days!
The campsite by the lake is magnificent... lots of ibex wandered around our tent.
Be careful with your ankles during this very long descent.
Walking at an average pace, with picnic breaks and photo stops, we walked for 7 hours a day!

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Cheewall
Cheewall

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, challenging but still fairly easy going, both uphill and downhill.
I reached the lakes in two hours without pushing myself too hard. I then discovered the arch and the magnificent Tortisse peaks, located on the climb to the Col de Fer. These are two small extensions to the route suggested by the app.

The geology in this area and in the first part of the descent is surprising and magnificent.

In short, I loved it, and what's more, a car picked us up for the last 500 metres on the road!

Julien

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bertojot
bertojot

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We did this magnificent route clockwise to get a bird's eye view of the lakes (S/E Vens car park).
Be careful at the last small lake not to take the unmarked path that avoids the switchbacks and reduces the walking time by at least 45 minutes to an hour. We turned back because the risk of falling was too great for our level...

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quito84
quito84

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 02, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Thank you for this compromise between the two valleys (you have to see both)! Indeed, despite the end (25 minutes) on tarmac, it is a very beautiful hike, varied on very nice trails that offer changing views at every moment (very beautiful lakes of Vens, beautiful view at the refuge as well as at the two passes and a very beautiful and varied descent). No difficulty, but do take into account the distance and elevation gain. It took us 7 hours and 15 minutes. A must-do!

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lburais
lburais

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 24, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very nice hike and excellent guidebook.
It should be noted that the return journey from the refuge via Tortisse is mainly along a balcony path (no danger, but impressive for those who suffer from vertigo).

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