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The route starts from the large car park at the bottom of the village of Airole. To get there, drive up the Roya Valley from Ventimiglia; then, upon exiting the large tunnels, take the road on the right towards Airole and park at the first car park on the way to the cemetery.
(S/E) From the car park, walk up the road towards the cemetery until you reach a religious building, from which there is a beautiful view of the village.
(1) Follow the signs for Fanghetto/Breil-sur-Roya, as indicated by the marker. The route follows a narrow tarmac track which, a little further on, turns into a very good footpath. Follow the red and white markers (which are quite numerous).
(2) The path splits here: follow the direction of Case Fasceo and Torre Gerbae, as indicated by the signpost. From this point, the gradient becomes significantly steeper, but the walk presents no particular difficulties. Continue to follow the red and white markings.
(3) At this point, the path makes a hairpin bend and you may be unsure which way to go: do not take the track that goes straight on, but turn right onto the path slightly higher up. A red and white marker indicates this change of direction and a fallen tree blocks the way on the track that continues straight ahead (at the time the walk was undertaken).
(4) You reach a pass called “Torre Gerbae”, where there is an old ruin and a directional marker. Pass this and continue towards Case Fasceo. From this point onwards, the route takes you through a much wilder landscape, offering stunning views of Mont Colombin and the Roya Valley.
After a steep but short climb, you’ll arrive at the foot of Mount Colombin.
(5) From this point, the route follows a slightly more challenging section, particularly for those prone to vertigo. However, there is no real danger, although you should remain vigilant. This slightly challenging section is relatively short. You will reach Case Fasceo, where there is another signpost.
(6) Continue straight on towards Airole. You will then pass through a small hamlet before quickly reaching a pass.
(7) At the pass (Sella del Fasceo), take the path that climbs north-east towards Saviglioni (Sentier dei Contrabandieri), continuing to follow the red and white markings. The slope is relatively steep from this point onwards.
(8) At this point, the route splits into two again: a small sign points towards Mount Colombin (clearly marked in red and white) but this is not the direction to take. Instead, continue to the right, along the level path, which is also marked in red and white. Reach Colle Saviglioni.
(9) Carry on straight ahead past the sign in English, still following the red and white markings. Do not head down onto the track below. Follow the red and white markings carefully, as well as the blue markings. You’ll start by walking along a lovely ridge, then continue along a path through the forest. You’ll reach Bassa d’Abellio.
(10) Head towards Airole, as indicated by the directional signpost, whilst continuing to follow the red and white markings. From this point, a long and very steep descent begins along a path that is sometimes in poor condition due to erosion but is always easy to follow (there is only one possible route through this wild and steep valley).
(11) At this point, there are two options:
- continue straight on along the level path, as shown on the map (bearing in mind that the path will then cross a short area of scree which may be tricky to navigate).
- turn right, following the red and white markings (this is the official path) onto the path that climbs slightly.
Both options lead to the entrance to Airole, where there is a directional signpost.
(12) Head down into the village via Via Garibaldi, which leads to a large square where there is a restaurant. Once in the square, you can return directly to the starting point (S/E) by turning right onto Via Repubblica. Alternatively, you can explore the village and its fascinating, dimly lit alleyways by walking in a loop before returning to the car park.
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Moderate 
Easy 
Very difficult 
