Breil-sur-Roya walks

A lovely, challenging hike with no particular difficulties apart from the steep gradient.

A very beautiful hike, starting with a walk through Breil-sur-Roya, whose narrow streets with vaulted porches are steeped in history. Then, after discovering a dozen crottés (small vaulted shelters), a real local curiosity, as well as the old Cruella watchtower overlooking the village, our route crosses the main areas of biological diversity located on the left bank of the Roya, overlooking the town.

A pleasant short walk above Breil-sur-Roya. Once you reach the Cruella Tower, you’ll enjoy a superb panorama of the Roya Valley, the peaks around the Col de Brouïs (Mangiabo, Cime de Bosc...) and a bird’s-eye view of the village of Breil.

The Carleva is a small tributary of the Roya. This stream owes its reputation to its long, wild canyon. The route follows the Carleva to the start of the canyon. The trail continues under the ridge on the border with Italy. Crossing several streams adds a touch of coolness to this hike. The trail continues along the left bank of the Carleva to a magnificent bridge that spans it. The final stretch overlooks the Roya to the entrance of the village of Breil-sur-Roya. User comment on 22 February 2025: Trail currently closed between markers 105 and 107.See https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/liste-des-sentiers-fermes-pedestre Therefore closed on the return from marker 107 (9) to marker 105 (3). The route from (S) to point (6): crossing the Carléva remains a beautiful route. In this case, the return journey is via the same route as the outward journey.

Perched above the Roya Valley, the hamlet of Libre has retained a landscape shaped by olive cultivation and, in earlier times, by vineyards and lavender fields, which today give it the charm of villages of yesteryear. La Roche Fourquin, a natural viewpoint overlooking the Roya Valley and the Italian Riviera, is one of the last major peaks before the Mediterranean. It offers an exceptional view stretching from the high, snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour to the sea.

Mont Gros (Monte Grosso) is a small peak above the Col de Brouis. It occupies a strategic position on the line separating the Bévéra and Roya valleys. The Monte Grosso fortification was built between 1931 and 1935 and forms part of the Maginot Line, the fortified sector of the Alpes-Maritimes. Beyond its historical significance, this route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the ridges bordering Italy.

Mont Mangiabo, clearly visible from Breil sur Roya, entices hikers to conquer it. This climb, which is not technically difficult, offers a unique 360° panorama. To the south, the Mediterranean stretches from San Remo to Cannes, passing through Nice and the Var estuary. To the north, the peaks of the Mercantour will catch your eye.

A former 14th-century stronghold on the right bank of the Roya, Malmort Castle formed part of a defensive system controlling the Roya Valley under the rule of the House of Savoy.

A very beautiful hike, mainly through woodland. The Cime de Linière is a pleasant grassy plateau offering a stunning view stretching as far as the Estérel. The return journey past the bunkers brings to life the history of these fortifications, which opened fire during the Italian attack in June 1940.

A beautiful and unique hike starting from the village of Airole, in the lower Roya Valley, winding through wild and unspoilt valleys and offering lovely views of the valley as well as some of its hilltop hamlets and villages (Olivetta and Fanghetto on the Italian side, and Piène Haute and Libre on the French side). From the highest point, there is a view of the Ligurian coast and the main peaks of the Menton region (Grammondo and Mulacié) as seen from their Italian slopes.

Starting from the entrance to the national park on the edge of Rochetta Nervina, this hike will take you up into the mountains, accompanied by the gentle sound of the Barbaira, to Pont de Cin.Some sections are on the side of a cliff, with stony paths, which are best avoided if it has rained recently. In good weather, these sections are not particularly difficult.

Starting from the charming village of Rocchetta Nervina, this walk takes you up the Rio Barbaira to discover its beautiful pools and waterfalls. On the way back, a short tour of the old village will round off this lovely outing in Italy.

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.

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.

A change of scenery guaranteed. This lesser-known tributary of the Rio Barbaira features three medieval stone bridges and pools of green water. It promises a secluded spot and guaranteed swimming. Perhaps a fine reason to take this walk. On the way back, the village of Roccheta Nervina reveals a completely unspoilt site with narrow alleyways. It’s like stepping back fifty years in time.

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.

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 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 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.

This route leaves theGR® 52 to head for Grammondo and cross over to the Italian side. On the descent, there are almost constant views of the sea, ending in the very pretty town of Grimaldi.

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

A route with numerous viewpoints, leading to Les Granges de Cuous. Admire the gorge at Pont de la Founta.

Hike along the Authion border, climb the Cime du Diable (2,685 m), with views of the lakes of the Vallée des Merveilles and its ancient rock carvings.

Located on the borders of the Vésubie, Bévéra and Roya valleys, Authion is the southernmost peak in the Alps above 2,000 metres. Hiking its three peaks (Pointe des Trois Communes, Forca and Mille Fourches) offers magnificent panoramic views between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mercantour massif. It is also an opportunity to discover its ancient military forts, which guarded the French-Italian border from the end of the19th century until the end of the Second World War.

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.

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.

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 lovely, easy forest hike. Some beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

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.

A beautiful walk in the Mediterranean hinterland. Between forests and rocks, with traces of history (forts and fortifications from the Maginot Line!) A variety of views between the sea and the mountains.