Cathédrale Saint-Michel (Sospel) 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.

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 cross-country hike through the Menton region along a little-used route, passing through wild and unspoilt areas where traces of human habitation still remain. The route also provides access to the summit of Mont Mulacié, the second-highest peak in the Menton region, which is very little visited as it lies off the official marked trails. The view from this summit is interesting, although less spectacular than that from its neighbour, the Grammondo.

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 seaside hike with some unusual sights to discover. While the coastal road from Menton to Ventimiglia is well known, the area below this road offers some little-known geographical and historical curiosities.

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 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.

This is the Valléen trail, an easy route along the Roya. Both towns are served by the ‘Train des Merveilles’. From Breil to Sospel: one stop (15 mins).

This twenty-first stage, once you have crossed the Vésubie, takes place in the Nice Pre-Alps and brings the GTA (Grande Traversée des Alpes) to a close by the sea. From the Place de la Fontaine in Utelle, the GR®5 heads west, then south, crossing a few small valleys to reach the hamlet of Cros d’Utelle. It crosses the Vésubie valley, climbs the opposite slope after the town of Levens, ascends through woodland to Colla Partida, passes beneath Mont Cima and descends to the beautiful circular fortified village of Aspremont. The path climbs the western flank of Mont Chauve d’Aspremont without reaching the summit. It descends the Crête de Graus until it reaches Château Renard and then La Bauma. The path enters a valley, which it follows eastwards, then due south towards La Fontaine Sainte, and crosses the bridge over the Autoroute de la Provençale. It enters the city of Nice, which it crosses from north to south to reach Nice Ville railway station.

Etape de la traversée des Alpes d'Utelle jusqu'à Levens. Randonnée entre la vallée de la Vésubie et les derniers reliefs alpins.