Refine your search for walks in Cime de Coss (1680m)
Cime de Coss (1680m) walks
The Céva Plateau via the Cime de Coss, starting from Fontan
Visorando Member
11.32 mi
+4,715 ft
-4,715 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Fontan (Alpes-Maritimes)
A major centre for pastoralism, the Céva plateau remains little known and rarely visited by walkers. This pleasant walk takes you there via a secondary peak of the Mercantour, the Cime de Coss, whilst still offering interesting views, particularly of the Authion massif.
An ideal walk for those seeking tranquillity and a sense of solitude. Spring is probably the best time to explore this plateau perched high above the Roya valley.
Walks near Cime de Coss (1680m)
Saorge – Breil-sur-Roya
5.75 mi
+2,343 ft
-3,009 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saorge (Alpes-Maritimes)
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).
From the Refuge des Merveilles to L'Authion via the Pas du Diable
6.11 mi
+1,850 ft
-2,159 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A beautiful classic route on theGR®®52. As you progress along this three-part itinerary, you will appreciate the beauty of the lakes up to the Pas du Diable, then the very chaotic landscape at the foot of the Cime du Diable and Mont Capelet Supérieur. Finally, after the Baisse Cavaline, you will enter a more Mediterranean setting to discover the Authion massif, a historic site during the end of the Second World War.
Refuge des Merveilles – Castérino
8.31 mi
+2,703 ft
-4,058 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This final stage will take you back to Castérino via the ascent of Mont Bégo. From the summit, you’ll look out over the Vallée des Merveilles. You’ll catch sight of the neighbouring peak opposite, the Grand Capelet. You’ll enjoy a 360° panorama stretching from the Argentera to the Mediterranean.
You’ll need to be careful on the first part of the descent towards the Baisse de Valmasque (rated T3).
From the Baisse de Valmasque, the return journey follows the classic route that runs alongside the Lacs du Basto, Noir and Vert.
Refuge des Merveilles - Baisse de Camp
8.26 mi
+1,946 ft
-3,150 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
The fifth stage ofthe GR®52, where southern landscapes give way to mountain scenery. Challenging due to its elevation gain, this stage follows the old Italian border, where you’ll discover numerous military remains. Notably at Authion, where one of the last battles in France took place, resulting in the deaths of 273 French soldiers just a few weeks before the armistice of 8 May 1945. The views here are fabulous.
From the Refuge Merveilles to the Refuge Nice via the Baisses de Valmasque and the Basto
5.79 mi
+2,464 ft
-2,129 ft
4h 50
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Third stage of the five-day Vievola–Saint-Martin-Vesubie hike.
On the itinerary: a crossing of the Vallée des Merveilles and several lovely high-altitude lakes.
Refuge des Merveilles - Refuge de Nice
5.43 mi
+2,543 ft
-2,201 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This itinerary allows you to discover the wonders of this valley. In particular, the famous engravings such as Christ, the Tribal Chief and the Altar Rock. But be careful, these areas are monitored!
La Minière de Vallauria - Col de Turini
12.49 mi
+4,009 ft
-3,635 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Thissecond stage is the most alpine of the three. At the Refuge des Merveilles, you’ll admire the beauty of the landscapes, from the Cime du Diable to the Vallon des Merveilles. You’ll pass several lakes before descending into a more Mediterranean-style valley at the Pas du Diable. With the Redoute des Trois Communes in sight for much of the way, you’ll walk along the old border ridge, dotted with defensive structures. Near the Authion, numerous ruins will remind you of the end of the last war.
Ascent to the Merveilles refuge from Lac des Mesches
4.74 mi
+2,487 ft
-46 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
The Refuge des Merveilles can be a destination in itself or the starting point for a guided tour of the petroglyphs or other hikes. The climb to the refuge via Lac des Mesches takes 3 hours and 15 minutes (excluding breaks) and has the advantage of being accessible by car or public transport (see "Practical Information").
Breil – Sospel via La Baisse de Levens
9.50 mi
+3,100 ft
-2,930 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Breil-sur-Roya (Alpes-Maritimes)
A lovely route linking the Bévéra Valley with the Roya Valley. Along the way, the Col de Brouis marks the boundary between these two valleys. If you set off early enough, you can have lunch on the terrace of one of the restaurants in this pretty village, where life flows as peacefully as the River Bévéra. The return journey is then by the Train des Merveilles, which connects the two stations in 15 minutes.
La Baisse de Camp d'Argent – Sospel
13.53 mi
+1,670 ft
-6,289 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from La Bollène-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.