Cime de la Vallette de Prals (2496m) walks

The first stage of a three-day trek in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, this route immediately takes the hiker into the high mountains via a little-used alpine route, away from the classic Pas de l’Arpette. On the itinerary: a steady climb up the Vallon des Verrairiers from the Gordolasque Valley, crossing the Pas du Trem (2,477 m) at the foot of the legendary Cime du Diable (2,685 m), then a long descent past a string of glacial lakes – Lac du Diable, Lac de la Muta, Lac du Trem, Lac Fourca – down to Lac Long Supérieur and the Refuge des Merveilles (2,130 m). A route combining the geological richness of the upper Gordolasque, breathtaking views of the Authion, Mont Capelet Supérieur and the Mediterranean on clear days, and a majestic entrance to the Vallée des Merveilles, a site listed as a Historic Monument. Characteristic wildlife: chamois, ibex, marmots.

Discover the Vallée des Merveilles by connecting the Vallée de la Gordolasque to the famous Refuge des Merveilles.

This route, which runs parallel to the border, is dominated throughout by the large peak of Gélas, the highest summit in the area.

Starting from the Refuge de Nice, the fourth stage of this journey through the Mercantour is the shortest. Short but just as difficult. You’ll pass the Baisse du Basto, the highest point ofthe GR®52. You’ll cross over to Lac du Basto, then it’s the climb up the Baisse de la Valmasque, before descending into the Vallée des Merveilles.

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.

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!

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.

The most difficult stage of thisGR®, but the most beautiful for its landscapes, flora and fauna: chamois, marmots, ibex. After the Pas des Ladres, we chose to take theGR®52via the alternative route that passes close to the Col de Fenestre, then descends to Lac de Fenestre before reaching La Madone de Fenestre. Three sections are particularly difficult: between Lac de Trecolpas and the Pas des Ladres, the ascent of the Pas du Colomb, and the descent from the Pas du Colomb.

The GR®52 starts in Saint-Dalmas de Valdeblore. This first stage is a transition to reach the starting point of the GR®.This is a lovely hike that passes through the small resort of La Colmiane and offers a relatively easy climb, following the GR®52 A through the woods for just over 6km.

TheGR® 52 is a route that crosses the Mercantour National Park, through the Alpes-Maritimes from Saint-Dalmas-de-Valdeblore to Menton. ThisGR® route is very challenging due to the varied terrain and significant elevation changes. You’ll reach altitudes of up to 2,700m, where you can admire the high-mountain landscapes, flora and fauna. Then, in the second half of the route, you’ll encounter panoramas that are more southern in character but just as extraordinary.