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Cime du Mercantour walks
Mercantour Peak
Visorando Member
6.23 mi
+4,078 ft
-4,091 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
The secondary summit of the park, to which it gives its name (by mistake, according to legend), the Cime du Mercantour is relatively accessible and offers a pleasant, uncrowded hike.
Please note: the descent to the Vallon des Erps requires caution and is only suitable for experienced walkers.
Walks near Cime du Mercantour
Le Boreon - Refuge de Nice
10.85 mi
+5,971 ft
-3,678 ft
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Boréon – Cougourde Mountain Hut
5.37 mi
+2,559 ft
-472 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This first stage largely follows theGR®52. It takes you through wooded countryside and offers a relaxing break by the peaceful Lac de Trécolpas. From the Cougourde Mountain Hut, you’ll enjoy superb views of this majestic, pumpkin-shaped peak.
Editor’s note added on 26/07/2021: A section is closed due to bad weather. See the notices for an alternative route
Madone de Fenestre Mountain Hut – Relais des Merveilles
6.64 mi
+2,280 ft
-3,343 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This third stage is less demanding than the previous two. The entire route follows a marked path.
Only the start of the descent from the Pas du Mont Colomb and the sections over scree require a little care. This is the classic route linking the Madone de Fenestre valley with the Gordolasque valley. The scenery along the way is magnificent, and the Pas du Mont Colomb offers two completely different views from its eastern and western sides.
Madone de Fenestre refuge - Pont du Countet
7.75 mi
+2,812 ft
-3,642 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
Route linking the Vésubie and Gordolasque valleys.
Mercantour route via the GR®52
65.54 mi
+21,585 ft
-24,639 ft
7 days
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie - Saint-Dalmas de Valdeblore
4.01 mi
+1,821 ft
-732 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Refuge de Nice - Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre
3.36 mi
+1,512 ft
-2,533 ft
2h 50
Difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
This route, which runs parallel to the border, is dominated throughout by the large peak of Gélas, the highest summit in the area.
Nice Mountain Hut – Madone de Fenestre Mountain Hut
4.88 mi
+2,523 ft
-3,527 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
This second day will take you to the foot of the Cime du Gélas (just 200 m below the summit); you’ll walk for a long time alongside Lac Long and the superb Malédie. You’ll then head into another small valley to admire the Cime Saint-Robert. The Lac Blanc, from which the stream flows, is none other than the Vésubie, and of course, the Gélas on its western face. The route will become more familiar and less strenuous once you rejoin the path coming from the Lac de la Fenestre.
Nice Refuge - Merveilles Refuge
5.74 mi
+1,995 ft
-2,303 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Sant’Anna Valdieri – Livio Bianco Mountain Hut
4.46 mi
+2,943 ft
-0 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Valdieri (Cuneo)
A picturesque climb through a deciduous forest leading out into an alpine valley. Nestled at the far end of this valley, in the hollow of an imposing mountain cirque, lies the refuge. What a delight it is, in the evening, to sit on the terrace and gaze at the reflection of the peaks in the mirror-like surface of the lake.