Cime Guilié

A challenging hike that takes you to the Cime Guilié (2,999 m), a border peak just one metre short of reaching the Mercantour’s 3,000-metre peaks. At the top, there are magnificent views both on the French side and of the lakes on the Italian side. On the way back, a short detour will allow you to explore the Bessons Lakes.

Details

n°25925460

Creation:
23 Aug 2022

Last update:
15 Sep 2022

Last review:
09 Oct 2024

Activity: Walking
Distance: 8.40 mi
Duration according to the author: 7 hrs
Difficulty: Very difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 4,459 ft
Descent: - 4,459 ft
Highest point: 9,724 ft
Lowest point: 5,463 ft

Country: France
Areas: Alps, Mercantour
City: Saint-Martin-Vésubie (06450)
Start/End: N 44.10794° / E 7.31042°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3741OT
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Description of the walk

Park in the car park at La Vacherie du Boréon.

(S/E) Take the^GR®52, which climbs gradually to reach the Pont de Peïrastrèche.

(1) Cross the bridge and continue along the GR^®.

(2) Just past the riverbed, leave the^GR® and take the small path that starts on the left and climbs through the forest (if you come to a crossroads, you’ve gone a little too far – retrace your steps).
The climb is steep until you reach the Vallon de Sangué.

(3) At the end of this valley, take the path that climbs along the valley (neither the one on the right nor the one right at the left). The path climbs steeply through the scree slopes of the Vallon de Baissette; it isn’t very clearly marked, but you’ll find cairns from time to time to help you find your way. It leads to the Col and Lac de Baissette.

(4) At the lake, turn left and head due north through a very rocky area. The path climbs steeply through rocky outcrops and there are a few cairns (though it’s hard to go wrong) until you reach a large plateau.

(5) The Cime Guilié is finally clearly visible. Continue following more or less visible tracks to reach the summit without difficulty.

(6) At the summit of Guilié (2,999 m), enjoy the view before descending to the Col de Baissette.

(4) Rather than descending via the same route, turn left onto a poorly defined path, though a cairn is clearly visible from below. The path climbs slightly before winding its way above the Lacs Bessons. Descend the grassy slopes to reach the first lake.

(7) At the lake, take the path that descends into the Lacs Bessons valley to reach the Vallon de Sangué.

(3) Then return to the car park (S/E) by following the route back in the opposite direction to the outward journey.

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 5,463 ft - Car park - Vacherie du Boréon
1 : mi 0.97 - alt. 6,024 ft - Peïrastrèche Bridge - Boréon (torrent - Affluent de la Vésubie
2 : mi 1.4 - alt. 6,243 ft - Start of the off-trail section
3 : mi 2.35 - alt. 7,480 ft - End of the Vallon de Sangué
4 : mi 3.2 - alt. 8,688 ft - Col de Baissette - Lac de Baissette
5 : mi 3.65 - alt. 9,285 ft - Large plateau before the summit
6 : mi 4.02 - alt. 9,724 ft - Cime Guilié (2998m)
7 : mi 5.31 - alt. 8,333 ft - Lacs Besssons (2545 m)
S/E : mi 8.4 - alt. 5,463 ft - Vacherie du Boréon car park

Notes

Take water, food, a windproof jacket, a fleece and let someone know if you’re setting off alone.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5

Route interest
5 / 5

Marc06

09 Oct 2024 at 19:23 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hike on 13 September 2024, setting off at dawn from the Boreon car park; 4 degrees – very cold for the time of year
It had hailed the night before. Classic ascent to the Fork in the Road (point 3), then a narrow path to the left – very clear at first – followed by the start of the rocky outcrops and boulders; a free-style climb up to Lac de Baisette, I loved it, but it can be daunting; the view is already magnificent but it carries on all the way to the Col de Maute, with loads of little lakes. Heading towards the plateau, the path is still rather rough – make sure to follow the GPS track closely; at times I had to use my hands a bit… then the final ascent, which was straightforward, and the spectacular 360-degree view between France and Italy!
The last 500 metres were on snow and black ice, with an icy wind… despite it being September.
The descent towards the Besson Lakes is peaceful, with plenty of chamois, apart from the final section overlooking the lakes where you have to work out how to get past the very steep rock slabs; the final descent to the car park feels endless…
In terms of physical exertion, there’s a bit of elevation gain, but it’s not really difficult for a regular walker, and besides, reaching 2,999 metres is good fun. I was wearing Speed-Cross trainers, which worked fine, but do make sure to pack warm clothes even in summer. Be aware that there’s little or no mobile signal, and the route isn’t very well-travelled.

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Remi_22

05 Aug 2024 at 21:37 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 02, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A brilliant hike up one of the most magical peaks near Le Boréon. Breathtaking views along the way, plenty of waterfalls and stunning rock formations. The climb is a bit steep at the start, and the path is marked only by cairns in the Levallon des Erps. But what a magnificent peak!

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