You are in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – see the practical information section.
Country:
City:
Take the M2205 towards Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, then turn left at Le Bourguet towards Roya. Park in the small car park behind the church.
(S/E) Walk to the lodge (marker 137) then head towards the Col de Crous, due west. You will pass through the hamlet and reach another car park and the end of the track at marker 140.
(1) From there, simply stay on the track that runs alongside Las Donas further up, until you reach marker 142, where you should continue towards the Col de Crous.
(2) At the marker, head down to the left along the path until you reach a bridge. Cross it and enter the Mercantour National Park. Follow the well-marked and signposted path. There are no particular difficulties until you reach the Col de Crous at marker 95.
(3) From there, you’ll be off the beaten track, though it’s nothing too complicated. Follow the path, which is well marked with cairns. Head eastwards uphill and pass the bunker at the pass. Be careful: there’s a hole a little further up in one of the remaining structures. Continue south-eastwards until you reach the first plateau.
(4) From there, follow the ridge more or less all the way to the Cime Nègre, which finally comes into view.
(5) Go round the peak via the north face, following the cairns, until you see them heading up to the right towards the Cime Nègre. Enjoy the magnificent views all around you, with the Mounier to the east, Péone to the south and the Ténibre range to the north-east.
(6) From there, you have two options:
- the first, which I recommend, is to make a leisurely descent to the Col de Crous at marker 95 (as shown on the route).
- The second option, however, is reserved for experienced and well-equipped walkers, as it involves descending directly towards the Sallevieille hut by taking the scree slope heading north-east. You must head straight on, keeping the hut in your sights, as this is the only possible route; the grassy section further to the west, which you’ll see as you descend, leads to a precipice. I’ll post a photo at the foot of the scree slope in the gallery so that you can clearly identify the direction to follow.
(3) Back at marker 95 for the recommended route, turn right, heading due north, towards the Vallon de Sallevieille, following the path that skirts around Mont Férant. This will take you to the Sallevieille hut at marker 110.
(7) Please note: from June to October, the hut is occupied by the shepherd, his flocks and his dogs. Be careful and do not disturb the animals!
Continue down to the left, heading north-west towards Roya along theGR®5.
(8) The bridge has been repaired; cross it carefully and carry on towards the hamlet.
Please note: there’s a slightly tricky section as you pass in front of the waterfall; the path is a bit muddy and less stable, so do take care.
(9) Cross one final bridge and return to Roya. Follow the path back up until you reach the church and the car park (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
Very difficult 
