Refine your search for walks in Col du Sabion (2263m)
Col du Sabion (2263m) walks
Sabion Pass and Lakes
Visorando Member
6.16 mi
+1,014 ft
-984 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A very pleasant mountain-side walk with views over the Casterino valley and the peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles; to round off the outward leg, there is a magnificent view of the Italian side, featuring Lago della Vacca and a beautiful waterfall that feeds into the lake.
Walks near Col du Sabion (2263m)
From Valmasque to Lac des Mesches via Mont Bégo
13.66 mi
+4,006 ft
-5,118 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This long one-way hike (two vehicles required) will take you up the pretty Valmasque Valley and its three beautiful lakes to the pass above the Vallée des Merveilles, before climbing to the summit of Mont Bégo via a sometimes steep and slightly vertiginous path, in an area where you may encounter magnificent ibex.
Finally, there is a very long descent to the lakes around the Refuge des Merveilles, then through the Vallon de la Minière to Lac des Mesches.
From Castérino to the Refuge des Merveilles
8.31 mi
+3,058 ft
-1,736 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
The first part of the magnificent circular walk starting from Castérino to explore the Vallée des Merveilles, passing by the Refuge de Fontanalba, the rock carvings in the Nature Reserve and the Voie Sacrée, and finishing at the Refuge des Merveilles.
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.
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.
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").
Pont du Countet - Refuge des Merveilles
3.63 mi
+2,697 ft
-1,276 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
Discover the Vallée des Merveilles by connecting the Vallée de la Gordolasque to the famous Refuge des Merveilles.
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!
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 - 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.