Crête de l'Arpiha from Camp d'Argent

A lovely, easy forest hike. Some beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

Details

n°44271882

Creation:
14 Jan 2024

Last update:
24 Sep 2025

Last review:
01 Jul 2025

Activity: Snowshoeing
Distance: 8.78 km
Duration according to the author: 4 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 348 m
Descent: - 344 m
Highest point: 1,748 m
Lowest point: 1,541 m

Country: France
Areas: Alps, Mercantour
District: La Bollène-Vésubie (06450)
Start/End: N 43.987922° / E 7.399821°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3741ET, 3741OT
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Description of the walk

The hike starts from the car park of the small ski resort of Camp d'Argent.

(S/E) Go to marker 238 and take the path that heads north to the right.

(1) At a small concrete structure, take the metal stairs (remove your snowshoes) to reach the wide track and marker 239 below. Turn left to follow this track south-west and continue to the junction at marker 237.

(2) Continue straight ahead to the Mantégas cattle farm (marker 235).

(3) Follow the direction "Crête de l'Arpiha", due west.

(4) At the fork, take the right-hand track and head for the ridge.

(5) At the junction, turn left heading due south.

(4) Keep to the right and follow the path you took on the way there until you reach the Mantégas cattle farm.

(3) Continue straight ahead on the track you took on the way there to return to marker 237.

(2) Take the track that climbs to the right to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,739 m - Camp d'Argent car park - La Baisse de Camp
1 : km 0.91 - alt. 1,650 m - Concrete structure, metal staircase
2 : km 2.91 - alt. 1,676 m - Marker 237
3 : km 3.39 - alt. 1,684 m - Matégas cattle farm, marker 235
4 : km 3.8 - alt. 1,656 m - Crossroads on the circular ridge
5 : km 5.07 - alt. 1,541 m - Ridge, crossroads
S/E : km 8.78 - alt. 1,738 m - Camp d'Argent car park

Notes

Hike completed in winter with snowshoes. We had to take off our snowshoes after the cattle farm due to lack of snow. However, bring hiking crampons as some sections may be icy in the undergrowth.
Yellow markings are not always very visible, but there are no difficulties with orientation.

Worth a visit

There is a pleasant picnic area next to the Mantégas cattle farm (3).

Possible alternative: on the way back, just after the cattle shed, follow the signs for Route de Mantégas on the right (fairly steep path) to reach the summit of Tête de Mantégas, then follow the ridge to return to the car park.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5

Ease of following the route
5 / 5

Route interest
4.5 / 5

Jean-Paul M3.

01 Jul 2025 at 10:17 7200 • Edited: 01 Jul 2025 at 10:18 7200

@ User 26095517 Hello and thank you for your review.
I rated this hike as average because it was a winter hike with snowshoes, which increases the level of effort required.

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User 26095517

01 Jul 2025 at 08:38 7200 • Edited: 01 Jul 2025 at 08:48 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short hike or walk in the forest with no difficulty, I would classify it as easy rather than moderate. It starts and ends on wide paths, passing through a very pleasant trail, most of which is shaded by magnificent pine trees over 20 metres tall. You can take a break on pretty meadows overlooking the Vesubie valley, with some very nice views. I recommend stopping at the farm and its cheese dairy. The owner is very friendly and their cheeses, including Tomme de Montagne and Brousse Fraîche, are excellent!

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User 10778203

16 Jun 2025 at 12:12 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 16, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike starting from Camp d'Argent, with no difficulties. You can picnic at the cheese dairy, a lovely spot with tables. When you arrive, you can enjoy a local beer at Le Yeti to round off this beautiful route in a place where nature is magnificent.

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Nathjm

14 Dec 2024 at 09:02 3600 • Edited: 14 Dec 2024 at 10:40 3600

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, mainly through the forest. Surrounded by towering pine and larch trees. Little elevation gain and a beautiful picnic area. We completed it in 3 hours, including a lunch break.

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jacques06380

09 Feb 2024 at 15:26 3600

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

variation
at point No. 5, continue to marker 236 and a return trip to the summit of Arpiha is worth the detour, approximately 100 m of elevation gain, slope greater than 15%, difficult and exposed, you will need to use your hands, but superb 360° views towards the sea and the Mercantour

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