Crêtes du Férion from Sainte-Claire

Head to Sainte Claire (in the municipality of Levens). There are a few parking spaces on the RD19, near the Le Reveste bus stop.

(S/E) From marker 283 (near No. 1255 on the D19), take the stairs (poorly maintained), then follow the path at the end of the private access road to the houses at No. 1255. The climb begins gently, sheltered by a forest of oak trees.

(1) After crossing a forest road for^{the first} time, continue the ascent along the path opposite.
When you reach a sparse plateau, take the path on the right, slightly below, to cross a forest road a^second time. Continue to the next intersection, marker 282.

(2) Take the path on the right towards Col de Travail and Col de Rosa. Join a wide forest road, take it on the right and you will reach Col de Travail in a few steps.

(3) Follow the DFCI track to the right for a few metres, then turn left towards Colla Bassa and Col de Rosa. Continue the relatively steady climb to marker 280. Stay on the left-hand path to quickly reach Col de Rosa.

(4) Turn left towards the Férion climb and Chapelle Saint-Michel. The slope is steeper here but only for a short distance and is once again sheltered. Reach the highest point at the crossroads at marker 278.

(5) Here, join the La Balle track (wide forest track). You will pass an old cast iron bathtub and a DFCI water basin. Take the^first forest road on the left and begin your descent. Follow this track for about 1.4 km. Reach marker 277.

(6) Pass a barrier on the left and take the path on the left downhill towards La Madone, Levens. You will reach the crossroads at marker 269.

(7) Take the path opposite and continue downhill to reach the crossroads at marker 267.

(8) Continue straight ahead, then take a slightly undulating path to reach marker 266.

(9) Turn almost 180° to the left, continue downhill and reach the Péloubié stream.

(10) Cross it, there is only a little water, and then begin an easy climb on a mule track to the Col de Travail, which you passed on the way there.

(3) Turn right and retrace your steps to return to the Sainte-Claire car park, marker 283 (S/E).

There is no water on the route.
(3) Col de Travail: enjoy a large grassy area near a firefighting water tank for a break with unobstructed views.
Between (3) and (4): the view becomes clearer here, with a view of Nice Airport, Cap d'Antibes and the Var Valley.

Take care when crossing the D19, which is very busy, when parking or returning to your parking spot.