- Refuge de Cougourde Réservation obligatoire.
- Rifugio Remondino Réservation par téléphone. Attention ce refuge est très fréquenté (départ pour de nombreuses voies d'escalade vers les sommets de l'Argentera).
Du Boréon au pied de l'Argentera
Cette boucle de trois jours vous conduira au pied du plus haut sommet du massif Mercantour-Argentera. Vous vous émerveillerez devant le sommet à la silhouette de courge qui émerge des abords verdoyant du Refuge de la Cougourde, Au Rifugio Remondino, vous rêverez devant toutes ces cimes de l'Argentera, de Nasta, de Brocan, si proches. La deuxième étape est réservée aux randonneurs expérimentés.
Avant de vous engager voir le § Infos pratiques. de la deuxième étape.
Details
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
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Activity: Walking -
Distance: 16.23 mi -
Average duration: 3 days -
Difficulty: Difficult -
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Back to start: Yes -
Ascent: + 8,150 ft -
Descent: - 8,133 ft -
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Highest point: 9,301 ft -
Lowest point: 4,846 ft
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Country:
France
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Areas: Alps, Mercantour -
City:
Saint-Martin-Vésubie (06450) -
Start/End: N 44.113102° / E 7.288107° -
Hour-by-hour weather
Photos
Stages of the route
This route needs several days, find the details below:
Notes
This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:
Worth a visit
- Le Boréon.
- Le Lac de Trécolpas.
- Le Pas des Ladres.
- Le Col de Fenestre.
- La Cougourde
- Lac des Sagnes
- La Cougourde
- Les Lacs Bessons.
- les Lacs de Baissette.
- Cime et Col de Brocan.
- Cimes de Nasta.
- Cimes de l'Argentera.
- Piano della Casa del Re
- Rifugio Regina Elena
- Terme di Valdieri
- Monte Matto
- Col de Cerise
- Lac de Cerise
- Lac du Mercantour
Other walks in the area
Boréon – Cougourde Mountain Hut
Visorando Member
5.37 mi
+2,559 ft
-472 ft
4h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This first stage largely follows theGR®52. It takes you through wooded countryside and offers a relaxing break by the peaceful Lac de Trécolpas. From the Cougourde Mountain Hut, you’ll enjoy superb views of this majestic, pumpkin-shaped peak.
Editor’s note added on 26/07/2021: A section is closed due to bad weather. See the notices for an alternative route
Le Boreon - Refuge de Nice
10.85 mi
+5,971 ft
-3,678 ft
12 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
The most difficult stage of thisGR®, but the most beautiful for its landscapes, flora and fauna: chamois, marmots, ibex.
After the Pas des Ladres, we chose to take theGR®52via the alternative route that passes close to the Col de Fenestre, then descends to Lac de Fenestre before reaching La Madone de Fenestre.
Three sections are particularly difficult: between Lac de Trecolpas and the Pas des Ladres, the ascent of the Pas du Colomb, and the descent from the Pas du Colomb.
Col des Cerises, starting from Boréon
5.13 mi
+3,353 ft
-3,353 ft
5h 15
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
A lovely summit hike, as you’ll be climbing over 1,000 metres. Initially sheltered by a forest, you’ll then move through a more alpine landscape before finishing with a pleasant climb over scree. You’ll pass by the little Lac de Cerise. On the way down, the easier going will surely allow you to spot the chamois and marmots you may have missed on the way up.
Lac du Mercantour and Col de Cerise
5.71 mi
+3,845 ft
-3,819 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
A short but challenging hike in a wild valley in Haute-Vésubie.
Rocky landscape, a pretty lake and a beautiful view of several Italian peaks, including Monte Matto (3,088 m).
Mercantour Peak
6.23 mi
+4,078 ft
-4,091 ft
5 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
The secondary summit of the park, to which it gives its name (by mistake, according to legend), the Cime du Mercantour is relatively accessible and offers a pleasant, uncrowded hike.
Please note: the descent to the Vallon des Erps requires caution and is only suitable for experienced walkers.
Lac de Trécolpas and return via the Refuge de la Cougourde
6.95 mi
+2,293 ft
-2,290 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This is a fine route with the beautiful Lac de Trécolpas at the foot of the Pas des Ladres.
Please note that following storm Alex, the start of the hike on the right bank is no longer possible and must therefore be made on the left bank.
Bessons Lakes
7.06 mi
+3,232 ft
-3,235 ft
6h 05
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
The Bessons Lakes are among the most beautiful and airy in Boréon. The striking glacial relief, with the passage of barriers defending this cirque, is truly awe-inspiring.
Boréon Circular Route
5.22 mi
+1,598 ft
-1,617 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
A circular hike around the lower part of the Salèse valley, passing the Cavalet and Erps cattle pastures, Lac du Boréon, the waterfall and the larch forests. A short hike suitable for the height of summer, as much of the route is shaded.
(Please note): The route description is likely no longer accurate following Storm Alex, as the route was mapped out before the storm.
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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.
