Elva walks

Before setting off on this third stage, take a moment to admire Monte Chersogno in the distance, which rises to over 3,000 metres. You’ll pass through more charming little villages in Chiosso before tackling the pleasant climb up Colle San Michele. After a long descent, you’ll pass through two more hamlets: Cesani and Castiglione. In Ussolo, you’ll be in for another culinary treat at the Locanda La Carlina. The vegetables come from the small vegetable patch adjoining the typically Occitan building.

On this fourth day, you will continue along the left bank of the Maira. At Punta Culour, the highest point on this bank, a magnificent view to the west over the peaks on the border with France awaits you. You will then descend back down to the Maira river at Acceglio to cross over to the other bank. You will climb up the Unerzio valley to reach Chialvetta.

The village of Macra is ideally situated to start this route. A car park on the outskirts of the village, the Maira stream which is truly at the heart of these seven stages, and small, well-kept hamlets to help you get into the spirit of Occitania. Along the way, you’ll see votive pillars, religious frescoes on the façades of some houses and numerous chapels. At the end of the route, the hamlet of Ruata Valle is entirely dedicated to the Locanda Codirosso.

This 7-stage route takes place in Val Maira, one of the four valleys of Occitan Piedmont. This mountainous valley, devoid of ski resorts, has successfully showcased its cultural heritage. Numerous stone hamlets with slate-roofed houses have been restored. In these valleys, every effort is made to give hikers a warm welcome. Since 1992, a very well-signposted route has offered a wide choice of stopover lodges where Occitan cuisine is served.

A very long day criss-crossing the border. But what breathtaking scenery! And you won’t be bothered by the neighbours... there’s little chance of coming across other two-legged creatures. But perhaps some ibex, vultures, including (apparently) a pair of bearded vultures.

A lovely stage featuring a beautiful climb to the Stroppia Waterfall and the Lac des Neuf Couleurs.

Last stage of this trek around Chambeyron mountain range, taking you back to France through Col de Sautron. You'll find yourself in superb wildlife setting when arriving at the pass.

This Italian stage of the Mont Viso circuit presents no particular difficulties. You will discover its wild high valleys dotted with high-altitude lakes. You will cross a few scree slopes before reaching the Sella Quintino Refuge, near Lake Mont Viso.

This stage involves a pass with neves and crossing Refuge du Viso high berm then Guil valley.

Beautiful stage, green at first, covered by neve at the pass then very floral in Guil Valley.

Italian stage through wild upper valleys and rocky wasteland, scattered by beautiful mountain lakes, consistantlyaround Monte Viso.

This stage gives you a frontline view over Monte Viso on one side and Pô prairie (plaine du Pô) on the other. Then a climb through Vallanta's small green valley.

This short stage of the Mont Viso circuit is completely straightforward. To make the day more enjoyable, 500 m from the starting point, you can turn right for a return trip to the summit of Viso Mozzo at 3,019 m, offering a stunning view of the Po Valley, which has its source at Pian del Re, the end point of this stage

This is a pleasant route through a magnificent summer valley to one of the most beautiful viewpoints of Mont Viso, where you will be captivated by the unfailing beauty of the surrounding peaks.

Discover two superb lakes nestled in the valley formed by the rocks of La Blanche and the ridges of Montagne de Rocca Bianca, which mark the French-Italian border.

Here, the names change from white to black with great dexterity. Indeed, the passage from Queyras, Refuge de la Blanche, to Ubaye is via the Col de la Noire. Original, isn't it?

A French-Italian loop to discover Lake Asti in a very rocky setting. The path to the lake is mostly very stony and requires careful attention.

A border route to tackle the Pic de Caramantran (3,025 m), observe a multitude of 3,000-metre peaks: Mont Viso, Pain de Sucre, Tête des Toillies, and discover three magnificent lakes: Blanchet supérieur, Blanchet inférieur and Blanche.

Nestled at the foot of the Crête de la Taillante and overlooked by the Pain de Sucre, Lac Foréant is located in a very protected environment. Indeed, many animal and plant species have made it their home (marmots, ibex, marsh plants, cottony cotton grass, etc.).

A wild climb to Pic Foréant via equally wild ridges. This is followed by a visit to several lakes, each different in size and charm. All this at the foot of the Pain de Sucre and the Crêtes de la Taillante.

Fifth stage with the recommended ascent of Pain de Sucre.

Starting from the Chapelle des Clausis, we will circle a remarkable peak, passing through three mountain passes and making a short detour into Italy. Numerous lakes and the beautiful Refuge de la Blanche.

A hike to a 3,000-metre peak, offering magnificent views of Mont Viso, the high peaks of the Ubaye and the Écrins, with the chance to discover some lovely lakes. A route with a few exposed sections, one of which requires you to use your hands.