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Entracque walks
Entracque and the Reina Gorge
Visorando Member
4.13 mi
+1,516 ft
-1,506 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Entracque (Cuneo)
This family-friendly route allows you to explore the Gorge della Reina (Queen’s Gorge), carved into the limestone cliffs above the town of Entracque. The route does not present any particular difficulties.
Sant’Anna Valdieri – Livio Bianco Mountain Hut
4.46 mi
+2,943 ft
-0 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Valdieri (Cuneo)
A picturesque climb through a deciduous forest leading out into an alpine valley. Nestled at the far end of this valley, in the hollow of an imposing mountain cirque, lies the refuge. What a delight it is, in the evening, to sit on the terrace and gaze at the reflection of the peaks in the mirror-like surface of the lake.
Tour of the Argentera
36.82 mi
+14,636 ft
-14,633 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Valdieri (Cuneo)
There are several ways to circumnavigate this mountain: closer to the summit or further away. But this suggested route allows you to walk around the Argentera via the lakes and the King Victor Emmanuel II trails, always with a view of the Argentera and, of course, a comforting stop at the mountain huts every evening. The stages are fairly well balanced in terms of the effort required, so let’s set off on the tour.
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.
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.
The Mont Clapier Lakes from the Nice refuge
2.00 mi
+1,191 ft
-1,194 ft
1h 55
Moderate
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
A short additional hike if you arrive at the Nice refuge too early. The lakes of Mont Clapier are a lovely and charming destination. As in the rest of the Mercantour, chamois and ibex are everywhere.
The lakes may still be frozen in mid-June. The path is not signposted, but is clearly visible. The same instructions appear on the map and on the suggested walks displayed at the entrance to the refuge. The elevation gain is approximately 300m.
Nice Mountain Hut – Madone de Fenestre Mountain Hut
4.88 mi
+2,523 ft
-3,527 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
This second day will take you to the foot of the Cime du Gélas (just 200 m below the summit); you’ll walk for a long time alongside Lac Long and the superb Malédie. You’ll then head into another small valley to admire the Cime Saint-Robert. The Lac Blanc, from which the stream flows, is none other than the Vésubie, and of course, the Gélas on its western face. The route will become more familiar and less strenuous once you rejoin the path coming from the Lac de la Fenestre.
Madone de Fenestre refuge - Pont du Countet
7.75 mi
+2,812 ft
-3,642 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
Route linking the Vésubie and Gordolasque valleys.
Circular route in the Mercantour starting from Castérino
34.52 mi
+16,145 ft
-16,165 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This challenging route will take you from the Roya Valley in the east to the Gordolasque Valley in the west. Over the course of these five days, you’ll have the chance to pass close to the highest peak in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Gélas. You’ll climb a legendary summit, Mont Bégo. You’ll make your way from valley to valley, crossing a series of mountain passes: the Pas de Pagari, the Pas du Mont Colomb, the Pas du Trem and the Baisse de Valmasque. Every day, chamois, ibex and marmots will keep you company.
Castérino – Nice Mountain Hut
8.98 mi
+4,928 ft
-3,258 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This first stage takes you from the bottom of the Roya Valley to the Nice Refuge. The proposed route is longer and more difficult than the one via the Baisse du Basto, but much less busy. On this demanding detour, you’ll enjoy the passage over the Pas de l’Agnel, the stretch into Italy as far as the Pas de Pagari, stopping off at the Rifugio Pagari, nestled against the summit of the Malédie. During the descent to the Refuge de Nice, you’ll enjoy the tranquillity of the Lacs Clapier.
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.
Lac de l'Agnel
6.75 mi
+2,408 ft
-2,392 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Hike to one of the largest lakes in the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by ibex and chamois.
Circular of Valmasque and Fontanalbe
13.60 mi
+3,586 ft
-3,586 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This magnificent circular takes you through the Valmasque and Fontanalbe valleys, with no fewer than five lakes and picture-postcard landscapes. It is a long but gradual hike with very few difficult sections.
Madone de Fenestre Mountain Hut – Relais des Merveilles
6.64 mi
+2,280 ft
-3,343 ft
5h 00
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This third stage is less demanding than the previous two. The entire route follows a marked path.
Only the start of the descent from the Pas du Mont Colomb and the sections over scree require a little care. This is the classic route linking the Madone de Fenestre valley with the Gordolasque valley. The scenery along the way is magnificent, and the Pas du Mont Colomb offers two completely different views from its eastern and western sides.
Around Mont Clapier in 3 days
20.36 mi
+9,232 ft
-9,249 ft
3 days
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This route, deliberately named “Around Mont Clapier”, will take you to discover this magnificent peak, rising to 3,045 m. Situated in the north of the Alpes-Maritimes, on the French-Italian border, it offers a magnificent panorama of the main peaks of the Mercantour and Argentera ranges. Over the course of these three days, you’ll be able to admire it from various angles. You’ll also have the opportunity to climb it.
Before setting off, please see the ‘Practical information’ section .
Cime Viglino from Castérino
10.73 mi
+4,049 ft
-4,068 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Cime Viglino enjoys a privileged location. At an altitude of 2,910 metres, it cannot compete with the nearby Mont Clapier (3,051 metres), which offers its most beautiful façade and an impressive view of its glacier. The view to the west is obscured by this superb neighbour, but there is still a breathtaking panorama to the north as far as Mont Viso and to the south as far as the sea. From this promontory, you can dream and meditate on the hikes to be made in the valleys below.
Le Grand Capelet
14.01 mi
+4,370 ft
-4,390 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Le Grand Capelet enjoys a privileged position, offering panoramic views over the Roya and Vésubie valleys.The hike is quite challenging, but once you reach your destination, you will be rewarded with a superb panorama.
Lac Vert de Fontanalba and Voie Sacrée
8.58 mi
+2,290 ft
-2,313 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This hike takes place in a very green valley, punctuated by a pretty little lake that takes on the colour of its surroundings. You can admire the pictograms of the Sacred Way (like those in the Vallée des Merveilles). The whole area is dominated by Mont Bégo.
Balaour Lakes
3.62 mi
+1,768 ft
-1,768 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This hike in the Vallon de la Madone de Fenestre will take you to the wild lakes of Balaour, a little-visited spot at the foot of the Cime du Gélas, the highest point in the Mercantour.
These lakes are fed by the famous Vésubie river, which rises some 300 metres higher up at Lac Blanc.
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.
Valmasque refuge
7.42 mi
+1,886 ft
-1,900 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A very beautiful hike, especially the part where you leave the 4x4 track and arrive at the waterfalls.
Circular: Lac de l'Agnel - small pass de la Charnassère - Lac Noir - Valmasque
10.36 mi
+3,753 ft
-3,740 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A beautiful circular hike that takes you from Lac de l'Agnel to the Lac Noir and Lac Vert de Valmasque.
Caution: tricky sections at (4) and (5).
Mont Sainte-Marie
11.32 mi
+3,504 ft
-3,474 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Mont Sainte-Marie overlooks the three large lakes of the Valmasque valley: Lac du Basto, Lac Noir and Lac Vert.From the summit, to the north, the view stretches from the Grand Capelet to the peak of Chanineye. To the west, the view is just as spectacular: from Mont Bégo to the Grand Capelet, including the Baisses de Fontanalbe and Valmasque.
Summit of Gélas
7.01 mi
+4,672 ft
-4,672 ft
8 hrs
Extremely difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This route, which is closer to simple mountaineering than standard hiking, provides access to the highest peak in the Mercantour. From the summit, there is an exceptional panorama of the surrounding mountains and a view of the sea, stretching as far as Corsica on a clear day.
The proposed ascent is via the small pass Saint-Robert and the west-southwest ridge, descending via the northeast ridge and the Balcon du Gélas.
Mont Paracouerte - Lac Sainte-Marie
6.40 mi
+2,487 ft
-2,500 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A magnificent ridge offering sweeping views over the southern Mercantour. To the north, the view stretches from the Vallon de Valmasque to the Col de Tende. You will recognise the major peaks: Cime Chamineye, Cime de la Lusière, Mont Clapier rising behind the Pas de la Fous, Cime de l’Agnel, Cime de Sabion, Pointe de Peyrefique and Roche de l’Abysse. To the south and west, you can admire Mont Bégo and Mont Sainte Marie.Before setting off, please read the practical information section
The Pas des Ladres via the Col de Fenestre
4.68 mi
+2,054 ft
-2,041 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
A beautiful loop around the Fenestre valley with Lake Fenestre as its centre point.
The Prals Lakes loop
4.65 mi
+1,729 ft
-1,755 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
A charming circular hike that can be done at the start of the season (June) when there is still snow. Chamois are often seen (early in the morning). The lake area is very pleasant and offers many options and views for picnics.
Lacs de Prals via Baisse de Férisson and Cime de la Valette de Prals
8.15 mi
+2,625 ft
-2,595 ft
6h 00
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
The Lacs de Prals or "Cinq Lacs" route takes you into the heart of the Mercantour, along pleasant, easy trails that are suitable for all walkers.
This route will allow you to discover the Tête de la Lave, the Cime de la Valette de Prals (2,496 m) with its panoramic view of the upper Vésubie and the great snow-capped peaks of the Oisans, before reaching the Lacs de Prals site.
Cime de la Valette and Lake Prals
7.28 mi
+2,523 ft
-2,523 ft
5h 35
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
From the summit of La Valette, there is a breathtaking view of all the peaks of the Mercantour, La Colmiane and, on a clear day, Cap d'Antibes. You will pass by the five lakes of Le Prals.
The West Peak of Fenestre via Lac de Trécolpas
6.83 mi
+3,209 ft
-3,189 ft
5h 55
Difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
This hike in the Haut Boréon will take you, via the iconic Lac de Trécolpas, to a minor but wild summit that is particularly interesting for its breathtaking view of the Cime du Gélas. The ascent presents no major difficulties, apart from a section off the beaten track and a few easy climbing moves towards the end, as well as the possibility of encountering chamois and ibex along much of the route.
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.
Cime Guilié
8.40 mi
+4,459 ft
-4,459 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
A challenging hike that takes you to the Cime Guilié (2,999 m), a border peak just one metre short of reaching the Mercantour’s 3,000-metre peaks. At the top, there are magnificent views both on the French side and of the lakes on the Italian side. On the way back, a short detour will allow you to explore the Bessons Lakes.
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.
The Peïrefique Lakes
5.37 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,601 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Nestled in a rugged cirque at the foot of the Roche de l’Abysse and the Pointe de Peïrefique, these two small lakes will enchant you.
Moderator update as at 24/09/2020: Please note! The access road to the starting point is now closed to all vehicles except 4x4s.
Cime du Sabion
6.16 mi
+2,024 ft
-2,001 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Cime du Sabion is a Franco-Italian peak rising to 2,610 m. From the summit, with one foot in France and one in Italy, you can admire Mont Bégo and the main peaks of the Valmasque valley to the south-west. To the north, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Entracque valley. To the east, you’ll be impressed by the vast, rugged cirque carved out at the foot of the peaks of Sabion, Peïrefique and the Roche de l’Abysse.See restrictions in the practical information section
Sabion Pass and Lakes
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.
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).
Boréon – Cougourde Mountain Hut
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
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.
Lake Sainte-Marie
8.30 mi
+2,779 ft
-2,772 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Lac Sainte-Marie, situated 350 metres higher than the famous and much-visited Lac des Grenouilles, is well worth the slight extra effort. At the foot of Mont Sainte-Marie, peace and tranquillity await you.
Not to be confused with Lac de Sainte-Marie, situated to the south-west of Mont Sainte-Marie.
Lac des Grenouilles and Vallon de Fontanalba from Casterino
6.13 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,627 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
In the Roya Valley, above Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende, enjoy a beautiful snowshoe hike in the setting of Mont Bégo in the middle of the Vallée des Merveilles.
The Baisse d'Ourne de Castérino
6.09 mi
+1,841 ft
-1,854 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A very pretty hike, offering beautiful views of the Alps, including Monts Bégo, Clapier and Grand Capelet, in the upper part. The return journey is along a very pleasant, unmarked, little-used wooded path. In total, there is a small elevation gain of 490 m, which will help you get back into shape.
The summit of Chanvrairée and the return off-trail via Plan Tendasque
7.96 mi
+3,002 ft
-2,986 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
The ridges and summit of Chanvrairée offer stunning 360° panoramic views, including the Mercantour. After passing the fortified structures dating from the 1930s, which form part of the Italian defence line known as the 8th caposaldo Pian Tendasco, the little-used return route passes through an area frequented by chamois. Keep an eye out!
More walks in Entracque
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