The Lantosque elephant via the Crête des Martourins

Park below Lantosque in the car park of the hamlet of Le Rivet, where the starting point is marked.

(S/E) Next to the car park, on a slope, there is an unnumbered signpost (most likely 94) indicating "Lantosque" on the right and "Col de Turini" on the left. Take the grassy ramp on the slope and pass behind this signpost. Our path is slightly hidden by a fruit tree but immediately enters the Lantosque forest.

Yellow markings in place

(1) At this small crossroads, keep to the right and do not be tempted to follow the stream. At the edge of the forest, the trail veers to the left and then crosses a scree slope

(2) Further on, an area is secured by metal cables. Arrive at the trail-road junction D273- Route de Colomban.

(3) Marker 169 is missing. Road traffic, caution advised. Follow the uphill road, which is very pleasant and often shaded, but proceed with caution. Stay on this M273 road until you reach the village of Colomban.

(4) At the road junction in the village, turn right towards the church square. Access it via a narrow street. Then go back a few metres to take the "Chemin de l'école" (school path), which is in the form of steps. At the wash house, turn right and continue to the next junction at marker 165.

(5) Turn right onto the path towards "Baisse de Béasse", the next destination. At the start of the path, note the old cable system. The path runs alongside a long wall and an old mill, then crosses the hamlet of Gorblaou. Yellow markings in place

(6) At the last house in the hamlet, continue straight ahead along the grassy path.

(7) At Baisse de Béasse, marker 167, altitude 900 m, turn right towards "Col de Rabon". This very pleasant wooded path follows an underground irrigation canal and offers views down to Saint-Colomban.

(8) At Col de Rabon, marker 164, continue straight ahead along the wooded path climbing towards Crêtes de Martourins.

(9) Marker 163, about a hundred metres before a large telephone relay antenna. Turn left onto the tarmac road descending towards "Les Crottes". Pass the "Crottes de Lola" water reservoir. Continue downhill through the woods.

(10) Please note that marker 162 is incorrectly positioned on the map. Turn right at the first house in the hamlet of Les Crottes (yellow markings) and, after a few metres, turn right again to continue along the beautiful Crête des Martourins trail overlooking the Vésubie valley.

(11) Further on, the path runs along cliffs, providing natural shelter in case of bad weather.
(12) Just before descending the 64 steps at the end of the trail, on the right is the monumental porch of the Grotte de Balma, which is nearly 40 m wide and 9 m high. The access gate is locked, but it is possible to view the site. At the bottom of the stairs, pass marker 168 and continue straight on the M73 towards Lantosque, taking care.

(13) Turn right onto the tarmac road towards Saint-Colomban. The road is narrow and vehicles drive slowly, but be sure to remain extra vigilant. Stay on the left side of the road and follow the safety barrier to see the start of the path to follow. This path, which is not signposted, corresponds to the end of the iron safety barrier and the start of the wooden barrier. The local council has placed large boulders on the right-hand side to prevent parking. Walk down this short, steep path to see some beautiful natural pools. This place is called the Elephant's Hole because a rock formation looks exactly like an elephant's head dipping its trunk into the clear water.

(14) Turn around and return to the M73.

(13) Turn right onto the road towards Lantosque. Watch out for traffic.

(15) At the bridge, continue straight ahead, still on the M2565, between the cliffs and Vésubie, to reach the car park (S/E).

Bring pruning shears, which will be useful at the start of this hike.

Hiking boots and walking sticks recommended

Water source available in St Colomban.
Hike can be done all year round.

Point (11) can serve as a natural shelter in case of bad weather.

After this hike, visit Lantosque. Take the main street, which climbs up a staircase, and you will discover tall old houses built of cut stone or coated in warm, beautifully faded colours, as well as charming narrow streets that go up and down.

In the past, the rural chapel of Saint Colomban was famous because this saint was reputed to have the gift of making the mute speak. Many people came on foot from neighbouring valleys, accompanied by their children, to approach this saint. These were true pilgrimages, simply to pray to this saint and hope for a cure for their infirmity.