The summit of Chanvrairée and the return off-trail via Plan Tendasque

Park in the car park on the right as you enter the hamlet of Casterino.

(S/E) Walk down the road for a few metres. After the Chalet d’Accueil, which serves as the Tourist Office, turn right at marker 391. Head towards the Fontanalbe mountain refuge. Take a track that is passable by vehicle and is still paved in places. This track, dating from the 1930s, was built for the Italian army. You will reach a Y-shaped junction.

(1) Continue straight ahead; a small hand-painted sign points to Refuge de Fontanalbe. You’ll reach marker 390.

(2) Turn left and continue uphill to reach the Fontanalba Refuge and marker 389.

(3) Carry on straight ahead along the Joseph Vighetto path for a few metres. Walk alongside a stone wall, and at the cairn, turn left. Climb through the spruce trees. Shortly after marker 387, you’ll reach the bridge at the entrance to the Mercantour National Park.

(4) Do not cross this bridge; instead, take the path on the left. Walk some distance alongside Lac Vert and reach the junction marked by signpost 386.

(5) Head off to the right towards the Baisse de Valauretta and, at the junction by the military building, turn right to reach the Baisse de Valauretta.

(6) Please note: the return route suggested here is off the beaten track; using the Visorando app or a GPS device may be helpful.
Turn left, leaving the existing path immediately to take the narrower track further to the left, following the nearby ridge line. Reach the Cime de Chanvrairée.

(7) Head south down towards the path visible below and make your way towards the concrete defence bunkers.

(8) Take the path at the old water tank situated just above the two bunkers. Follow the contour line. The path is not obvious, but there are a few cairns. Take care when crossing the scree slopes. Reach a summit shaped like an open mouth.

(9) Head towards the Rocher Rouge and go round it to the right. Here, you’ll cross an alpine pasture where herds of cows are a common sight. Pass beneath the rocky outcrops, going round them to the right to reach the eastern valley, then head up it. At the edge of the woodland, you’ll come to a multi-way junction.

(10) Here, you’ll come to a path and begin the descent through the woods; take care, as the tall grass somewhat obscures the start of the grassy track. Continue on to reach the place known as Gias de la Gasta and its disused barracks.

(11) Turn right (180°) and follow the descending track, which is the old access road to this barracks. You will then reach the original crossroads you passed on the way out.

(1) Turn right to retrace your steps along the route you took on the way there, heading back towards the car park in the village of Casterino (S/E).

The walk is accessible from May to October.
A GPS or the Visorando app will be useful.
The mobile app will be a very welcome addition.
Hiking boots and walking poles recommended. Stony terrain.
There is a water source outside the Fontanalba refuge.
Pastureland. Please exercise caution and behave appropriately to avoid any incidents.

(3) Fontanalba mountain refuge: it has been fully restored and the welcome there is most friendly. There is a water source outside the refuge.
Before (6), visit the military ruins from the last war, consisting of a building that served as barracks and is in an excellent state of preservation.
Between (8) and (10) This area is quiet and rarely visited by walkers. It is therefore common to spot chamois here.
(11) Gias de la Gasta barracks: the building on the right was a stable, with the sloping roof forming a canopy at the front to shelter the mules. The old building opposite housed 100 soldiers (the Alpini).