La Cime du Diable from Lac des Mesches

From Saint-Dalmas de Tende (06), take the road towards Castérino / Les Mesches.
Park at the edge of Lac des Mesches.

(S/E) Head south to reach the start of the old track at marker 82.

(1) Follow the 4x4 track, take a shortcut on the right, just after the first bend. Return to this track, pass in front of the "Neiges et Merveilles" buildings.

(2) Walk along Lac de la Minière and reach marker 88.

(3) Descend towards the stream to marker 88b.

(4) Continue along the right bank of the stream to reach marker 89a. On the right, take the two shortcuts to quickly reach marker 89.

(5) Take the Vallon de l'Enfer trail, next to the shelter, leaving the track that branches off to the left. Reach marker 90 after a fairly steep climb: stairs, steps carved into the rock, a dozen hairpin bends and finally a flat section in the scree.

(6) Continue westwards, taking the track to reach the edge of Lac Long Supérieur, then the Refuge des Merveilles.

(7) From the refuge, head south-west to join the GR®52.

(8) On the left, heading south, join the GR®52 and stay on it until you reach Lac du Diable. Follow this magnificent trail that winds its way between Lacs Fourca, Trem and Muta. After a final climb, you will arrive at the first of the Lacs du Diable (marker 404).

(9) A few clearly visible switchbacks provide easy access to Pas du Trem.

(10) At Pas du Trem, take the trail on the left. Begin the final ascent to Cime du Diable (the climb is quite steep but there are no technical difficulties).

(11) Descend to Pas du Trem via the same route.

(10) On your way back to the lakes, the path splits in two. Take the right-hand path towards Pas du Diable. You will arrive at Lac du Diable Supérieur.

(12) Turn left to return to Lac du Diable Inférieur.

(9) Return to the Refuge des Merveilles via the same route you took on the way up.

There are two options for returning from the Refuge des Merveilles:

1. descend to the car park via the same route you took on the way up to (S/E)
2. follow the unmarked route between points 12 and 13.

(7) Reach the first sheepfold on the left, shortly after Lac Saorgine.

(13) Take the path that passes just in front of the sheepfold, then continue along the balcony path. Follow the numerous cairns carefully. Join the path that descends from the Valaurette pass towards La Minière.

(14) Turn right and descend into the Minière valley, reaching marker 383.

(15) Continue along the path on the left bank of the stream in the Minière valley until you reach marker 382.

(16) Continue past Lac de la Minière. Reach La Minière de Vaulaura after a short steep descent.

(17) Take the wide track to marker 84, then the road to the starting car park (S/E).

ℹ️ For the return route described from point (13) The section between points (13) and (14) does not appear on the IGN map but does appear on OSM maps.

? Water sources: Refuge des Merveilles. (food available).

? Mountain equipment, including good footwear.

? The IBP statistics for the route give an index of 157 HKG

- Lac des Mesches.
- Refuge des Merveilles.
- Vallauria mine
- Lac Long Supérieur.
- Fourca Lake.
- Lac du Trem.
- Lake Muta.
- Lakes of the Devil.
- Cime du Diable.
- Mount Bégo.
- Mount Capelet Supérieur.
- Authion.