The Crête de la Blanche followed by the Chaufrède valley

The car park is situated along the M64 below the hamlet of Bousiéyas

(S/E) Head towards the north-eastern part of the car park where^GR®5marker 43 is located. Take the descending track suitable for vehicles. Follow the^GR®5signposting towards Col de la Colombière. You will reach a crossroads of tracks at marker 44a.

(1) There is a sheepfold on the left. Continue straight on towards Col de la Colombière and reach the pass at marker 47.

(2) Turn right onto the mountain-side path, signposted^GR®56. The path climbs gradually. Below lies the valley of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. The Crête de Rougne gives way to the Crête de la Blanche, which is less exposed to the wind. There are a series of panoramic views of the Bonette massif and Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. Reach marker 46 at the Col de l’Alpe.

(3) Continue along this path towards the Col de Colombart and reach the pass at marker 45.

(4) At this junction of tracks, the last point above 2,500 m, turn right onto the descending path. This takes you off the red and white markings of^{the GR®56}and leads you down to the stream.

(5) Continue along this^GR®52path, which leads to marker 44a at point (1), then return to Bousiéyas via the reverse route of the outward journey to the car park (S/E).

Mercantour National Park regulations – full details can be found via this link:
- Between (5) and (8), you are in an area of high wildlife sensitivity. Please respect the regulations.
- Bivouacking and camping: permitted only at a distance of more than one hour’s walk from road access points and the park boundaries, between 7.00 pm and 9.00 am. It is forbidden to spend the night in your vehicle in a car park or at the side of the road within the heart of the Mercantour National Park.
- Dogs are prohibited, even when kept on a lead
- Fires are prohibited in the heart of the park and also throughout the Alpes-Maritimes department
by prefectural decree.
- Parking may be prohibited at the start of certain hikes due to the risk of
torrential mudslides and rockfalls.

This hike is suitable from May to October.
A GPS or the Visorando app is useful.
The mobile app will be a very welcome bonus.
Hiking boots and walking poles recommended. Stony terrain.

The area around “La Tinée”, on both the right and left banks, is used for grazing. Please exercise caution and behave appropriately to avoid any incidents.