The Madone d’Utelle as seen from the Gorges de la Mescla

Park near marker 106, which will be our starting point. Please note that the M6202 is a busy road.

Yellow signposting in place

(S/E) From marker 106, take the path leading uphill towards Le Reveston, our first destination. The wide, winding path overlooking the Var River as it flows through the Gorges de la Mescla with its vertical cliffs. Just past some ruins, you’ll reach a fork in the path.

(1) Marker 107 is visible. Continue straight on towards Le Reveston.

(2) Marker 108 marks the entrance to the hamlet of Le Reveston. The open doors of the ruins offer a glimpse of old furnishings and evidence of a bygone way of life. Follow the path.

(3) At marker 109, the path is barely visible. Head towards the metal cistern; the path runs just to the left of it.

(4) Cross the footbridge and continue along the path.

(5) Top of the path. At this point, keep well to the right; the yellow markings have faded. Head towards marker 119.

(6) At this junction, turn right towards Madone d’Utelle, the next stop. The stone track climbs steeply.

(7) Continue a few metres past marker 114 until you reach the tarmac road leading to La Madone d’Utelle
Please note that the M132 road, which we will be crossing twice, is dangerous. Turn right and follow the road for 100 metres.

(8) At marker 115, take the uphill path which will cross the M132 three times.

(9) Cross with care; the path continues straight ahead

(10) At the end of this path, follow the road for about fifty metres and walk along the right-hand side of La Madone d’Utelle. It’s time for a break.

(11) From the sanctuary of La Madone d’Utelle, walk along the side of the road, heading south-west to the orientation table, passing marker 117 on the way.

(12) From here, you’re treated to a 360° panoramic view. Then head for the Col d’Ambellarte.
This is the only section without yellow markings. The path lies below the orientation table. There are three route options: we chose to turn right next to the table and descend by sight to the marked path.

(13) Follow it to the right to reach the Col d’Ambellarte.

(14) Look out for marker 118 on the right, signposted for the Col de la Moutète. You’ll reach a grassy area as you emerge from the forest.

(15) At this crossroads of tracks, turn right towards the Col de la Moutète / Le Reveston. Be careful: the path runs alongside a sort of low terraced field and disappears into a pasture.

(16) There is a large cairn; the path veers to the left and enters the wooded valley.

(17) At this junction of paths, there is a cairn. Turn right until you reach the next fork.

(18) Turn right and follow the wooded path downwards beneath the power line.

(19) There is a solitary wash house in the middle of the woods, fed by a spring. Passing through the ruins and seeing signs of past human habitation gives pause for thought about the living conditions of the people who once lived in the Nice hinterland.

(1) Marker 107: turn left towards Route Nationale 6202 and, following the route in reverse to the one taken on the way there, head back to marker 106 and the car park (S/E).

This walk can be done all year round.
A GPS or the Visorando app is useful for points (12) and (15).
The mobile app will be a very welcome bonus.
Hiking boots and walking poles recommended. Stony terrain.
There is a spring at point (19).

The shrine of La Madone d’Utelle.