Roche Fourquin as seen from Libre

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Perched above the Roya Valley, the hamlet of Libre has retained a landscape shaped by olive cultivation and, in earlier times, by vineyards and lavender fields, which today give it the charm of villages of yesteryear.

La Roche Fourquin, a natural viewpoint overlooking the Roya Valley and the Italian Riviera, is one of the last major peaks before the Mediterranean. It offers an exceptional view stretching from the high, snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour to the sea.

Details

n°28128963
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.45 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,163 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 3,156 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,619 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,542 ft
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Photos

La Roche Fourquin
from the summit of Roche Fourquin

Description of the walk

Park in the village square or just before it, along the road.

(S/E) From the Place de Libre, take the path (marker 417) which winds its way up between low-lying houses and vegetable gardens, and continue the climb along thePR® through the olive groves.

(1) At marker 418, turn left (north) towards Mairise, La Colette and Roche Fourquin.

(2) After about fifty metres, at marker 419, take the path on the right (south-east) towards Roche Fourquin, Pas Sausson and Tête d’Alpe. The path winds its way up through limestone and Mediterranean scenery along a ridge route that is exposed but comfortable, then leads through a beautiful traverse beneath the Roche and Mont Tron.

(3) At marker 437 (elevation 1324), continue to the left towards Pas Sausson and Tête d’Alpe. Climb through the forest (Scots pines) and follow a few switchbacks to reach the ridge.

(4) Follow the ridge line to the left to reach the southern shoulder (elevation 1397). Continue south-west and, via an easy climb, reach the summit of Roche Fourquin.

(5) The return journey follows the same route back to the village square (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,542 ft - Village square - Église Saint-Michel (Libre)
  2. 1 : mi 0.58 - alt. 2,057 ft - Marker 418
  3. 2 : mi 0.62 - alt. 2,116 ft - Marker 419
  4. 3 : mi 2.66 - alt. 4,331 ft - Marker 437
  5. 4 : mi 2.97 - alt. 4,616 ft - Ridge line
  6. 5 : mi 3.23 - alt. 4,619 ft - Roche Fourquin
  7. S/E : mi 6.45 - alt. 1,542 ft - Village square - Église Saint-Michel (Libre)

Notes

You can stop off at Fanghetto, just before crossing from Italy into France: Da Marisa, by the roadside, is a good place to have a coffee or buy a picnic.
A fountain on Place de Libre, a few metres from marker 417.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 3 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
jacques06380
jacques06380

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

360° views; a fitness trail that you can link up with the Mon Tron on the descent, depending on how you’re feeling

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Espedaillac
Espedaillac

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike, physically demanding with a steep climb in the first section; after that, it continues to climb but is less steep. Stunning 360° views. Given the current heat, set off early or wait until autumn. You can also set off from Giastévé a little later. Libre

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MARTIN THIERRY
MARTIN THIERRY

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The Roche Fourquin route is a beautiful route to tackle in spring or autumn, offering remarkable views of the Roya Valley and the Pigne region in fine weather. This is a very steep and rugged walk, best avoided in the height of summer (as there are no water sources) or in the depths of winter, as the area is highly exposed to the Binda gales and is sometimes snow-covered at that time of year. Don’t miss the two old Vallo Alpini structures (fortifications), one perched on a rocky outcrop and the other hidden amongst the vegetation.

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