Lac des Sagnes walks

The most difficult stage of thisGR®, but the most beautiful for its landscapes, flora and fauna: chamois, marmots, ibex. After the Pas des Ladres, we chose to take theGR®52via the alternative route that passes close to the Col de Fenestre, then descends to Lac de Fenestre before reaching La Madone de Fenestre. Three sections are particularly difficult: between Lac de Trecolpas and the Pas des Ladres, the ascent of the Pas du Colomb, and the descent from the Pas du Colomb.

This first stage largely follows theGR®52. It takes you through wooded countryside and offers a relaxing break by the peaceful Lac de Trécolpas. From the Cougourde Mountain Hut, you’ll enjoy superb views of this majestic, pumpkin-shaped peak. Editor’s note added on 26/07/2021: A section is closed due to bad weather. See the notices for an alternative route

Route linking the Vésubie and Gordolasque valleys.

This third stage is less demanding than the previous two. The entire route follows a marked path. Only the start of the descent from the Pas du Mont Colomb and the sections over scree require a little care. This is the classic route linking the Madone de Fenestre valley with the Gordolasque valley. The scenery along the way is magnificent, and the Pas du Mont Colomb offers two completely different views from its eastern and western sides.

This route, which runs parallel to the border, is dominated throughout by the large peak of Gélas, the highest summit in the area.

This second day will take you to the foot of the Cime du Gélas (just 200 m below the summit); you’ll walk for a long time alongside Lac Long and the superb Malédie. You’ll then head into another small valley to admire the Cime Saint-Robert. The Lac Blanc, from which the stream flows, is none other than the Vésubie, and of course, the Gélas on its western face. The route will become more familiar and less strenuous once you rejoin the path coming from the Lac de la Fenestre.

Starting from the Refuge de Nice, the fourth stage of this journey through the Mercantour is the shortest. Short but just as difficult. You’ll pass the Baisse du Basto, the highest point ofthe GR®52. You’ll cross over to Lac du Basto, then it’s the climb up the Baisse de la Valmasque, before descending into the Vallée des Merveilles.

The first stage of a three-day trek in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, this route immediately takes the hiker into the high mountains via a little-used alpine route, away from the classic Pas de l’Arpette. On the itinerary: a steady climb up the Vallon des Verrairiers from the Gordolasque Valley, crossing the Pas du Trem (2,477 m) at the foot of the legendary Cime du Diable (2,685 m), then a long descent past a string of glacial lakes – Lac du Diable, Lac de la Muta, Lac du Trem, Lac Fourca – down to Lac Long Supérieur and the Refuge des Merveilles (2,130 m). A route combining the geological richness of the upper Gordolasque, breathtaking views of the Authion, Mont Capelet Supérieur and the Mediterranean on clear days, and a majestic entrance to the Vallée des Merveilles, a site listed as a Historic Monument. Characteristic wildlife: chamois, ibex, marmots.

Discover the Vallée des Merveilles by connecting the Vallée de la Gordolasque to the famous Refuge des Merveilles.

The aim of this fourth stage is to reach the Merveilles mountain refuge. The route is less well-travelled than the classic one via the Pas de l’Arpette. You’ll discover the Verrariers valley and the Pas du Trem. This small pass lies at the foot of the Cime du Diable, which you simply must climb. This magnificent viewpoint offers a 360° panorama of the Mercantour, as well as the Authion, the Col de Turini and all the way to the sea. You’ll then walk alongside the lakes of La Muta, Le Trem and Fourca.