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Access: Take the Roya Valley towards Tende.
At Saint-Dalmas de Tende, turn left towards the hamlet of Casterino and the Vallée des Merveilles.
In Casterino, cross the hamlet to take a small narrow road and arrive at marker 394, the starting point of the hike, just after a small farm on the right. Park in the small car park.
(S) Start at marker 394. Go to marker 395 and take the track that climbs gently to the right (be careful, it is used by 4x4s).
(1) At marker 392, there is a junction leading to Lac des Grenouilles. Continue straight ahead along the track, which levels out and even descends slightly, to reach marker 390.
(2) Leave the track and take the small path that climbs to the right, entering the Mercantour Park. Join the track and continue for about 80 metres.
(3) Find a small path on the right (shortcut to Lac Vert). This is essential these days due to a landslide on the path leading to the Fontanalba Refuge. The path is well marked with cairns. It descends slightly, crosses a small stream and arrives at some ruins.
(4) From there, the path climbs more steeply in a series of switchbacks to rejoin the trail.
(5) You will enter a protected area (stay on the path, do not use walking sticks). Climb up to the right towards the Sacred Way.
(6) Turn left onto the Discovery Trail to admire three new engravings, then turn back to return to the crossroads. At the crossroads, turn left towards the Sacred Way.
(7) There is a fork in the path to the Twin Lakes on the left; continue straight ahead to reach the Sacred Way. After crossing this path and admiring the engravings, which date back more than 5,000 years, you will reach the highest point of the hike with an orientation table, then a crossroads.
(8) On the right are the Twin Lakes and on the left is a small path that leads back to the start of the Sacred Path. Continue straight ahead along the two lakes to reach a large depression (the peat bogs). Follow the path that runs alongside this bog. On your right, a small stream accompanies you with its gentle murmur and refreshing water, leading to a crossroads where you can see more engravings by turning left.
(9) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead to reach the beautiful Lac Vert. Follow the path, leaving the lake on your right, and you will arrive back on the track at marker 388.
(10) Go back up the trail on the left to reach the junction you passed on the way there. Continue straight ahead and join the fork towards the Découverte trail.
(5) Descend to the right via the path you took on the way there.
(1) At marker 392, if you feel like visiting Lake Grenouilles, turn left and follow the path that climbs slightly. Before reaching the lake, as you cross a grassy plain, you are sure to spot a marmot, as there are many of them in this area. Retrace your steps back to marker 392.
(1) Turn left to return to the starting point (S/E)
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