Lauvet d'Ilonse from Col de la Sinne

Drive up the Tinée valley from Nice, then turn left 2 km after the village of Marie towards Ilonse. Continue on the M59 for around 9 km to reach the Col de la Sinne. Park by the roadside, taking care not to obstruct traffic.

(S/E) Head for marker 220 and take a sharp left towards the Col des Fourches. The path passes through dense vegetation, mainly pines and spruces. Reach marker 221.

(1) Turn left towards Vairon. The view is now clearer and the Col de la Sinne is clearly visible on the left, with the Mont behind it. Reach marker 117 just after passing the ruins of the old hamlet of Vairon.

(2) Head uphill towards Lauvet d'Ilonse: below you will see the village of Pierlas and its entire valley. Continue along the path, which veers off to the right and heads due north, with the Tête de Giarons and Les Cluots on your left. Reach marker 307 at Baisse de Tavanière.

(3) Turn right, following the signs for Lauvet d'Ilonse. The path passes through a denser forest for around fifteen minutes, then reaches a completely open area with views of Mont Mounier. Arrive at marker 308.

(4) Turn right towards Lauvet d'Ilonse and follow the path to the next junction.

(5) Take the path on the right: difficult to find. Climb the steep slope to reach the Lauvet d'Ilonse.

(6) There is an exceptional 360° panoramic view of the Mercantour and its main peaks, as well as the Cime du Cheiron, the Brec d'Utelle and the Montagne de Mairola. Descend off-piste along the ridge line to the left, then head south-east: the summit of the Mont is a good reference point for following the right direction. Reach the junction with a signposted GR® path.

(7) Turn right and you will soon reach the Col des Fourches: marker 222.

(8) Continue straight on towards the Col de la Sinne and find the crossroads at marker 221.

(1) Take the outward path in the opposite direction back to the Col de la Sinne (S/E).

Source de Coulié is 300 m from (S/E) if you head towards Pierlas at junction 115.

You can visit the nearby villages of Pierlas andIlonse: the view of the Mercantour from the village of Ilonse is well worth the diversions.