The Balcon du Gélas via Lac Long

Parking at the Pont du Countet car park.

(S/E) From Pont du Countet, follow the path that climbs up the right bank of the Ruisseau de la Gordolasque, heading towards the Refuge de Nice.
Pass the "Belle et Sébastien" hut and you will soon reach a footbridge at the foot of the Cascade de l'Estrech.

(1) Cross the stream, and at marker 413, head up to the left towards the Refuge de Nice.
You are now entering what is known as the Mur des Italiens. The winding ascent is not difficult, but it is a somewhat steep section where you may already encounter chamois or ibex. Once past this wall, head back down towards the stream to a fording point (the footbridge that used to allow crossing was swept away by Storm Alex).

(2) Cross the stream again and continue the ascent on the other side. After a short climb, the path descends slightly towards the torrent at a wetland area, which you go round to the left. Continue to a junction with the GR®52 at marker 416, a few dozen metres from the Barrage de la Fous.

(3) Follow the GR® to the right and climb above the dam to discover Lac de la Fous, with the Refuge de Nice overlooking it on the other side.
Once past the first viewpoint, look out for a cairn on the left marking the start of the path towards Lac Long.

(4) Follow this unmarked path on the left which climbs above the GR®. As you reach steeper slopes, the path veers off and the trail becomes less distinct. Keep a close eye out for the cairns indicating the way forward. After passing at the foot of a rock face, the route turns right for a final, gentler stretch leading to a promontory above Lac Long.

(5) Descend to the left and go round an area of large boulders to find a well-marked path that climbs steeply for a few metres. Then cross a scree slope on the western shore of the lake. At the ledge above the lake, the path turns left and reaches the foot of a very steep gully.

(6) Climb this gully carefully, taking care not to slip or dislodge stones onto people below. After this tricky section, follow the cairns heading north-north-east. You may lose the trail at times; the app may be helpful.

The final few metres of the climb to the Terrasse du Gélas (which is actually situated at the foot of the Gélas and not on the eastern slope of the Roche Risso as indicated on the IGN map) are also very steep, and you may need to use your hands. Once you reach the top of this small pass, which faces almost directly towards the Gélas ascent couloir, enjoy the magnificent view down over Lac Long behind you.

(7) Follow the cairns to the right, which climb along the western ridge to reach the Balcon du Gélas without difficulty.

(8) Enjoy this magnificent 360° view, with a particularly dramatic drop-off on the Italian side.
The return journey follows the same route in the opposite direction, taking great care on the descent between the Terrasse du Gélas and Lac Long, to return to the starting point at the Countet car park (S/E).

There is no water or shelter along the route (apart from the Refuge de Nice, about ten minutes from the (4)).

Be aware of weather conditions, which can change very quickly. A descent in the rain could prove very tricky.

Part of the hike is off-trail, particularly from Lac Long (5) onwards, where only a few cairns will show you the way.

Some sections after Lac Long (6) on the way up to the Terrasse du Gélas (7) are very steep and can be slippery (loose stones). Please take great care.

For these reasons, this hike is reserved for experienced mountain walkers.

High chance of encountering chamois and ibex.
The atmosphere is very peaceful once you leave the GR® trail after Lac de la Fous.