Country:
District:
When you arrive at La Tour, follow the signs for the car park; you will find yourself on a small road that passes under the village with plenty of parking spaces.
(S/E) The hike starts at marker 10, just at the end of the car park. Go down the stairs towards the Sainte-Élisabeth Chapel until you reach the road.
(1) Go back up the bend; the path continues on your right a few metres further on but is not signposted. Begin your descent to the bottom of the Cramassouri valley where you will find a bridge.
(2) Cross the bridge and begin your ascent to the chapel. Be aware that from this point onwards, the path climbs almost continuously to the summit of Brec d'Utelle. Join the Utelle road at marker 11.
(3) Go up the road on the left and follow it for a few metres. Further on, you will find the marked path that passes just above the road and eventually reaches the Sainte-Élisabeth Chapel.
(4) Head towards Pas Massena at marker 13.
Be careful here: a sign also indicates that the path is badly damaged at the exit of the Pas and that this passage should be reserved for experienced hikers. It is advisable to follow this advice as the climb from the Pas is quite challenging.
(5) The passage is not difficult in itself, but it can be daunting, especially if you are prone to vertigo, in which case it is strongly advised not to take it.
To continue on your way, take this very narrow path and climb fairly steeply up the side of the mountain. Use the chain fixed to the wall along the entire length to help you progress. You may need to use your hands in a few places to make the passage easier, so make sure both hands are free.
Additional note: as indicated on the sign at the chapel below, the path from the Pas exit is very steep and in fair condition. Be careful and climb slowly, as it is not necessarily easy to progress along this ridge of Albaréa. However, it is still passable and the path along the ridge is well marked with numerous yellow markings. Nevertheless, vegetation covers it fairly regularly, which can make it difficult to follow in places.
Proceed slowly along the ridge, passing the remains of dwellings in many places, until you reach theGR®5coming from Utelle at marker 438.
(6) Take theGR® on the left towards Brec d'Utelle. Pass under the Têtes de Riquier and d'Escandolier to reach Brec. Join marker 155 at the foot of Brec.
(7) Turn onto the path on the right, which leads to the summit of Brec d'Utelle.
Be careful, as some sections require you to use your hands to climb safely.
Enjoy the incredible view it offers, both over the Tinée valley to the west and the Vésubie valley to the east.
(8) Reach the crossroads at marker 155.
(7) Take the path north towards Col de Gratteloup, which passes under Petit Brec. Continue to the junction at marker 154.
(9) Continue north towards Col de Gratteloup. You will reach the pass at marker 153.
(10) Turn left towards Saint-Jean La Tour on the path heading west. Leave theGR®5here and take theGR®510. Begin the descent via the Cairon ridge, which can be difficult as the path is not always very visible and is quite steep. Continue until you reach a small plateau with some ruins.
(11) Go around the ruins and descend the plateau to find the path again.
Note: the IGN map shows a path heading north, ignore it. Continue south-west on theGR® towards Saint-Jean d'Alloche. As you descend, you will see the Chapel of Saint-Jean Baptiste below. Continue downhill to reach the first remains of the old village of Saint-Jean d'Alloche (or simply Alloche). Wind your way through the ruins and descend until you reach the chapel at marker 16.
(12) Take a look around the chapel, which was restored in 1995, then head back towards La Tour. Continue to the Saint-Jean bridge. Just before the bridge, you will pass a renovated house that is probably still inhabited (it is clearly marked on the IGN map). Cross the bridge.
(13) Take the path that climbs towards La Tour. Follow theGR® trail along the valley until you finally see the village. You will find the Granges de la Brasque road at marker 15.
(14) Descend on the left towards La Tour, passing by the wash house, before returning to the starting car park (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Difficult 
Easy 
