Refine your search for walks in Le lac du Basto
Le lac du Basto walks
Circular of Valmasque and Fontanalbe
Visorando Member
13.60 mi
+3,586 ft
-3,586 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This magnificent circular takes you through the Valmasque and Fontanalbe valleys, with no fewer than five lakes and picture-postcard landscapes. It is a long but gradual hike with very few difficult sections.
Mercantour route via the GR®52
65.54 mi
+21,585 ft
-24,639 ft
7 days
Very difficult
Departure from Saint-Martin-Vésubie (Alpes-Maritimes)
TheGR® 52 is a route that crosses the Mercantour National Park, through the Alpes-Maritimes from Saint-Dalmas-de-Valdeblore to Menton.
ThisGR® route is very challenging due to the varied terrain and significant elevation changes.
You’ll reach altitudes of up to 2,700m, where you can admire the high-mountain landscapes, flora and fauna. Then, in the second half of the route, you’ll encounter panoramas that are more southern in character but just as extraordinary.
Nice Refuge - Merveilles Refuge
5.74 mi
+1,995 ft
-2,303 ft
4h 20
Difficult
Departure from Belvédère (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Refuge des Merveilles – Castérino
8.31 mi
+2,703 ft
-4,058 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This final stage will take you back to Castérino via the ascent of Mont Bégo. From the summit, you’ll look out over the Vallée des Merveilles. You’ll catch sight of the neighbouring peak opposite, the Grand Capelet. You’ll enjoy a 360° panorama stretching from the Argentera to the Mediterranean.
You’ll need to be careful on the first part of the descent towards the Baisse de Valmasque (rated T3).
From the Baisse de Valmasque, the return journey follows the classic route that runs alongside the Lacs du Basto, Noir and Vert.
Circular route in the Mercantour starting from Castérino
34.52 mi
+16,145 ft
-16,165 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This challenging route will take you from the Roya Valley in the east to the Gordolasque Valley in the west. Over the course of these five days, you’ll have the chance to pass close to the highest peak in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Gélas. You’ll climb a legendary summit, Mont Bégo. You’ll make your way from valley to valley, crossing a series of mountain passes: the Pas de Pagari, the Pas du Mont Colomb, the Pas du Trem and the Baisse de Valmasque. Every day, chamois, ibex and marmots will keep you company.
Mont Sainte-Marie
11.32 mi
+3,504 ft
-3,474 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Mont Sainte-Marie overlooks the three large lakes of the Valmasque valley: Lac du Basto, Lac Noir and Lac Vert.From the summit, to the north, the view stretches from the Grand Capelet to the peak of Chanineye. To the west, the view is just as spectacular: from Mont Bégo to the Grand Capelet, including the Baisses de Fontanalbe and Valmasque.
From Valmasque to Lac des Mesches via Mont Bégo
13.66 mi
+4,006 ft
-5,118 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This long one-way hike (two vehicles required) will take you up the pretty Valmasque Valley and its three beautiful lakes to the pass above the Vallée des Merveilles, before climbing to the summit of Mont Bégo via a sometimes steep and slightly vertiginous path, in an area where you may encounter magnificent ibex.
Finally, there is a very long descent to the lakes around the Refuge des Merveilles, then through the Vallon de la Minière to Lac des Mesches.