Mont Mounier from Roya

Take the M2205C towards Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, then, once you reach Le Bourguet a few kilometres after Isola, turn right towards the hamlet of Roya. You’ll find plenty of parking there, particularly near the cemetery.

(S/E) Then look for marker 137 in the main square; it indicates the start of the route towards Le Mounier, to the south. Head down towards the valley, following the red and white markings of^{the GR®5}.
Note: you will follow these markings for most of the hike. The path is well marked throughout and easy to follow.
Cross the two bridges over the Roya valley and then begin the ascent through the larch trees. Pace yourself, as the gradient will be steady for almost the entire route. The start of the walk through the forest is very pleasant. You’ll come to a tricky section here, just after the waterfall on the other side of the valley.

(1) Pass this rockfall which has blocked the path for a few metres; it’s nothing too serious, but do take care nonetheless. You will then reach the bridge over the Sallevieille valley.

(2) Cross this makeshift bridge made of a few logs and planks. It is stable though not very practical, so be very careful.
Note: It should be possible to get past a little further up by hopping from stone to stone and getting a bit wet. Then head up the valley until you reach a small sheepfold at marker 110.

(3) Go round the sheepfold to the right, heading east. The path is no longer very visible here, but the^GR® markings are easy to spot. Walk gently up the valley until the path becomes more distinct at the next point. You may come across grazing livestock and sheepdogs here.
Note: we met the shepherd, who confirmed that it was safe to cross the herd; just stay calm so as not to upset the dogs, who are very friendly.
Head to the junction of the Vallon de Sallevieille and the Plateau des Lacès.

(4) Take the path coming from the plateau here. There are a few scree slopes to cross, but nothing too difficult. Cross the plateau; a little further on, you’ll spot the path climbing up the other side of the stream, towards the Col de Crousette. The grass gives way to rocks on the final stretch of the climb up to the Col de Crousette, reached at marker 93.

(5) Continue to follow the^GR®; be careful here: the marker seems to point to Le Mounier on your left along the ridge, but there is no path. Begin your ascent over the rocks to reach the Stèle Vallette at marker 48.

(6) Leave the^GR® here and head up towards the Petit Mounier, visible to the north-east. Follow this ridge until you reach the ruins of the old observatory at the summit of the Petit Mounier.

(7) Continue along the ridge to reach the summit of Mont Mounier, following the yellow markings.
Note: this ridge looks difficult from a distance but is easily passable once you’re on it.
At the summit, enjoy the view.

(8) Now head back down the same route to reach the Roya car park (S/E).

There are a few small streams along the route, but it is not known whether the water is safe to drink.
There are several scree slopes to cross; sturdy footwear is essential.

(6) Vallette memorial: dedicated to Lieutenant Vallette, who lost his life here in foggy weather.