The summit of Viériou as seen from Coursegoules

Park in the car park recommended by the local council: at the entrance to the village, there is a sign reading ‘visitor and walker car park’.

(S/E) From the car park, head to the nearby marker 13 and follow the signs for “La chapelle Saint-Michel”. The path begins further down, in the valley by the river (the Cagne/the Foussa).

Yellow markings

(1) Cross the river and take the path on the left. The path, which is paved for a while, sometimes runs alongside beautiful terraced fields. After a bend to the right followed by another to the left, the path turns west then north-west and reaches a junction.

(2) Walk past marker 17 (not shown on maps) before reaching, about a hundred metres further on, the Chapel of Saint-Michel, dating from the 11th century and listed as a historic monument on 22 February 1978. Continue along the path to the next junction.

(3) At marker 13a, continue straight on along the track, before coming to another marker 13a indicating the direction ‘Col de Coursegoules’, which you should follow. The path, sometimes supported by walls, features around twenty hairpin bends. Below, on the western side of the village, terraced fields stretch out; lentils and chickpeas were once grown here, and a few herds used to graze there. You’ll reach another junction marked by a cairn.

End of the yellow markings

(4) At this bend in the path, continue straight ahead. The path overlooks the Chapelle Saint-Michel. After about 150 m, you’ll reach another crossroads.

(5) Continue straight on towards the nearby Col de Coursegoules. On the left are the ruins, with their imposing walls, of the sheepfold known as Font Rousse. Continue along the ridge, passing the mast and the paragliders’ launch site, until you reach a junction marked by marker 145 ‘Baisse de Viériou, 1357m’.

(6) Continue straight on along the ridge due east, towards the summit topped by a cross. Magnificent 180° panorama. A ^second cairn marks the summit of Viériou.

(7) Continue along this same ridge and you will come to a^third cairn after 150 m.  

(8) Take in the view of the Nice hinterland and the nearby Baous. Turn back and head for the junction at marker 145. 

(6) Marker 145. Turn left towards “Coursegoules”. At the junction, keep to the right; some 300 m further on, the path turns left and leads to the Source de la Bastide de Viériou. This centuries-old water source was used to grow wheat and supply the village with water.

Yellow markings

(9) Continue along the path until you reach the concrete road.

(10) At the bend, head straight ahead; the markings on the ground are very helpful here. The path leads onto the Chemin du Colombier.

(11) At marker 12, turn right onto the Chemin du Colombier. After the left-hand bend by the cemetery, go straight on to reach the car park (S/E).

Walking poles and hiking boots recommended.

Water points in the village, just after the Chapelle Saint-Michel, and at point (10) 

Food shops in the village.