The Mont d'Ilonse circuit

Park at the hamlet of Irougne, or at the next bend.

(S/E) Walk a few metres along the M59 (which has only existed since the 1950s), taking care, until you reach marker 205.

(1) Turn right towards “Le Pous – Ilonse”. This paved slanting street was one of the two routes leading to Ilonce. This very pleasant route climbs steadily. There are a few views of the hamlet of Irougne and the village of Marie. Walk past marker 206, following the signs for “Ilonce”. You will reach the hamlet of Le Poux.

(2) Cross through it, continue past a few old dwellings, then follow an irrigation channel, and carry on to reach a crossroads of paths.

(3) Follow the path uphill opposite. Views of the village of Ilonce. After a long walk, reach a series of tight hairpin bends. Pass under a power line before arriving at a wide track.

(4) Turn right onto the track and follow it to the Y-junction with the Alcagno track.

(5) Keep to the right on this track and, after a long, wooded uphill section followed by a gentle descent, reach the bridge over the Ruisseau du Vallon des Chalanches.

(6) Cross the bridge and continue along the ascending track. Continue due north to reach the multi-way junction at marker 226.

(7) Turn left, almost 180°, towards the "Col des Fourches". Follow a steep climb above the Ravin des Ragias to reach the^first marker 222, very close to the Col des Fourches.

(8) Turn left to reach, about a hundred metres further on, the^second marker 222, named Col des Fourches. Continue along the yellow-marked path to marker 221

(9) Follow the signs for “Col de la Sinne – Ilonce” along a pleasant wooded path. Continue to marker 220 at the Col de la Sinne.

(10) Turn left and follow the M59 road with care until you reach marker 219.

(11) Leave the M59 here and take the path on the left. Reach marker 209, at the entrance to the village of Ilonce. Turn left towards Ilonce.

(12) Take the narrow lane leading into the village. Continue along the “Goulet de Sant Grat”, then along “Rue Centrale”. You will then reach the “Passages voûtés”, a local attraction.

(13) Turn back and return to marker 209.

(12) Turn right towards "Le Pous - Irougne". Follow the path to marker 207. Turn right towards "Le Pous - Irougne", then return to the junction of the track taken on the way out.

(4) Turn left and follow the route back in the opposite direction to the outward journey until you reach the car park in the hamlet of Irougne (S/E).

Hike suitable from April until the first snowfall.

Water points at the start, at Points (2), (10) and (12).

Hiking poles and boots recommended.

(S/E) The "Irougne" chapel and (2) the "Le Pous" chapel have been restored and are open.
(11) Marker 219: enjoy a beautiful view here of the village of Ilonse, perched on its rocky outcrop, which has retained its medieval charm. Admire the houses with their Roman-style tiled roofs.
(12) Ilonse: next to marker 209, see the three-arched wash house (Lou Lavaire) , dating from the 19th century. The inhabitants of Ilonse have a surprising nickname: they are called the “Cats”. This may be due to the independent and wild nature of the locals, or simply because of the number of cats living there.
Information on the signs: at the entrance to each town, they begin with “Benvengu” (welcome)