Les Bergeries de Ballone

A short climb to the Bergeries de Ballone, nestled in a superb mountain setting. A short hike, taking half a day.

Details

90584
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.17 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 359 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 359 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,444 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,085 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Albertacce (20224)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 42.332501° / E 8.92912°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 4250OT, 4250OTR
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Start at the end of the D318 after the village of Calasima.

(S/E) Take the track that continues from the D318 and climbs up the hillside towards the west.

(1) Leave the track when it makes a hairpin bend to the right and, at the bend, take a path heading north. Walk through the undergrowth until you reach the track. Follow the track to the left for just a few metres.

(2) At the bend where the track immediately turns right, leave it and take a path through the forest. Shortly afterwards, rejoin the track near a water tank.

(3) Head up a path through the woods on the right. The path turns sharply left, crosses a stream, and continues northwards to a torrent near the sheepfolds.

(4) Look for a spot where the stones and boulders in the stream bed allow you to cross it (there is no bridge). Make a mental note of this spot for the return journey. Cross the stream and quickly reach the sheepfolds, making your way over a few boulders.

(5) Descend via the same route as on the way out, until you rejoin the track near a cistern.

(3) From this point, there are two options for returning to the hairpin bend on the outward journey.
- Take the same forest path as on the way up.
- Take the track on the left and follow it. This is the recommended and marked route.

(6) Pass a hairpin bend and head towards the Ballone sheepfold.

(2) Turn left and follow the track to the next hairpin bend.

(7). Turn right to return to the first fork on the outward journey.

(1) Continue along the track south-eastwards then eastwards to reach the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,085 m - Road ends after the village of Calasima
  2. 1 : km 1.88 - alt. 1,206 m - Hairpin bend (leave the track)
  3. 2 : km 2.54 - alt. 1,271 m - First junction with the track
  4. 3 : km 2.75 - alt. 1,306 m - Second junction with the track
  5. 4 : km 3.61 - alt. 1,426 m - Stream downstream of the sheepfolds
  6. 5 : km 3.7 - alt. 1,444 m - Bergeries de Ballone
  7. 6 : km 5.34 - alt. 1,280 m - Hairpin bend
  8. 7 : km 6.81 - alt. 1,225 m - Hairpin bend
  9. S/E : km 9.17 - alt. 1,085 m - Road ends after the village of Calasima

Notes

Between points (1) and (3), two routes are possible: either via a forest path or via a track. However, we recommend taking the path on the way up, as it offers shade during the ascent, and the track on the way back, as it offers a clearer view, particularly towards the Cinque Frati.

At the Bergeries de Ballone, in summer: water, food and drink, and camping facilities.

A 1:25,000 map is required. In places, take care not to lose your way (a compass may be useful).

Hike completed by the author on 27 October 2011.

Worth a visit

- Superb setting at the Bergeries de Ballone, nestled at the foot of the Capu Tighiettu massif.
- A pretty river before reaching the sheepfolds.
- Beautiful view of the Cinque Frati.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 26807300
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, and the sheepfold offers quality food.
The GPS track isn't necessary as the route is very well signposted.
We are amateurs and completed the round trip in the time indicated

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xav67800
xav67800

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 23, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The starting point is at the end of the D318, just past the village of Calasima; there is a small car park near the monument erected in memory of the Canadair crash in 1970. Beyond this point, the road turns into a track. From this point, the route is marked in yellow with signs for Bergerie U Vallone – Refuge de Tighjettu, and these markings are clearly visible all the way to the sheepfold.
At point 4, there is now a metal footbridge allowing you to cross the stream with ease.
A very pleasant hike, with few people around in June 2023 and a great snack at the sheepfold.

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pbrunli2
pbrunli2

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 01, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A very useful guide with a detailed description.
A lovely walk, away from the crowds.

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V4_pat
V4_pat

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 31, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

The road was partly snow-covered, so we had to leave our car a little way before the start. It was an easy walk (we completed the circular route in 2 hours 30 minutes) even in these snowy conditions. We came across a few hikers on snowshoes. A lovely walk in stunning surroundings – thanks, Netra.

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cavallier8301
cavallier8301

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 08, 2017
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Great to reach the sheepfolds! An easy route with a cool spring along the way! Well done!!!

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JAY16
JAY16

A very easy walk with a gentle climb (3 hours) taking you to the Ballone sheepfold (GR20); a further 40-minute walk (much more challenging) and you’ll be at Tighjettu (GR20), just an hour’s walk from the Cirque de la Solitude...

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