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The departure point is in the hamlet of Pra, which is now closed to traffic (see practical information).
(S) Start at marker 32 (1,670 m) at the edge of the RM64 road. Follow the yellow-marked trail that gradually winds its way up the left bank of the Tinée. You will quickly overlook the hamlet and the view opens up onto the Cime de la Bonnette to the west and Mont Mounier to the south.
(1) After about 45 minutes, you will arrive at a grassy area. Cross a stream on the right and enter the forest at the Plateau de Morgon, which is not exactly flat! Continue along the marked trail to reach marker 33.
(2) Continue straight ahead towards the Maisons Forestières de Tortisse. After a short descent, climb gradually back up to the houses (2,250 m) after crossing another stream. From the forest houses, you can see the strangely shaped Aiguilles de Tortisse just in front of the Cime du Fer. Go around them on the left to begin the ascent.
(3) The loop begins here, at marker 34, just behind the forest houses. Turn left towards the Col du Fer. Cross the previous stream again and climb gradually up the south-facing slope.
The slope becomes steeper as you get closer to the peaks and the pass. Enjoy the view behind you with a small unnamed lake on your right.
(4) After crossing a small snowfield, you arrive at the Col du Fer (border, 2,584 m), which overlooks the Ferriere Valley (logical), where many Italians climb. In the distance, due north, Mont Viso stands out clearly against the landscape. Continue the hike south towards the Lacs de Vens. Be careful, there may be snow in this area at the beginning of the season.
(5) After 5 minutes, you arrive at the Collet de Tortisse (2,591 m) facing the Cimes de Vens. You may see ibex in this area (below the peaks). You cannot see the lakes yet, but you are almost there.
Continue straight ahead (south) towards the lakes. There are marmots here. After 5-10 minutes, there is a natural arch on your left... and the Lacs de Vens on your right. There is a superb panorama with the six lakes in succession (you can actually see three of them, as some are very small compared to the upper lake). Continue the descent to the refuge (turn left onto a path marked in the last bend).
(6) Take a well-deserved break at the Refuge de Vens (2,366 m) to fill your water bottle or recharge your batteries (I recommend the blueberry tart) with a beautiful view of the lake and the peaks of the Trou de l'Âne in the background! Set off again on the path that arrives behind the refuge, then turn immediately left and cross the stream on the footbridge. Continue straight ahead (slightly to the right) at marker 25 to reach marker 24.
(7) At marker 24, turn left towards the Maisons Forestières de Tortisse. You will overlook the upper lake until you reach a small pass (marker 23).
(8) Keep going right in the same direction. The trail goes over the Vens valley. You'll quickly reach the Maisons Forestières de Tortisse.
(3) Continue straight ahead along the path you took on the way up to reach Le Pra (S/E).
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