Mont Ponset and Cime de Paranova

To return to the starting point, go up the Vésubie valley to Roquebillières, then turn right to go up the Gordolasque valley to marker 275 located at the hamlet of Saint-Grat. There are 4 or 5 parking spaces opposite marker 275.

(S/E) Head north-west and climb the hairpin bends. Follow the Vallon de Gouitrous, which initially passes through a conifer forest. At an altitude of around 1,950 metres, you will reach open terrain. Continue climbing the valley at a fairly steady pace. You will arrive at a fork at the top of the valley.

(1) Turn left (south-west) towards the Baisse de Prals. You will soon reach marker 365.

(2) Turn right at an acute angle and descend in switchbacks to reach a crossroads.

(3) Follow the path on the right that heads northeast. Ignore a path that descends to the right (elevation 2251) and climb slightly. You will reach a fork.

(4) Follow the path on the left, leaving a small lake on your right. Continue north-west until you reach the southern tip of a larger lake.

(5) Walk along the lake on your right and leave a small lake on your left. Continue north, then north-west to the Baisse des Cinq Lacs.

(6) Head northwest and descend the Vallon du Ponset. You will come to a larch forest and a crossroads.

(7) Head off to the right, north-east, and follow a faint path. Keep heading north-east, then turn north. Cross a stream and you will soon reach a crossroads.

(8) Turn right and follow the stream uphill (cairns). Cross a scree slope and pass at the foot of a rocky outcrop. Head north-northeast and climb steeply. This will take you to the summit of Mont Ponset, where a cross has been erected. Splendid view: to the west, the Vallon and the Madone de la Fenestre; to the north, the Cime Saint Robert, the Cime du Gélas, and the Malédie; to the south-east, the Mont du Grand Capelet.

(9) Descend via the same route in the opposite direction until you reach the previous intersection, near a stream.

(8) Continue straight ahead, keeping the stream on your left.

(10) At a fork, turn left and descend to a crossroads you passed on the way up.

(7) Then turn right. Go up the valley and reach the Baisse des Cinq Lacs, the Lacs de Prals and the small lake on the left, arriving at a fork you passed on the way there.

(4) At the fork, turn left (southeast). Climb, make a wide turn to the left, and reach a ridge.

(11) Follow the ridge to the left (northeast). Some exposed sections may be unsuitable for those prone to vertigo. You will arrive at the Cime de Paranova. Enjoy a 360° panorama of the Cime du Diable, the Capelet and the Grand Capelet, the Caïre des Conques, the Cinqs Lacs and Mont Neiglier.

(12) Descend the ridge via the same path.

(11) Continue the descent, straight ahead, along the ridge line.

(1) At a fork in the path taken at the start of the hike, turn left and descend the Vallon de Gouitrous. This will take you back to the starting point (S/E).

Water is available at the end of the climb up the Vallon de Gouitrous, as well as on the descent from the Lacs de Prals and at the start of the climb up Mont Ponset

Hikes can be made on the main peaks of the Mercantour National Park in the area: Mont Gélas, Cime de la Malédie and Mont Clapier in particular.