Mont Bego and Grand Capelet

Go up the Vésubie valley and then head towards Belvédère at a junction between Lantosque and Roquebillière. Follow the road to its terminus: the Countet car park.

(S/E) Join the trail and marker 411.

(1) Turn right towards Vallée des Merveilles to reach marker 412.

(2) Continue following the signs for Vallée des Merveilles along the path on the right. Begin the ascent through a forest of fir and larch trees, which gives way to a rocky landscape at an altitude of around 2,100 metres. You will reach Pas de l'Arpette after two hours of walking.

(3) Follow the signs for Vallée des Merveilles and begin the descent towards the Refuge des Merveilles: you will see the Lacs Longs Supérieurs and Inférieurs lakes and the Lac de Fourca lake. Reach marker 93.

(4) Follow the path opposite towards the east to find marker 92.

(5) Take the path on the left to reach the Refuge des Merveilles.

(6) Continue along the same track until you reach a crossroads.

(7) Take the left fork to pass between Long Supérieur and Long Inférieur lakes and reach another intersection.

(8) Follow the path on the right to reach another crossroads shortly afterwards.

(9) Begin the ascent via the left-hand path: the view of the Refuge des Merveilles and the various lakes is magnificent. Reach Mont Bego after two hours of effort from the refuge.

(10) Admire the view of the surrounding peaks: to the west, you can see Mont du Grand Capelet and Mont des Merveilles, and to the north-west, Mont Clapier, Cime de la Malédie and Mont Gélas. Retrace your steps for about 20 metres, then take the path on the right: you may need to use your hands on a 2-metre section. You will find yourself at Baisse de la Valmasque.

(11) Enjoy the view of Lac Basto, then follow the unmarked path westwards. Follow the cairns to reach a new intersection.

(12) Take the left fork and continue to follow the cairns across a scree slope. Reach the second summit of the day, Mont du Grand Capelet.

(13) The view from this summit is extraordinary: to the north, you can see the same peaks as from the summit of Bego on the north side. To the south, you can see the coastline from Cap d'Antibes to the islands of Porquerolles and Levant. After enjoying the view, return to the intersection.

(12) Take the left fork to reach Baisse du Lac Autier.

(14) Begin the descent: the first part is very steep and you will need to zigzag your way down for about 50 metres. Then follow the cairns in this scree slope, which will take you to Lac Autier.

(15) Notice the numerous chamois roaming around the lake, then follow the yellow-marked path down the Autier valley. Arrive at marker 414.

(16) Head towards Pont du Countet along the left bank of the Gordolasque to return to marker 412. Follow the same path in reverse to return to the Countet car park (S/E).

Between Pas de l'Arpette and Baisse de la Valmasque, you are in the protected area of the Merveilles and Fontanalba rock carvings: you must walk only on marked trails, it is forbidden to walk on or touch the carvings, and the use of iron-tipped walking sticks is prohibited.

Refreshments are available at the Refuge des Merveilles.

Enjoy the natural pools in summer near the Countet car park.

Discover the Cascade de l'Estrech waterfall by following the Gordolasque valley.