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Notre-Dame des Fontaines walks
Towards Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines and the Pont du Coq
This circular route, starting from La Brigue, allows you to explore the Lévensa Valley via a varied trail combining woodland, footbridges and ancient ruins. The route leads to the Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines Chapel, notable for its frescoes, before a gentler return via the road. Combining nature and heritage, this route offers a gradual immersion in a peaceful environment typical of the hinterland.
Walks near Notre-Dame des Fontaines
Morignole – Rifugio Don Barbera
This first stage will take you into the Marguareis Nature Park from France.As soon as you enter the park, the karstic panoramas are enchanting and completely different from the crystalline landscapes of the nearby Mercantour. During the ascent, you’ll be far enough back to admire the Mercantour massif from the Authion to the Argentera.
A getaway in western Liguria from Verdeggia to Triora
How about a path mostly shaded by the canopy of a chestnut grove? That’s exactly what you’ll find on the walk from the village of Verdeggia to Triora, the famous village of witches!
Ascent to the Merveilles refuge from Lac des Mesches
The Refuge des Merveilles can be a destination in itself or the starting point for a guided tour of the petroglyphs or other hikes. The climb to the refuge via Lac des Mesches takes 3 hours and 15 minutes (excluding breaks) and has the advantage of being accessible by car or public transport (see "Practical Information").
Don Barbera Mountain Hut - Viozene
This third and final stage will, of course, take you back to the starting point of this tour in the Marguareis Park.The proposed route will take you to Passo della Croce. You will recognise Passo del Pas, just 900m away. This route is the heart of the park. You will discover Cima Pian Ballaur and Cima Saline. During the day, you will pass through the hamlets of Carnino and cross a Tibetan-style suspension bridge.
La Minière de Vallauria - Col de Turini
Thissecond stage is the most alpine of the three. At the Refuge des Merveilles, you’ll admire the beauty of the landscapes, from the Cime du Diable to the Vallon des Merveilles. You’ll pass several lakes before descending into a more Mediterranean-style valley at the Pas du Diable. With the Redoute des Trois Communes in sight for much of the way, you’ll walk along the old border ridge, dotted with defensive structures. Near the Authion, numerous ruins will remind you of the end of the last war.
Saorge – Breil-sur-Roya
This is the Valléen trail, an easy route along the Roya.
Both towns are served by the ‘Train des Merveilles’. From Breil to Sospel: one stop (15 mins).
From Triora to Ventimiglia
This route passes through numerous medieval villages in five very different valleys: Valle Argentina, Valle Nervia, Valle Barbaira, Valle Bevera and Valle Roja (Roya). You will stop off in typical Ligurian villages, some of which are listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy”.
Triora - Pigna
This first stage will take you from Triora to Pigna. Triora is a medieval village known as the “village of witches” (il paese delle streghe). It is the most important village in the Argentina Valley. Triora is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. After walking along the Nervia, you will arrive in Pigna. The historic centre of the village is distinctive for its narrow streets arranged in concentric rings around the houses. Pigna is also a spa town.
From Casterino to the Refuge des Merveilles via Mont Bégo
Second stage of the five-day Vievola–Saint-Martin Vesubie hike.
⚠️ 18/08/2026: Route amended at point 4.
From Castérino to the Refuge des Merveilles
The first part of the magnificent circular walk starting from Castérino to explore the Vallée des Merveilles, passing by the Refuge de Fontanalba, the rock carvings in the Nature Reserve and the Voie Sacrée, and finishing at the Refuge des Merveilles.