Ormea walks

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.

The two main access points to the Marguareis Nature Park are quite a distance from our French Alpes-Maritimes. The northern entrance is at Chiusa di Pesio (a 2-hour drive), the southern entrance is at Carnino (a 3-hour drive). Choosing Morignole is an alternative way to enter this magnificent park, which is rarely visited by French people despite being on the border. Pointe Marguareis lies on the French-Italian border.Five days to climb Pointe Marguareis and circumnavigate it.

The three easternmost peaks in France. This hike presents no technical difficulties; the paths are well-marked and there are plenty of signposts. I classify it as very difficult given its length and elevation gain. A similar hike was already described in 2019, but I am not including the description of the descent today.

This hike begins and ends with a walk through the village of Triora, ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy. It is a perfect example of a medieval village, where every alleyway, every small square, every wall and every building bears witness to centuries of history and tradition. The wooded valley, the old bridge overlooking the Argentina valley, and the two other hamlets you pass through will capture your attention.

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”.

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.

A pleasant, easy forest hike, ideal for getting back into walking in the spring. The descent offers beautiful views of La Brigue, the Chaberta massif and the terraces built over the centuries, evidence of an agricultural past.

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.

Discover one of the highest points in the village of Tende by climbing up to the Saint-Sauveur Chapel. This chapel, listed as a historic monument since 26 May 2000, was built on the orders of the first Count of Tende for his wife, who was Orthodox. It features 14th-century murals. The route is short but the climb is steep (250m elevation gain over less than 1km). Caution: tricky passage at the end.

Breathtaking views of the entire bay, ridges, an authentic village and cows in season are what you will discover on this hike. The route is very well marked.

A magnificent, easy hike straddling Italy and France. Superb panoramic views of the Nervia Valley and the Ligurian Alps, then the Roya Valley and the peaks of the Mercantour. On a clear day, you can see Mont Viso and Corsica.

Three villages,names and prestigious locations steeped in history on the natural border of the Mercantour National Park and the Vallée des Merveilles. Numerous sweeping views over these two valleys and the Alpine massif. A magnificent hike that lives up to our expectations.

A beautiful walk through the Levensa Valley. Breathtaking views of these two towns. Prestigious sites steeped in history, including a magnificent House of Brigasque Heritage and Traditions to visit – everything you need for a pleasant day combining physical activity with fun and cultural visits.

Cime du Sabion is a Franco-Italian peak rising to 2,610 m. From the summit, with one foot in France and one in Italy, you can admire Mont Bégo and the main peaks of the Valmasque valley to the south-west. To the north, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Entracque valley. To the east, you’ll be impressed by the vast, rugged cirque carved out at the foot of the peaks of Sabion, Peïrefique and the Roche de l’Abysse.See restrictions in the practical information section

The walk through this olive grove, the discovery of Valloria—a veritable timeless museum where visitors can escape, let their imaginations run wild and lose track of time for a moment—and the walk through Bellissini with its many mural hot-air balloons will leave all hikers deeply impressed by what they have seen along this route.

This hike takes you through the Vallon de la Minière and then the exceptional site of the Vallée des Merveilles.

This summit, which rises just opposite the Refuge des Merveilles, lives up to its name. 360° panoramic view of a dozen lakes and the main peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles: Mont Bégo, Grand Capelet, Cime du Diable.

Long, fairly strenuous hike. The summit offers a 360° panorama from the sea to the highest peaks of the Mercantour and Argentera. You will look out over the many lakes you will have passed along the way.

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").

Walk along the left bank of Lago di Osiglia, an artificial lake created in the late 1930s and the largest lake in the province of Savona. Hike along a quiet, tarmac road to a circular bend in the lake.

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.

This second stage will take you from Pigna to Apricale. You will pass through the charming villages of Castel Vittorio, Bajardo and Perinaldo. Like Triora, Perinaldo and Apricale are listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy (I Borghi più belli d'Italia).

A former 14th-century stronghold on the right bank of the Roya, Malmort Castle formed part of a defensive system controlling the Roya Valley under the rule of the House of Savoy.

This third stage will take you from Apricale to Rocchetta Nervina. You will pass through the village of Isolabona to visit it. Rocchetta Nervina has preserved its medieval appearance and its curtain wall defences, with two bridges connecting the village to the road.

Discover two magnificent ancient villages clinging to the mountainside, following the centuries-old paved and wooded path that connected the two villages. It's fun to get "lost" in the narrow streets while keeping the right direction; it's a labyrinth of houses with ancient walls and steep staircases.

This hike follows the old mule track that linked the two villages. Isolabona, a charming village known for its picturesque historic centre and olive groves, and Rocchetta Nervina, which offers hikers a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. A few ‘natural pools’ are real oases waiting to be discovered.

This fourth stage will take you from Rochetta Nervina to Torri Superiore. Along the way, you’ll visit the picturesque village of Airole, which overlooks the Roya. You’ll stop off at the eco-village of Torri Superiore. This medieval village, which lay in ruins in the 1990s, has been entirely rebuilt by volunteers.

Starting from the entrance to the national park on the edge of Rochetta Nervina, this hike will take you up into the mountains, accompanied by the gentle sound of the Barbaira, to Pont de Cin.Some sections are on the side of a cliff, with stony paths, which are best avoided if it has rained recently. In good weather, these sections are not particularly difficult.

Starting from the charming village of Rocchetta Nervina, this walk takes you up the Rio Barbaira to discover its beautiful pools and waterfalls. On the way back, a short tour of the old village will round off this lovely outing in Italy.

A change of scenery guaranteed. This lesser-known tributary of the Rio Barbaira features three medieval stone bridges and pools of green water. It promises a secluded spot and guaranteed swimming. Perhaps a fine reason to take this walk. On the way back, the village of Roccheta Nervina reveals a completely unspoilt site with narrow alleyways. It’s like stepping back fifty years in time.

A very beautiful hike, starting with a walk through Breil-sur-Roya, whose narrow streets with vaulted porches are steeped in history. Then, after discovering a dozen crottés (small vaulted shelters), a real local curiosity, as well as the old Cruella watchtower overlooking the village, our route crosses the main areas of biological diversity located on the left bank of the Roya, overlooking the town.

A lovely, challenging hike with no particular difficulties apart from the steep gradient.

A pleasant short walk above Breil-sur-Roya. Once you reach the Cruella Tower, you’ll enjoy a superb panorama of the Roya Valley, the peaks around the Col de Brouïs (Mangiabo, Cime de Bosc...) and a bird’s-eye view of the village of Breil.

The Carleva is a small tributary of the Roya. This stream owes its reputation to its long, wild canyon. The route follows the Carleva to the start of the canyon. The trail continues under the ridge on the border with Italy. Crossing several streams adds a touch of coolness to this hike. The trail continues along the left bank of the Carleva to a magnificent bridge that spans it. The final stretch overlooks the Roya to the entrance of the village of Breil-sur-Roya. User comment on 22 February 2025: Trail currently closed between markers 105 and 107.See https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/liste-des-sentiers-fermes-pedestre Therefore closed on the return from marker 107 (9) to marker 105 (3). The route from (S) to point (6): crossing the Carléva remains a beautiful route. In this case, the return journey is via the same route as the outward journey.