Picougul walks

This hike is the first stage of a two-day circular route leading to the ascent of Mont Mounier. Starting from the Pont d’Aygue Blanche near Péone, you’ll climb gradually towards the small plateau of the Montagne de l’Estrop, where you can camp in sheltered conditions. A stage through deciduous woodland and mountain pastures at the foot of the rocky ridge of the Montagne de l’Alp.

This hike forms thesecond stage of the ascent of Mont Mounier. Starting from the Montagne de l’Estrop, you’ll climb to the Col de Crousette for a beautiful view over the valley of the same name and the Haute-Tinée. You’ll then reach the Mont Mounier ridge, which you’ll follow to the summit. The descent takes you through the hamlet of La Colle before climbing back up towards the Tête de Charnaye, then down again towards the altisurface, and finally the final descent to the Pont d’Aygue Blanche.

A beautiful, long, straight-line hike, with significant elevation gain but no technical difficulties. It requires at least two vehicles: one at the start and one at the finish.

A route at the bottom of the superb Daluis Gorges! A water hike to be undertaken only in good weather, ideal in summer during hot weather. A hike accessible to children who can swim. Closed shoes are essential. This hike crosses a protected natural site that is subject to regulations. See practical information.

This nineteenth stage continues the long traverse of the Mercantour. From the Refuge de Longon, the path descends the Vallon du Longon diagonally across the slope to the hamlet of Rougios, before following the Fracha forest road and then taking a shortcut to the pretty Provençal village of Roure. Via a stony descent, it cuts across the hairpin bends of the M130 and M30 roads and reaches Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, which it passes through before climbing up to the Chapelle Saint-Roch. Running along the hillside, it crosses the Vallon du Romarinier, passes through the hamlet of Roubinastre, crosses the Ravin de l’Esclosé and arrives at Rimplas. The GR®5 descends gently towards the small pass of Ragias and crosses the Vallon Gros, before climbing back up to the ridge on that side of the slope and then skirting the hamlet of La Bolline. From there, it climbs to the hamlet of La Roche and then ascends the ridge of the Vallon de Bramafam to reach Saint-Dalmas Valdeblore.

Étape de la traversée des Alpes de Roya jusqu'à Roure. Randonnée allant de la Haute Tinée en passant par le Mercantour où l'on peut apercevoir des vautours. À l'approche du Col de Croussette un univers minéral nous attend puis un plateau quasi désertique pour finir par la douceur des pâturages de Roure.

This eighteenth stage continues the traverse of the Mercantour Massif. From Roya, the GR®5 crosses the Vallon de Roya torrent, follows the Vallon de la Maïris upstream and then the Vallon de Sallevieille, before winding its way up to the Plan des Laces and then the Col de Crousette. From the pass, the path winds its way up the left-hand slope of the Vallon de la Culasse towards the Stèle Vallette, follows the ridge on the Vallon du Démant side, crosses the Baisse du Démant and descends to the Col du Refuge and then to the Col des Moulinés. It drops down to the bottom of the Vallon du Démant, crosses its torrent and, on the slope of the opposite side, meets the Vallon de la Gourgette. Above the hamlet of Vignols, it climbs beneath the ruin-like rocks of Les Chambrettes, where a colony of bearded vultures nests, and passes the small pass of Portes de Longon, then winds its way along a stream to reach the Refuge du Longon or Vacherie de Roure.

Étape de la traversée des Alpes avec un départ de Roure jusqu'à Saint Dalmas de Valdeblore. Randonnée allant de la vallée de la Tinée à l'arrière pays niçois.

A long but beautiful stage combining the austere landscape of Mont Mounier with the green mountain pastures of Longon.Look up to watch the vultures.A gentle finish at the Vacherie de Longon, surrounded by animals.

This first stage will take you to the Rabuons mountain hut, on the shores of the largest lake in the Alpes-Maritimes.The landscape is very rocky. You’ll come across plenty of Italians, as just across the border there are several mountain huts offering lovely routes via the nearby Pas de l’Ischiator. ⚠️ Allow around 4 hours for an average hiker in good physical condition to complete this walk.