Saint-Dalmas de Valdeblore – Le Boréon

(S) From the lodge, head towards the village centre. When you reach the road opposite the church, turn left towards “La Bolline” until you reach a junction.

(1) Follow the tarmac road to the right as it climbs steeply, Chemin des Barches. This is the starting point of the^GR® 52. The markings are white and red, as with all^GR® routes^.

(2) At the junction, turn right, pass in front of a building, and continue along the road to the left, which climbs again until you reach a large left-hand bend.

(3) At the bend, leave the road and follow the path on the right which climbs steeply. Stay on the red and white marked path. Walk past the Chanaria barns. Do not hesitate to turn around to admire the view of the valley sloping down towards Saint-Dalmas. Then pass Plan de la Gourra, cross the road once, then a second time at the 2035m mark. Continue to the first pass, the Col de Veillos, at an altitude of 2100m.

(4) At the Col de Veillos, follow the^GR® to the right. To the left lies the Millefonts valley, home to the lakes of the same name. From this pass, begin the very difficult ascent of the Col du Barn. The gradient becomes steeper as you climb. Pass by the mountain lakes: Lac Rond, Lac Long and Lac Gros, each as magnificent as the next. Lac Gros remains visible throughout the ascent. The scenery is fabulous. Continue to the Col du Barn at an altitude of 2,450 metres.
Take the opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views.

(5) Then begin the descent leading to La Vacherie du Collet, via the Vallon du Barn. Numerous herds graze in this lush green countryside.

(6) At La Vacherie du Small Pass (1,840m), you’ll find a cross on your right. Take the tarmac track that climbs towards the Col de Salèse. At times, the signposting takes you off the road before rejoining it later. This section isn’t the most interesting.

(7) At the Col de Salèse (2,030m), continue along the road to the right as it descends. The^GR® leaves the road at the first hairpin bend, taking a path that descends into the Vallon de Salèse alongside a stream, to a large car park.

(8) At this car park, return to the road and continue the descent to the right to Le Boréon, the end point of this long stage (E).

Duration of the stage: 10 hours.
Take plenty of water; for this stage, we set off with 3 litres each.
You’ll need an IGN map and the Mercantour guidebook.
(E) As there was no room at the "Boréon" lodge, we pitched our tent nearby. We still made use of the lodge’s toilet facilities, as well as the dinner and breakfast. A wonderful welcome.