Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage walks

This magnificent snowshoe hike in the Nordic area of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage combines the Col d’Annelle route with that of the Claffounier viewpoint. It offers a wide variety of views over the village, the peaks of the Tinée Valley and the Auron ski resort.

A summit in the Alpes-Maritimes that is rarely visited but is nonetheless well worth the detour. Long and steep, but with a gradual ascent and a magnificent route through one of the region’s most beautiful valleys, which apparently nearly became a ski resort before the creation of the Mercantour National Park. You are in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – see the practical information.

Étape de la traversée des Alpes de Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage jusqu'à Roya. Randonnée offrant un très beau panorama sur la Haute Tinée avec passage de la station de ski d'Auron puis après le Col du Blainon entrée dans le vallon de Roya où le mouton est roi.

A lovely walk starting from Saint Dalmas le Selvage, this route takes you on foot to the Sestrière plateau via an old path leading to alpine barns and overlooking the Sestrière torrent canyon. The return route follows a pleasant forest track for part of the way and leads to the Pras viewpoint, overlooking the village. This walk is particularly recommended in autumn when the larch trees are decked out in their crimson finery.

A beautiful walk to a secret valley with a lush green meadow surrounded by rocky mountain peaks.

A short drive from St Dalmas le Selvage you will find this beautiful walk through meadows, woodland and up to rocky peaks.

This is a variation on the traditional hikes to the magnificent lakes of Vens. Although the last section on tarmac between Le Pra and the car park at the start is not the most attractive, this circular route takes you through both the Vens and Tortisse valleys, with a more pleasant climb along the torrent and a breathtaking descent from the Col de Fer.

A long, challenging circular route in the Vens area, taking you past no fewer than thirteen lakes – including the three Ténibre lakes, which can be seen from the Crête de Marie – as well as its highest point. A demanding route, partly off-trail with several very tricky sections best left to experienced walkers, particularly the descent of the Claï via its north face, which will require patience and concentration (see practical information). You are in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – see the practical information.

A little-known viewpoint above the Lakes of Vens and Babarottes. A 360° panorama stretching from Mont Ténibre to Mont Mounier, as well as the Tête de l’Enchastraye and the Cime de Pal...

Following a somewhat hidden route away from the very busy areas of the upper Tinée Valley, this hike offers stunning panoramic views of the magnificent and wild upper Demandols valley, as well as the ‘3,000s’ of the Tinée, such as Mont Ténibre and the Cime de Corborant. If you undertake this hike in spring or very early summer, you might be lucky enough to spot some ibex that haven’t yet returned to the higher altitudes...

This seventeenth stage continues the crossing of the Mercantour massif. From Bousiéyas, the GR®5 climbs gently along the forest track, crosses the Tinée valley and reaches the small lake of Lauzarouotte. The path then crosses the Issias valley and reaches the Col de la Colombière. Winding its way down, it plunges straight into the Vallon de la Combe and, hugging the hillside, reaches the Rochepin chalet before returning to the bottom of the Vallon de la Combe and reaching Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. The GR®5 follows the Route d’Anelle, crossing a few torrents before reaching the Col d’Anelle. It descends to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, which it passes through, before entering the Tinée Valley. At the hamlet of Drogon, it winds its way up the valley side in a series of hairpin bends to the resort of Auron, then passes through woodland to reach the Col du Blainon before descending the sunny side of the Vallon de la Roya and arriving at the “Ma Vieille École” lodge.

Once you have passed through the pastoral area, the Crêtes de la Blanche and de Rougne offer exceptional panoramic views. The return route off the beaten track via the Chaufrède valley, a very little-used area, will be a real discovery. A GPS or the Visorando app will be useful on this section. You are in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to do so may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – please see the practical information section.

A first day to stretch your legs and discover the magnificent natural setting of the Vens lakes. Note: as this route ends in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, it is advisable, if possible, to park a second car in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée to shuttle back to the starting point. Otherwise, allow around €25 for the taxi journey from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée to Le Pra, but please note that booking is required a few hours in advance.

A magnificent hike in the Haute-Tinée offering varied panoramas and one of the most beautiful series of lakes in the Mercantour! The climb from Le Pra is gradual and easy, with the Cime de la Bonnette behind you. You then pass under the strange Aiguilles de Tortisse before arriving at the Col du Fer (view of Mont Viso). After the Collet de Tortisse, you arrive at the arch, where you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the Lacs de Vens and the peaks of the Trou de l'Âne!

After climbing up the pretty Vallon de Gialorgues to the refuge, you will make a small circular loop above it off the beaten track to discover the three lakes of Gialorgues, a wild and uncrowded area at the foot of Fort Carra. You will encounter many marmots around the refuge, and with a little luck, you may spot chamois or ibex near the third lake.

This walk, starting from the Vallon de Valloar, will take you through the Vallon de Gialorgues, past several lakes and offering varied panoramic views from the Col de Gialorgues and the Baisse de la Boulière. The ascent to the Tête de la Boulière is straightforward and offers a superb panoramic view of the Haut-Var peaks (Cime de Pal, Fort Carra, Pointe Côte de l’Âne and Mont Pelat). You are in the Mercantour National Park; there are regulations to be observed, and failure to comply may result in a fine of up to €1,500 – see the practical information.

This morning route is an alternative to the Bois d'Anelle loop, passing via the Cime d'Anelle. The first section climbs through the Ublan countryside, then crosses the woods in the shade of the fir trees.

First stage of a two-day hike in the Haute-Tinée. Ascent to the magnificent Lacs de Vens and the small pass of Tortisse via the Claï valley and Lac des Babarottes. Plenty of marmots and chamois around the Lacs de Vens and below the small pass of Tortisse.

A two-day hike starting from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. Day one: ascent to the Lacs de Vens via the Vallon de Claï and the Lac des Babarottes, followed by a round trip to the Aiguilles de Tortisse. Day two: ascent to the Cime du Fer, then return to Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée via the Vallon de Tortisse, Lac des Babarottes and the Chemin de l’Energie.

A superb hike offering the chance to explore the wild landscapes of the Salso Moreno valley, with its many lakes, torrents and sinkholes. Part of the route is off-trail but presents no particular difficulty.

This first stage of the Tour du Mont Aiga starts from Camp des Fourches on the Bonette road and, via the Col des Fourches, descends into the large Salso Moreno valley, which you climb back up to the Col de Pouriac. From the Col de Pouriac, you quickly reach Bassa di Colombart and then, after a long descent through the mountain pastures, the charming village of Ferrere. You may encounter flocks of sheep in Salso Moreno and, at night, the wolves that prey on them.

Three days of hiking in Haute-Tinée and Alta Val Stura in Italy, starting from Camp des Fourches, with balanced stages and no technical difficulty. This tour will allow you to discover Salso Moréno, the charming village of Ferrere in Italy and the Refuge des Lac de Vens.

A beautiful, accessible hike starting from Camp des Fourches. You will cross the Salso Moreno sinkholes to discover the superb lakes of Morgon and Laussets. You are in the Mercantour National Park, where there are regulations to be observed, with fines of up to €1,500 for non-compliance. See practical information.

A summit off the beaten track. This is a challenging hike with a significant elevation gain and difficult terrain.

This hike, starting from Camp des Fourches, will take you through the magnificent Salso Moreno valley, characterised by its many winding streams amid marmot meadows and numerous sinkholes. You will climb to the small Lacs d'Agnel lakes, overlooking this pretty cirque at the foot of the Roubines Nègres. You are in the Mercantour National Park, where there are regulations to be observed, with fines of up to €1,500 for non-compliance. See practical information.

A beautiful climb takes you to a summit at 2,757 metres, from where you can enjoy a 360° panorama of many of the high mountains in the surrounding area. These forts were built at the end of the 19th century to prevent Italian troops from entering the country via the Salso Moreno valley. They were occupied during both World Wars but were never actually used.

A hike to discover the Ténibres valley from both sides as well as the architecture of the region.

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.

A magnificent three-day route taking you to one of the 3,000-metre peaks in the Alpes-Maritimes. You’ll have the chance to spend a night on the shores of the largest lake in the Alpes-Maritimes at the small Rabuons refuge. The following day, the ascent of Mont Ténibre will offer you a superb panorama of Italy, as well as the Mercantour range stretching as far as the peaks of the Auron ski resort. You’ll leave your rucksack behind for a second night by the shores of another lake – less rugged and more pastoral – at the Vens refuge.

A long and demanding circular in the Mercantour National Park that will first take you to Lac de Rabuons, the largest lake in the Alpes-Maritimes, which is worth the detour in itself, before climbing Mont Ténibre, the highest peak in the Tinée at 3,031 metres. You are in the Mercantour National Park, where there are regulations to be observed, with fines of up to €1,500 for non-compliance. See practical information. Read the reviews before committing.