Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée - Lacs de Vens - Small Pass of Tortisse

Start at marker 108 (S) on the RM2205 on the outskirts of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, heading towards the Col de la Bonette.
After crossing the Tinée, follow the road uphill for about 200 m. The start is on the right, above the Torrent de Ténibres.

(1) Take the path heading northwards. A fairly steep climb for just over an hour.

(2) Once you reach Les Granges de Fournels (marker 109), continue to the left (north-west) towards Claï and the Moyenne Corniche. Cross the Vallon des Lacs Marie and then the Torrent de Claï.

(3) At marker 114, leave the track and take the path climbing to the right towards the Chemin de l’Énergie (north-east). Cross the torrent, then head up the Vallon de Claï on the left bank. Once you reach the area near the Cabanne in the Clot des Nières, look for the 2–3 posts that will guide you to the start of the path... then follow the cairns. Steep climb to the Baussayer (marker 113).

(4) At marker 113, continue north towards the Lacs de Vens. Cross the scree, then climb up to the Crête des Babarottes – another very steep path! Then descend to the Lac des Babarottes and the Lacs de Vens; magnificent views of all the lakes during the descent.

(5) After crossing the footbridge at marker 26, continue north-east, keeping to the right bank of the lakes until you reach the Vens refuge. The path isn’t always obvious, but you can’t get lost.

(6) After a snack break at the refuge to watch the marmots and enjoy the magnificent view of the Upper Lake of Vens, begin the climb towards the small pass of Tortisse via the north-bound path.

(7) At marker 25, continue straight on towards Col du Fer.

(8) At marker 24, turn right towards Col du Fer to climb via wide switchbacks. Don’t miss the Tortisse arch on your right as you climb.

(9) At the small pass of Tortisse (marker 35a), take a short detour to the Aiguilles de Tortisse to enjoy the view of the Cimes de Vens, Lac Supérieur and Mont Viso directly to the north. Plenty of chamois in the area!
Back at the pass, head down a few dozen metres to find a spot to camp on the grassy slopes.

The Refuge de Vens serves a delicious blueberry cake!

Please note: Difficulties in following the path between markers 109 (1) and 114 (2) have been reported. You can reach marker 113 (3) directly by following the^PR® which climbs straight up from marker 109 (1) to the Chemin de l’Énergie (marker 112), then follow the GR® to the left to rejoin the route towards Lac des Babarottes.

The Lacs de Vens are magnificent, especially when viewed on the descent from Lac des Babarottes or from the ascent towards Collet de Tortisse, a small pass.
Views of Mont Viso and the Tête de Moïse on the climb towards the Aiguilles de Tortisse and of the peaks over 2,900m overlooking the Refuge de Vens (Mont Vallonet, Cimes de Vens, Claï Supérieur).
Numerous marmots and chamois can be spotted from the Lacs de Vens.