Saorge – Breil-sur-Roya

This is the Valléen trail, an easy route along the Roya.
Both towns are served by the ‘Train des Merveilles’. From Breil to Sospel: one stop (15 mins).

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Variante de la GTA Briançon - Menton

Details

n°2316320

Creation:
24 Jul 2019

Last update:
22 Dec 2024

Last review:
12 Aug 2024

Activity: Walking
Distance: 5.75 mi
Average duration: 4h 40
Difficulty: Moderate
Back to start: No
Ascent: + 2,343 ft
Descent: - 3,009 ft
Highest point: 2,156 ft
Lowest point: 925 ft

Country: France
Areas: Alps, Mercantour
City: Saorge (06540)
Start: N 43.98733° / E 7.55241°
End: N 43.940679° / E 7.513777°
IGN map(s): Ref. 3741ET, 3841OT
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Description of the walk

(S) From the village of Saorge. Walk down to the bottom of the village until you reach Rue Doumergue. Follow it to the washhouse. The street continues as a footpath. Stay on this path, keeping to the right at the junction. Follow the route to marker 16.

(1) Cross the D138 before joining it on the banks of the Roya. Take the road to the left. Before the bridge, turn left towards a crystal-clear pool. This is the ‘Bain du Sémite’, fed by the waters of the Bendola. Cross the stream and continue due south. Reach the banks of the Roya at marker 156.

(2) Immediately head uphill to the left, ignoring the path on the right leading to a house.
After a bend to the right, a short climb leads back onto the^GR® 52A.
Note: a new section has been created with steps and safety handrails.

(3) Take this to the right. Cross the refreshing Caïne stream and continue along the GR^®. You’ll reach the junction at marker 153.

(4) Here, there are two possible routes:
- continue along the^GR® by keeping to the left to reach Breil-sur-Roya (E),
- head down to the right, as shown on the map. Pass through the hamlet of Ornéglia, then take the track to reach the junction marked with signpost 9.

(5) Stay on the path on the right, follow the Roya river, cross it and turn right onto the D6204 road. At the station, turn left to reach the centre of Breil-sur-Roya (E).

Waypoints

S : mi 0 - alt. 1,663 ft - Saorge
1 : mi 0.62 - alt. 1,165 ft - Bain du Sémite - Roya (fleuve)
2 : mi 1.4 - alt. 1,119 ft - Waymark 156
3 : mi 2.28 - alt. 1,719 ft - GR 52A
4 : mi 3.62 - alt. 2,051 ft - Waymark 153. Alternative route
5 : mi 4.77 - alt. 1,033 ft - Waymark 9
E : mi 5.75 - alt. 1,004 ft - Breil-sur-Roya

Notes

Make sure you bring water. There are no water supplies along the route.
You can easily reach Sospel by train.

Worth a visit

(S) Visit to the village of Saorge.
(1) Bain du Sémite
(E) Take the train to Sospel for the final stage.

Reviews and comments

3.5 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
3.3 / 5

Ease of following the route
3.3 / 5

Route interest
4 / 5

Peanut

12 Aug 2024 at 10:48

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Following Storm Alex, the footpath was re-graded.
A new section has been created between points 2 and 3, featuring safe steps and handrails.
It is no longer necessary to rejoin the GR, and the walk can be completed as described in the current guide.

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batur

02 Oct 2023 at 18:00

Overall rating : 2 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Ease of following the route : ★☆☆☆☆ Very disappointing
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Shortcut between points 2 and 3, as shown on the map; new route heading uphill to join the GR,
After point 3, a leisurely walk, in fine weather like on that day when it was 28°

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jmper1

28 Nov 2021 at 16:16

Overall rating : 3.5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 28, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The path is still closed between 2 and 3, although it is still scheduled to reopen in September 2021.
An alternative route via the Croix du Mont Agu is possible, but the elevation gain is no longer the same. Furthermore, you may need to leave your car in Bréil and travel to Saorge by train or bus, but please note that from Saorge station there is still a distance of nearly 2 km and a slight climb to reach the starting point at the Madone de Poggio.

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kerwin

06 Jun 2021 at 10:55

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The hiking trail was destroyed by Storm Alex, particularly between point 2 and point 3 – it’s impossible to get through. What a shame.