Saorge walks

A former 14th-century stronghold on the right bank of the Roya, Malmort Castle formed part of a defensive system controlling the Roya Valley under the rule of the House of Savoy.

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 village, clinging to the mountainside like an amphitheatre above the Gorges de la Roya, will reveal its many facets throughout the day. The scents of broom, lavender and thyme will accompany you. At the end of the walk, a stop at the Bains du Sémite will allow you to experience a form of ‘cryotherapy’ in a magnificent setting, which will help your body recover more quickly.

A very beautiful hike, starting with a walk through Breil-sur-Roya, whose narrow streets with vaulted porches are steeped in history. Then, after discovering a dozen crottés (small vaulted shelters), a real local curiosity, as well as the old Cruella watchtower overlooking the village, our route crosses the main areas of biological diversity located on the left bank of the Roya, overlooking the town.

A lovely, challenging hike with no particular difficulties apart from the steep gradient.

A pleasant short walk above Breil-sur-Roya. Once you reach the Cruella Tower, you’ll enjoy a superb panorama of the Roya Valley, the peaks around the Col de Brouïs (Mangiabo, Cime de Bosc...) and a bird’s-eye view of the village of Breil.

The Carleva is a small tributary of the Roya. This stream owes its reputation to its long, wild canyon. The route follows the Carleva to the start of the canyon. The trail continues under the ridge on the border with Italy. Crossing several streams adds a touch of coolness to this hike. The trail continues along the left bank of the Carleva to a magnificent bridge that spans it. The final stretch overlooks the Roya to the entrance of the village of Breil-sur-Roya. User comment on 22 February 2025: Trail currently closed between markers 105 and 107.See https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/liste-des-sentiers-fermes-pedestre Therefore closed on the return from marker 107 (9) to marker 105 (3). The route from (S) to point (6): crossing the Carléva remains a beautiful route. In this case, the return journey is via the same route as the outward journey.

Hike along the Authion border, climb the Cime du Diable (2,685 m), with views of the lakes of the Vallée des Merveilles and its ancient rock carvings.

The Refuge des Merveilles can be a destination in itself or the starting point for a guided tour of the petroglyphs or other hikes. The climb to the refuge via Lac des Mesches takes 3 hours and 15 minutes (excluding breaks) and has the advantage of being accessible by car or public transport (see "Practical Information").

Thissecond stage is the most alpine of the three. At the Refuge des Merveilles, you’ll admire the beauty of the landscapes, from the Cime du Diable to the Vallon des Merveilles. You’ll pass several lakes before descending into a more Mediterranean-style valley at the Pas du Diable. With the Redoute des Trois Communes in sight for much of the way, you’ll walk along the old border ridge, dotted with defensive structures. Near the Authion, numerous ruins will remind you of the end of the last war.

This summit, which rises just opposite the Refuge des Merveilles, lives up to its name. 360° panoramic view of a dozen lakes and the main peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles: Mont Bégo, Grand Capelet, Cime du Diable.

Long, fairly strenuous hike. The summit offers a 360° panorama from the sea to the highest peaks of the Mercantour and Argentera. You will look out over the many lakes you will have passed along the way.

This hike takes you through the Vallon de la Minière and then the exceptional site of the Vallée des Merveilles.

Located on the borders of the Vésubie, Bévéra and Roya valleys, Authion is the southernmost peak in the Alps above 2,000 metres. Hiking its three peaks (Pointe des Trois Communes, Forca and Mille Fourches) offers magnificent panoramic views between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mercantour massif. It is also an opportunity to discover its ancient military forts, which guarded the French-Italian border from the end of the19th century until the end of the Second World War.

This area with its four fortifications located at high altitude was the scene of fierce fighting, both in 1793 when the French invaded the County of Nice, and in April 1945, during one of the last battles between the German army and the Allies. These stone and cement structures, bearing multiple cannon and gunshot marks, bear witness to the violence of these final confrontations.

A beautiful classic route on theGR®®52. As you progress along this three-part itinerary, you will appreciate the beauty of the lakes up to the Pas du Diable, then the very chaotic landscape at the foot of the Cime du Diable and Mont Capelet Supérieur. Finally, after the Baisse Cavaline, you will enter a more Mediterranean setting to discover the Authion massif, a historic site during the end of the Second World War.

This final stage will take you back to Castérino via the ascent of Mont Bégo. From the summit, you’ll look out over the Vallée des Merveilles. You’ll catch sight of the neighbouring peak opposite, the Grand Capelet. You’ll enjoy a 360° panorama stretching from the Argentera to the Mediterranean. You’ll need to be careful on the first part of the descent towards the Baisse de Valmasque (rated T3). From the Baisse de Valmasque, the return journey follows the classic route that runs alongside the Lacs du Basto, Noir and Vert.

The fifth stage ofthe GR®52, where southern landscapes give way to mountain scenery. Challenging due to its elevation gain, this stage follows the old Italian border, where you’ll discover numerous military remains. Notably at Authion, where one of the last battles in France took place, resulting in the deaths of 273 French soldiers just a few weeks before the armistice of 8 May 1945. The views here are fabulous.

Third stage of the five-day Vievola–Saint-Martin-Vesubie hike. On the itinerary: a crossing of the Vallée des Merveilles and several lovely high-altitude lakes.

This itinerary allows you to discover the wonders of this valley. In particular, the famous engravings such as Christ, the Tribal Chief and the Altar Rock. But be careful, these areas are monitored!

A beautiful walk through the Levensa Valley. Breathtaking views of these two towns. Prestigious sites steeped in history, including a magnificent House of Brigasque Heritage and Traditions to visit – everything you need for a pleasant day combining physical activity with fun and cultural visits.

Three villages,names and prestigious locations steeped in history on the natural border of the Mercantour National Park and the Vallée des Merveilles. Numerous sweeping views over these two valleys and the Alpine massif. A magnificent hike that lives up to our expectations.

Mont Gros (Monte Grosso) is a small peak above the Col de Brouis. It occupies a strategic position on the line separating the Bévéra and Roya valleys. The Monte Grosso fortification was built between 1931 and 1935 and forms part of the Maginot Line, the fortified sector of the Alpes-Maritimes. Beyond its historical significance, this route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the ridges bordering Italy.

Mont Mangiabo, clearly visible from Breil sur Roya, entices hikers to conquer it. This climb, which is not technically difficult, offers a unique 360° panorama. To the south, the Mediterranean stretches from San Remo to Cannes, passing through Nice and the Var estuary. To the north, the peaks of the Mercantour will catch your eye.

The sixth stage ofthe GR®52, where the landscapes change dramatically. Due to its length and significant descent of nearly 2,000 metres, the stage is very difficult. The descent to Sospel, which makes up two-thirds of the route, puts a real strain on the knees and ankles. Please note, it gets very hot in summer on this section.

In April 1945, the entire Authion massif was the scene of fighting that led to the liberation of the Alpes-Maritimes. This route passes through the main fortifications of the Alpes-Maritimes fortified sector (SFAM). Apart from its historical significance, this circular route offers magnificent panoramic views of the high peaks of the Mercantour to the north and the Mediterranean to the south.

A lovely, easy forest hike. Some beautiful views of the surrounding peaks.

Three peaks near the Italian border, with old military installations. The walk is long but takes place largely through woodland.

Perched above the Roya Valley, the hamlet of Libre has retained a landscape shaped by olive cultivation and, in earlier times, by vineyards and lavender fields, which today give it the charm of villages of yesteryear. La Roche Fourquin, a natural viewpoint overlooking the Roya Valley and the Italian Riviera, is one of the last major peaks before the Mediterranean. It offers an exceptional view stretching from the high, snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour to the sea.

The route starts from the village of Moulinet, which you can visit on your return. At the Saint-Sébastien Chapel, take a steep path that winds its way up to the ruins of L’Avenquet. At the summit of Linière, you’ll catch a glimpse of the peaks around Sospel.

A few kilometres from Sospel, the village of Moulinet offers beautiful mountain scenery. The end of this circular route follows the wooded, sometimes steep banks of the Bévéra Gorges, located in the Mercantour National Park.

This circular route, starting from La Brigue, allows you to explore the Lévensa Valley via a varied trail combining woodland, footbridges and ancient ruins. The route leads to the Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines Chapel, notable for its frescoes, before a gentler return via the road. Combining nature and heritage, this route offers a gradual immersion in a peaceful environment typical of the hinterland.

A pleasant, easy forest hike, ideal for getting back into walking in the spring. The descent offers beautiful views of La Brigue, the Chaberta massif and the terraces built over the centuries, evidence of an agricultural past.

A lovely little, quiet forest walk. The ruins of the hamlet of L’Avenquet bear witness to a bygone era of traditional farming. A few steep banks and wooded paths lined with spruce trees in the Bouissièra forest will delight nature lovers.

Second stage of the five-day Vievola–Saint-Martin Vesubie hike. ⚠️ 18/08/2026: Route amended at point 4.

The ridges and summit of Chanvrairée offer stunning 360° panoramic views, including the Mercantour. After passing the fortified structures dating from the 1930s, which form part of the Italian defence line known as the 8th caposaldo Pian Tendasco, the little-used return route passes through an area frequented by chamois. Keep an eye out!

A very pretty hike, offering beautiful views of the Alps, including Monts Bégo, Clapier and Grand Capelet, in the upper part. The return journey is along a very pleasant, unmarked, little-used wooded path. In total, there is a small elevation gain of 490 m, which will help you get back into shape.

In the Roya Valley, above Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende, enjoy a beautiful snowshoe hike in the setting of Mont Bégo in the middle of the Vallée des Merveilles.

Lac Sainte-Marie, situated 350 metres higher than the famous and much-visited Lac des Grenouilles, is well worth the slight extra effort. At the foot of Mont Sainte-Marie, peace and tranquillity await you. Not to be confused with Lac de Sainte-Marie, situated to the south-west of Mont Sainte-Marie.

Discover one of the highest points in the village of Tende by climbing up to the Saint-Sauveur Chapel. This chapel, listed as a historic monument since 26 May 2000, was built on the orders of the first Count of Tende for his wife, who was Orthodox. It features 14th-century murals. The route is short but the climb is steep (250m elevation gain over less than 1km). Caution: tricky passage at the end.

Discover the Vallée des Merveilles by connecting the Vallée de la Gordolasque to the famous Refuge des Merveilles.

Four-day route in the Mercantour Massif. Passing through the unmissable Vallée des Merveilles, continuing on to the Refuges de Nice and Madone de Fenestre, then ending the circular at Pont du Countet, the terminus of the Gordolasque valley road.

This magnificent circular will take you to the two main peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles: Mont du Grand Capelet and Mont Bego. You will encounter numerous chamois around the Pas de l'Arpette and Lac Autier.

A round trip that will see you cover nearly 600m of elevation gain in 4 hours and enjoy this magnificent lake.

A beautiful loop in the Gordolasque valley that takes you close to five lakes, including the superb Lac Autier and Lac Niré. There are also some beautiful waterfalls, including the vast Cascade de l'Estrech. Numerous chamois can be seen throughout the hike. A few ibex and marmots can be spotted below the Lac de la Fous dam.

A very beautiful circular in one of the wildest valleys in the Southern Alps. It offers landscapes of rare beauty in an exceptional setting. The refuge is a welcome place to take a break. Keep an eye out for wildlife: chamois, marmots (outside hibernation period) and ibex.

The destination of a hike starting from Pont du Countet, the traditional entry point to the Vallée des Merveilles, Lac Long is relatively uncrowded and exudes an atmosphere of serenity in its rocky setting dominated by the elegant Cime de la Malédie. Reaching this lake allows you to enter a wild and mineral valley located near the very popular Refuge de Nice. Ibex and chamois will probably be your only companions.

Mont Clapier (3,045 m) is one of the five 3,000-metre peaks in the Alpes-Maritimes, and probably the most accessible. The ascent does not present any particular technical difficulties, but you do need a good sense of direction to navigate the scree slopes from the Lacs du Mont Clapier. At the summit, there is a superb panorama of the peaks from the Italian-Swiss border to Corsica, passing through the Po plain, the ever-isolated Mont Viso, and closer by, Mont Bégo, Grand Capelet, Gélas and Argentera.

The first stage of a three-day trek in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, this route immediately takes the hiker into the high mountains via a little-used alpine route, away from the classic Pas de l’Arpette. On the itinerary: a steady climb up the Vallon des Verrairiers from the Gordolasque Valley, crossing the Pas du Trem (2,477 m) at the foot of the legendary Cime du Diable (2,685 m), then a long descent past a string of glacial lakes – Lac du Diable, Lac de la Muta, Lac du Trem, Lac Fourca – down to Lac Long Supérieur and the Refuge des Merveilles (2,130 m). A route combining the geological richness of the upper Gordolasque, breathtaking views of the Authion, Mont Capelet Supérieur and the Mediterranean on clear days, and a majestic entrance to the Vallée des Merveilles, a site listed as a Historic Monument. Characteristic wildlife: chamois, ibex, marmots.

A demanding hike through steep terrain to reach the summit of the Grand Capelet, offering a 360° panorama from the Mediterranean to the Argentera, and a return via the famous Vallée des Merveilles, allowing you to discover some of the rock carvings in the area. This circular route is very long and very difficult; it is reserved for seasoned mountaineers.

This hike is mostly off-trail, with significant elevation gain, and is reserved for experienced walkers. The view from the summit of Grand Capelet, at the crossroads of the Gordolasque, Merveilles and Valmasque valleys, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Mercantour.Please take note of the practical information.

The Balcon du Gélas, which rises to over 3,000 metres, is a minor peak in the Haute Vésubie, situated close to its larger counterparts, the iconic Gélas peaks. The ascent, however, offers superb views of the highest peaks of the Gordolasque, Lac Long, as well as the Argentera and even the Viso on the Italian side. This hike, starting from Pont du Countet, takes you up the Gordolasque valley to Lac de la Fous, then leads you to the peaceful Lac Long before a climb to the Terrasse du Gélas—the only tricky section—and an easy final ascent to reward you with this beautiful summit, at the foot of the highest peak in the Mercantour massif.

Discover the Gordolasque Valley and the Mercantour.

A very pleasant family walk in the Gordolasque Valley, with no particular difficulties and wonderful scenery.

Mont des Merveilles or Caïre des Conques is a peak located between the Vallée des Merveilles and the Vallée de la Gordolasque. This hike from Pont du Countet will take you up Pas de l'Arpette via Vallon d'Empuonrame. On the agenda: beautiful panoramic views of several lakes and the peaks of the Mercantour, as well as encounters with chamois and marmots if you're lucky.

A circular route in Gordolasque to discover this pretty valley, the starting point for long hikes in the Mercantour. You will climb up opposite the Cascade de l'Estrech waterfall, then pass by the Mur des Italiens, a place where chamois and ibex are often seen, before descending on the right bank, which offers a beautiful view of the valley with the Cime du Diable peak in the distance. Please note that the return route on the right bank is currently inaccessible, see description.