Sospel – Menton

(S) In Sospel, follow the Route d’Erc towards the Col de Castillon. Cross the railway line. The^GR® 52 cuts across a hairpin bend to the right. Continue straight ahead on the road to the Fontan district.

(1) The road turns into a track. Shortly after the Vallon de Plan German, take the path on the right which climbs through the forest before rejoining the track. Follow it to marker 107.

(2) Immediately turn right onto the^GR® along a path that heads south-east and quickly turns south towards the Col du Razet. You’ll reach a track junction at marker 107a.

(3) Keep to the left on the^GR®, crossing several streams, including the Ruisseau de l’Albaréa, shortly before reaching the Col du Razet at marker 90, a junction of several paths

(4) Continue straight ahead, ignoring the path that descends. A gentle climb leads to Colla Bassa, marker 95.

(5) Leave the^GR® 52 and take a track on the left that climbs. Pass the hairpin bend on the right until you reach the sign marking the border.

(6) Turn right without crossing the border. The track turns into a path. Follow the trail, which soon heads east towards the summit marked by a cross. Descend along the ridge due east to a hairpin bend on the right at the foot of Punta Renuit.

(7) Turn right, almost 180°, onto the path that descends south-west beneath the summit. Return to the French-Italian border and follow it to the Pas de la Corne, marked by marker 94a and an electricity pylon.

(8) Ignore the path that crosses the border to the west and continue south-east. At the next junction, turn right towards Motorola. You’ll reach a wooded area.

(9) Turn left and take the red and white marked path – this is the ‘Alpi – Mare’ route, which heads east and passes south of Monté Fuga. Continue until you reach a Y-shaped junction of paths.

(10) Take the path on the right, heading due south along a ridge. You’ll reach a large network of tracks.

(11) Turn left and then follow the track heading due south until you reach another crossroads.

(12) Turn right onto the path, first turn left then right, then continue the descent due south. You will reach the hamlet of Ciotti.

(13) As soon as you reach the first houses, turn right and stay on the Alpi-Mare path. Pass through a group of ruins, continue above the motorway and reach the heights of Grimaldi.

(14) Head down the cobbled alleyways amongst the greenhouses towards the sea. Turn right before the railway line to rejoin the Via Aurelia coastal path, continuing to the border post and Menton (E).

Caution: there is no water on the Italian side and the landscape is arid.

Stunning views from the summit of Grammondo.
Path with sea views.
A flower-filled arrival at Grimaldi.