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Tende walks
Chapel of Saint-Sauveur in Tende
Visorando Member
2.24 mi
+922 ft
-922 ft
1h 50
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Towards Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines and the Pont du Coq
5.41 mi
+817 ft
-814 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from La Brigue (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
The Baisses de Géréon and Peluna from La Brigue
10.52 mi
+2,680 ft
-2,667 ft
7h 10
Moderate
Departure from La Brigue (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
The Saint-Dalmas de Tende, La Brigue, Tende triangle
9.79 mi
+2,972 ft
-2,966 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
From Saint-Dalmas de Tende to La Brigue
5.48 mi
+896 ft
-922 ft
3h 20
Easy
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Circular Vallon de Stroup starting from Morignole
6.10 mi
+2,395 ft
-2,375 ft
4h 55
Moderate
Departure from La Brigue (Alpes-Maritimes)
Here is a very pleasant walk offering superb panoramic views of the hills above the village of Morignole, passing by the Stroup Waterfall and ending at the Chambeuil Sheepfold.
Morignole – Rifugio Don Barbera
7.22 mi
+4,774 ft
-1,043 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from La Brigue (Alpes-Maritimes)
This first stage will take you into the Marguareis Nature Park from France.As soon as you enter the park, the karstic panoramas are enchanting and completely different from the crystalline landscapes of the nearby Mercantour. During the ascent, you’ll be far enough back to admire the Mercantour massif from the Authion to the Argentera.
Route through the Marguareis Nature Park
35.86 mi
+15,581 ft
-15,538 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from La Brigue (Alpes-Maritimes)
The two main access points to the Marguareis Nature Park are quite a distance from our French Alpes-Maritimes. The northern entrance is at Chiusa di Pesio (a 2-hour drive), the southern entrance is at Carnino (a 3-hour drive). Choosing Morignole is an alternative way to enter this magnificent park, which is rarely visited by French people despite being on the border. Pointe Marguareis lies on the French-Italian border.Five days to climb Pointe Marguareis and circumnavigate it.
Lac des Mesches - Refuge des Merveilles - Lac des Mesches
9.09 mi
+2,484 ft
-2,454 ft
7 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This hike takes you through the Vallon de la Minière and then the exceptional site of the Vallée des Merveilles.
Ascent to the Merveilles refuge from Lac des Mesches
4.74 mi
+2,487 ft
-46 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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").
Cime des Lacs
11.53 mi
+3,753 ft
-3,737 ft
8h 35
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
La Cime du Diable from Lac des Mesches
13.98 mi
+4,469 ft
-4,452 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
La Minière de Vallauria - Col de Turini
12.49 mi
+4,009 ft
-3,635 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
From Casterino to the Refuge des Merveilles via Mont Bégo
7.66 mi
+3,917 ft
-2,034 ft
6h 55
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Second stage of the five-day Vievola–Saint-Martin Vesubie hike.
⚠️ 18/08/2026: Route amended at point 4.
Sabion Pass and Lakes
6.16 mi
+1,014 ft
-984 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A very pleasant mountain-side walk with views over the Casterino valley and the peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles; to round off the outward leg, there is a magnificent view of the Italian side, featuring Lago della Vacca and a beautiful waterfall that feeds into the lake.
The Peïrefique Lakes
5.37 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,601 ft
3h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Nestled in a rugged cirque at the foot of the Roche de l’Abysse and the Pointe de Peïrefique, these two small lakes will enchant you.
Moderator update as at 24/09/2020: Please note! The access road to the starting point is now closed to all vehicles except 4x4s.
Cime du Sabion
6.16 mi
+2,024 ft
-2,001 ft
4h 35
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Cime du Sabion is a Franco-Italian peak rising to 2,610 m. From the summit, with one foot in France and one in Italy, you can admire Mont Bégo and the main peaks of the Valmasque valley to the south-west. To the north, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of the Entracque valley. To the east, you’ll be impressed by the vast, rugged cirque carved out at the foot of the peaks of Sabion, Peïrefique and the Roche de l’Abysse.See restrictions in the practical information section
The summit of Chanvrairée and the return off-trail via Plan Tendasque
7.96 mi
+3,002 ft
-2,986 ft
6h 15
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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!
The Baisse d'Ourne de Castérino
6.09 mi
+1,841 ft
-1,854 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Lac des Grenouilles and Vallon de Fontanalba from Casterino
6.13 mi
+1,624 ft
-1,627 ft
5 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Lake Sainte-Marie
8.30 mi
+2,779 ft
-2,772 ft
6h 15
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Mont Paracouerte - Lac Sainte-Marie
6.40 mi
+2,487 ft
-2,500 ft
5h 05
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A magnificent ridge offering sweeping views over the southern Mercantour. To the north, the view stretches from the Vallon de Valmasque to the Col de Tende. You will recognise the major peaks: Cime Chamineye, Cime de la Lusière, Mont Clapier rising behind the Pas de la Fous, Cime de l’Agnel, Cime de Sabion, Pointe de Peyrefique and Roche de l’Abysse. To the south and west, you can admire Mont Bégo and Mont Sainte Marie.Before setting off, please read the practical information section
Mont Sainte-Marie
11.32 mi
+3,504 ft
-3,474 ft
8h 15
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Mont Sainte-Marie overlooks the three large lakes of the Valmasque valley: Lac du Basto, Lac Noir and Lac Vert.From the summit, to the north, the view stretches from the Grand Capelet to the peak of Chanineye. To the west, the view is just as spectacular: from Mont Bégo to the Grand Capelet, including the Baisses de Fontanalbe and Valmasque.
Circular: Lac de l'Agnel - small pass de la Charnassère - Lac Noir - Valmasque
10.36 mi
+3,753 ft
-3,740 ft
8h 00
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A beautiful circular hike that takes you from Lac de l'Agnel to the Lac Noir and Lac Vert de Valmasque.
Caution: tricky sections at (4) and (5).
From Castérino to the Refuge des Merveilles
8.31 mi
+3,058 ft
-1,736 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
The first part of the magnificent circular walk starting from Castérino to explore the Vallée des Merveilles, passing by the Refuge de Fontanalba, the rock carvings in the Nature Reserve and the Voie Sacrée, and finishing at the Refuge des Merveilles.
Lac Vert de Fontanalba and Voie Sacrée
8.58 mi
+2,290 ft
-2,313 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This hike takes place in a very green valley, punctuated by a pretty little lake that takes on the colour of its surroundings. You can admire the pictograms of the Sacred Way (like those in the Vallée des Merveilles). The whole area is dominated by Mont Bégo.
Cime Viglino from Castérino
10.73 mi
+4,049 ft
-4,068 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Cime Viglino enjoys a privileged location. At an altitude of 2,910 metres, it cannot compete with the nearby Mont Clapier (3,051 metres), which offers its most beautiful façade and an impressive view of its glacier. The view to the west is obscured by this superb neighbour, but there is still a breathtaking panorama to the north as far as Mont Viso and to the south as far as the sea. From this promontory, you can dream and meditate on the hikes to be made in the valleys below.
Valmasque refuge
7.42 mi
+1,886 ft
-1,900 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
A very beautiful hike, especially the part where you leave the 4x4 track and arrive at the waterfalls.
Le Grand Capelet
14.01 mi
+4,370 ft
-4,390 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Le Grand Capelet enjoys a privileged position, offering panoramic views over the Roya and Vésubie valleys.The hike is quite challenging, but once you reach your destination, you will be rewarded with a superb panorama.
Around Mont Clapier in 3 days
20.36 mi
+9,232 ft
-9,249 ft
3 days
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This route, deliberately named “Around Mont Clapier”, will take you to discover this magnificent peak, rising to 3,045 m. Situated in the north of the Alpes-Maritimes, on the French-Italian border, it offers a magnificent panorama of the main peaks of the Mercantour and Argentera ranges. Over the course of these three days, you’ll be able to admire it from various angles. You’ll also have the opportunity to climb it.
Before setting off, please see the ‘Practical information’ section .
Circular of Valmasque and Fontanalbe
13.60 mi
+3,586 ft
-3,586 ft
9h 25
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This magnificent circular takes you through the Valmasque and Fontanalbe valleys, with no fewer than five lakes and picture-postcard landscapes. It is a long but gradual hike with very few difficult sections.
Lac de l'Agnel
6.75 mi
+2,408 ft
-2,392 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
Hike to one of the largest lakes in the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by ibex and chamois.
From Valmasque to Lac des Mesches via Mont Bégo
13.66 mi
+4,006 ft
-5,118 ft
10 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This long one-way hike (two vehicles required) will take you up the pretty Valmasque Valley and its three beautiful lakes to the pass above the Vallée des Merveilles, before climbing to the summit of Mont Bégo via a sometimes steep and slightly vertiginous path, in an area where you may encounter magnificent ibex.
Finally, there is a very long descent to the lakes around the Refuge des Merveilles, then through the Vallon de la Minière to Lac des Mesches.
Circular route in the Mercantour starting from Castérino
34.52 mi
+16,145 ft
-16,165 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This challenging route will take you from the Roya Valley in the east to the Gordolasque Valley in the west. Over the course of these five days, you’ll have the chance to pass close to the highest peak in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Gélas. You’ll climb a legendary summit, Mont Bégo. You’ll make your way from valley to valley, crossing a series of mountain passes: the Pas de Pagari, the Pas du Mont Colomb, the Pas du Trem and the Baisse de Valmasque. Every day, chamois, ibex and marmots will keep you company.
Castérino – Nice Mountain Hut
8.98 mi
+4,928 ft
-3,258 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
This first stage takes you from the bottom of the Roya Valley to the Nice Refuge. The proposed route is longer and more difficult than the one via the Baisse du Basto, but much less busy. On this demanding detour, you’ll enjoy the passage over the Pas de l’Agnel, the stretch into Italy as far as the Pas de Pagari, stopping off at the Rifugio Pagari, nestled against the summit of the Malédie. During the descent to the Refuge de Nice, you’ll enjoy the tranquillity of the Lacs Clapier.
From the Refuge des Merveilles to L'Authion via the Pas du Diable
6.11 mi
+1,850 ft
-2,159 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Refuge des Merveilles - Refuge de Nice
5.43 mi
+2,543 ft
-2,201 ft
4h 45
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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!
Refuge des Merveilles – Castérino
8.31 mi
+2,703 ft
-4,058 ft
8 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Refuge des Merveilles - Baisse de Camp
8.26 mi
+1,946 ft
-3,150 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Tende (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
More walks in Tende
Select a point of interest below: