Tête de Sanguinière from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage

Park in the car park at the end of the village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage.

(S/E) Head towards the Ruisseau de Sestrière and cross it via the bridge at marker 50. Continue on to reach the junction at marker 51.

(1) Be careful here: contrary to what is shown on the IGN map, once you reach the track, the path runs slightly downstream and is not easy to spot. To find it, cross the track and turn left to reach the multi-way junction at marker 63.

(2) Turn right at marker 63 and head slightly downhill until you rejoin the track. Turn right onto it and follow it until you reach marker 55.

(3) Leave the track here and head through the forest again until you reach marker 56. Join the track here and continue on to marker 57 and the sign marking the entrance to the Mercantour National Park, just before the Sestrière plateau.

(4) Cross the bridge and continue left along a path to enter the magnificent Vallon de la Braïssa. The path is well signposted and easy to follow. Further on, you’ll reach the Braïssa torrent.

(5) Walk alongside it, keeping to the right-hand side, to reach the Cabane de la Braisse at a leisurely pace.

(6) Continue along the edge of the stream until you reach the edge of the forest at the stream’s source.

(7) Carry on along the well-marked path to reach the Col de la Braïssa, marked by signpost 59. Enjoy this unique view, which takes in both the Haute Tinée and the Haut Var, with Mont Pelat directly in front of you.

(8) Begin the final ascent by heading off-trail to the left along the ridge leading to the Tête de Sanguinière. Follow the few cairns marking the path here and there. It’s not particularly difficult, but do take care on the tricky scree slope.

(9) Take care here. Cross this scree slope: there are a few cairns here and there, but they aren’t necessarily placed very sensibly and/or are hard to spot amidst the scree. Keep the Tête de Sanguinière clearly in sight and head straight up towards it if you lose your way.
You’ll then reach more gentle, grassy terrain for a few metres before coming to a^second slightly tricky section where you’ll need to use your hands on the rock face. Nothing vertiginous or particularly complicated, though – don’t worry.
You’ll then reach the summit of the Tête de Sanguinière. Take a moment here to enjoy the panoramic view.

(10) Follow the same route back as on the way up to reach the car park in the village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage (S/E).

Mercantour National Park regulations – full details via this link:
- Bivouacking and camping: permitted only more than an hour’s walk from road access points and the park boundaries, between 7.00 pm and 9.00 am. It is forbidden to spend the night in your vehicle in a car park or at the side of the road within the heart of the Mercantour National Park.
- Dogs are not permitted, even when kept on a lead
- Fires are prohibited in the core area of the park and also throughout the Alpes-Maritimes department
by prefectural decree.
- Parking may be prohibited at the start of certain hikes due to the risk of
torrential mudslides and rockfalls.

Much of the ascent follows the course of the Braïssa torrent; you can easily quench your thirst here if you have filter water bottles. There is also a drinking fountain at the start of the walk in the car park.

Between (3) and (4), the Sestrière Plateau is a lovely spot for a picnic and not yet too crowded.
Between (4) and (7) The Braïssa Valley has a certain magic about it, with its lovely path running alongside the stream through a dense, shady forest. It is certainly one of the most beautiful in the department.
(10) The Tête de Sanguinière offers a magnificent view of the Tinée and Var valleys.