Trou des Corneilles, Baudric valley and Croix du small pass

If arriving by car via the M2205 towards Saint-Étienne de Tinée, turn left at Le Bourguet onto the M61 road which leads to the hamlet of Roya. Parking is available at the end of this road at marker 140.

(S/E) Take the path leading to Trou des Corneilles. This path runs along the left bank of the torrent.

(1) At marker 142, leave the path on your left that leads to the Alp valley and continue straight on to marker 141.

(2) Leave the Baudric route on your right, which you will take later, and continue straight ahead towards Trou des Corneilles. Cross the stream via the footbridge and continue along the right bank to reach Trou des Corneilles: observe the site from a distance without venturing towards the stream (danger).

(3) Turn back to marker 141.

(2) Turn left onto the path that climbs up to cross the Baudric ravine: magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

(4) Continue to marker 13b below the cliffs.

(5) Take the path on the left towards Col du Blainon and reach the ruined Saint-Sébastien Chapel with its restored bell tower.

(6) Continue to the Croix du Small Pass, the highest point of the hike (1,860 m).

(7) Turn back to marker 13b.

(5) A steep path on the left takes you more directly to the hamlet. Descend to marker 138, located on a bend in the road.

(8) Take the path on the left, leaving the road, rejoin it further down at marker 137 and follow it to the right until the bend. Leave it again, continuing straight ahead on the path that joins it about 200 m from the car park. Continue left to return to the car park (S/E).

As the paths are stony and/or wet and slippery in some sections of this route, walking poles are recommended.

(7) Note that by continuing further along the GR®5, the more motivated can make a round trip to the Col du Blainon (2008 m). This adds 1 km and 163 m of elevation gain.