Utelle walks

A loop starting from Utelle, a charming village perched in the Vésubie Valley. The first part is wild and rocky on a ledge above the Vésubie, followed by a gentle climb through an amazing forest of terraced fields. The final climb, steeper up to the Crête de la Madone d'Utelle, offers a 360° view of the coastline, the Var Valley, the peaks of the Mercantour and the Nice hinterland. Finally, the descent offers numerous views of the village of Utelle.

Etape de la traversée des Alpes d'Utelle jusqu'à Levens. Randonnée entre la vallée de la Vésubie et les derniers reliefs alpins.

This twenty-first stage, once you have crossed the Vésubie, takes place in the Nice Pre-Alps and brings the GTA (Grande Traversée des Alpes) to a close by the sea. From the Place de la Fontaine in Utelle, the GR®5 heads west, then south, crossing a few small valleys to reach the hamlet of Cros d’Utelle. It crosses the Vésubie valley, climbs the opposite slope after the town of Levens, ascends through woodland to Colla Partida, passes beneath Mont Cima and descends to the beautiful circular fortified village of Aspremont. The path climbs the western flank of Mont Chauve d’Aspremont without reaching the summit. It descends the Crête de Graus until it reaches Château Renard and then La Bauma. The path enters a valley, which it follows eastwards, then due south towards La Fontaine Sainte, and crosses the bridge over the Autoroute de la Provençale. It enters the city of Nice, which it crosses from north to south to reach Nice Ville railway station.

From the village of Utelle, this hike leads to a fairly steep rocky outcrop. On a clear day, the Brec d'Utelle offers a 360° panorama from the Mercantour to the gulfs of the Côte d'Azur. This hike is almost entirely along theGR®5. Caution: footbridges and very tricky sections in the final ascent.

A lovely circular walk around the Madone d’Utelle. It offers a wide variety of landscapes: from woodland to meadows, Mediterranean scenery and terraced fields, passing through drier terrain. The view is at times quite narrow, at other times very expansive, offering vistas of the surrounding peaks of the Mercantour, the Cians and the Tinée, as well as the Gorges de la Mescla.

A beautiful paved slanting street mule track taking you through fields and ruins to the small rural chapel of Saint-Pierre. This lovely walk, a testament to many ancestral exchanges, offers a journey back in time.

A magnificent hike that starts from the hamlet of Calençon and offers a 360° view of the Mercantour Massif, the Haute Vésubie and all the way to the sea! The Madone d’Utelles is visible on its ridge. Abundant and varied vegetation throughout the route.

A hike in complete tranquillity. Along the trail, you can admire small pebbles in the rock cavities and small drawings. From several places, you can see the Madonna of Utelle and magnificent views of the Vésubie valley.

Starting from the charming village of Duranus, this walk takes you on a journey of discovery to a site steeped in history and atmosphere. You will reach the spectacular ruins of Rocca Sparvièra, a veritable hilltop ghost village overlooking the valley. Along the way, you’ll pass the pretty Saint-Michel Chapel and walk alongside the Éguisse Mines, former arsenic mines now overgrown with vegetation. An accessible circular route rich in heritage, combining wild nature, medieval ruins and mining history. Perfect for lovers of authentic, atmospheric hikes!

A circular forest hike passing by the old Eguisse Mine, with a return trip to the Saint-Michel Chapel and the ruins of Rocca Sparvièra.

From the village of Cros d'Utelle, a route via the Vallon d'Embellarte to the Sanctuary of the Madone d'Utelle, offering a 360° view of the Mercantour, the Grasse Pre-Alps and the Mediterranean. Return via the Vallon de l'Aclap and theGR®5. You will pass the ruined houses of the old hamlet of Le Villard, dotted with centuries-old chestnut trees, and the little Chapel of Saint-Antoine, which you won’t want to miss.

A difficult, unspoilt and wild route which, after an hour’s walk, leaves the Reveston path (alt. 560 m) to reach the Crête de la Madone (alt. 1154 m). Please note : this hike is intended for those who enjoy challenging terrain and sustained physical exertion.

A beautiful walk with varied scenery, offering a 360° view from the sanctuary. Walking through the ruins, hidden reminders of times gone by, allows us to forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a few moments.

Starting from the La Villette district, located 2 km west of Cros d'Utelle, on the border between the Var and Vésubie rivers, this very pleasant hike, ideal in spring or for getting back into exercise, offers breathtaking views of these two valleys and Mont Arpasse.

A walk through wooded countryside, beginning with two hours of gentle incline – a rarity in this mountainous area. The return route follows an abandoned irrigation canal, leading onto the wooded paths near the village of Pélasque.

A long hike that will take you to the summit of the Cime de l’Authion for a breathtaking view of the Vésubie valley.

Ascent to the "cursed" ruins of Rocca Sparviera. Shorter alternative to the ascent via Coaraze. An easy walk but very steep at the end. Not recommended with very young children.

A long, unusual circular hike to admire the view from the Madone d’Utelle. For anyone who has already climbed up via the village and wants to make the route a bit more challenging! As a bonus, you’ll pass through several old abandoned hamlets, including the pretty little village of Le Reveston. A hike with no real technical difficulty, but which may be long and tiring for those unaccustomed to it.