Category Archives: Roya Valley Hikes
Col de Tende: Circuit des Forts
The original plan was to do the hike as outlined in the Guide Randoxygene but I wound up eliminating the Fort Pepin branch as it was becoming late in the afternoon and altitude (2214m) was tiring me out. We parked near the geographical Col de Tende sign at the Chalet-Bar-Restaurant Le Marmotte. and then began the hike at 11am Borne 340. The road to Fort Central was a fairly wide track with gorgeous views over the mountains. It was a steady but easy climb, mostly in the sun. There was a breeze but the climb may be too hot in the heat of summer. We reached Fort Central in about 20 minutes. The climb continued and the views remained spectacular. We got to Borne 335 at about 12.30. We reached Fort Tabourde (Borne 335; alt 1982m) a few minutes later. For about 30 minutes we continued along the ridge. Then we turned into the valley and the path became steeper before we settled down to lunch in a grotto at about 1.30 We continued climbing through the valley on a steep path for about 45 minutes until reaching the main path. Huffing and puffing. A few minutes later we reached Borne … Continue reading →
Baisse de Peirefique
Just before Casterino village (altitude 1543m), start out from balise 367. This is a 4×4 track so follow the track and do not deviate. It climbs steeply but it’s an easy walk. For about 1 1/2 hours the walk is shaded by pines. Then the track passes through a wide open area of meadows including a dairy farm. And then 1/2 hour later you reach the top (balise 370; 2040m altitude) with views over the surrounding peaks and down to Casterino. There are also some Army bunkers dating from WWII as this is close to the Italian frontier. For a picnic place I went about 500m further following the road to the Peirefique lakes and climbed a small mound. The track meets a road and there’s a small parking area. It took me two hours to climb and about 1 1/2 hours to descend both at a very slow speed!
Continue reading →Lac de Grenouilles
From Casterino village drive about 2km to the parking area at Balise 395. Altitude of about 1700m At first the route is shaded by mimosas. Climb along a rough track for about 1 1/2 hours to reach the Lac de Grenouilles. Altitude of 1994m. The route has nice views and is mostly sunny with patches of shade. Lots of wildflowers plus this strange fungus: What is it?
Continue reading →The Sentier d’Interpretation
From Notre Dame des Fontaines in La Brigue head downhill at Balise 266. You cross the river and then there’s a little picnic spot. From there the path climbs passing through shady and sunny spots but mostly sunny. After a short climb there’s a big bench to sit and rest and eat with a nice view. Then the path descends going to La Brigue. It’s called the Sentier d’Interpretation because along the way a series of panels explain the birds, wildlife and plants.
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