Trail: Around Lauvet d’Ilonse

Sunday Anna and I went to the Valley of Tinée to run along a very scenic trail starting at the nice village of Ilonse. The trail circles around the peak of Lauvet d’Ilonse that can be quickly climbed to enjoy the view over the National Park of Mercantour.

Anna close to Col des Fourches (© Philippe Gatta)

The trail is relatively easy. It could also be done in mountain bike and in snow shoes or ski in winter.

Philippe toward Lauvet d’Ilonse (© Anna Gatta)

Distance: 19.5 km, ascent: 1020 m / descent: 1020 m.

Philippe on top of Lauvet d’Ilonse (© Anna Gatta)

Description: start at Ilonse village (1187 m, signpost 208) in Valley of Tinée. Start at the end of the parking on the dirt road going to La Saptua/signpost 226. At the signpost 226, turn left (Southwest) and climb a small and steep trail up to the Col des Fourches (1560m, 222). Turn right and go up toward the Lauvet d’Ilonse and the Bergerie de la Clap. Continue to the signpost 308, from there climb to the top of Lauvet d’Ilonse (1992m) and go back down the same way. Resume the trail toward the West, pass the Baisse de Tavanieres (307) and turn left/South to the ruines of Vairon (117). Leave the dirt road and follow a small trail (yellow paint) toward the Col des Fourches. At the signpost 221, take right down to the Col de la Sinne (220). From there follow the road to the village of Ilonse (219, 209).

Anna on top of Lauvet d’Ilonse, Mounier behind (© Philippe Gatta)

Anna below Tete de Vairon (© Philippe Gatta)

Descending to Ilonse village (© Philippe Gatta)