Trail: Bairols – Ilonse

Anna and I went back to the Valley of Tinée to find a new Trail between the nice villages of Bairols and Ilonse. The Trail we chose was technical and in bad shape, especially on the way to Ilonse where there are lots of dead trees and rocks. The section between Col de la Sinne and Les Colombieres is much nicer but again from Les Colombieres and Bairols the forest is in poor shape with many dead trees on the Trail.

Anna close to the Brec d’Ilonse (© Philippe Gatta)

Distance: 30 km, ascent: 1950 m / descent: 1950 m.

Steep Trail between Condamine and Ilonse (© Philippe Gatta)

Between Condamine and Ilonse (© Anna Gatta)

Description: start at the village of Bairols (846 m, signpost 188) in Valley of Tinée. Follow the Trail going to the Condamine (200, 201, 202, 203, 214). Continue toward Ilonse thru a rough trail (209). At Ilonse parking follow 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). Take left and go down to the Col de la Sinne (220). From there follow go to the Col St Pons (218) then Baisse du Brec (217), Col de Courbaisse (216), Pointe de Chavanette (215), Les Colombieres (204) and Col de l’Espella (197). Then descend to Bairols (201, 200, 188).

Philippe and Ilonse behind (© Anna Gatta)

Descending toward Bairols (© Philippe Gatta)