Lac Nègre
Saint-Martin-Vésubie

Lac Nègre

Geology
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A geological itinerary to discover the ancient rocks which constitute the mountain range. Granite and mylonite border the way to Lac Nègre; enjoy the magnificent panorama.
Enjoy the shade of the forest at the start of this hike, breathe in the fragrance of the larch trees before you reach one of the biggest and deepest lakes in the area.

3 points of interest

  • Geology

    Argentera granite

    If you look closely at this grey rock, you will see that it is made of different minerals. Quartz (grey) and feldspar (white) sometimes big with a few sparkling areas here and there on the rock. This is black mica and more specifically biotite.

    You have discovered blocks of granite. All the minerals it is made up of are contiguous and visible with the naked eye. The texture is igneous, characteristic of plutonic rocks which crystallised deep in the earth.  
  • Geology

    Caïre Pounchu migmatite

    Migmatite is a metamorphic rock which has undergone partial fusion. It is grey and also contains quartz and feldspar, but displays clearly clashing levels. The evidence for this partial fusion is displayed by the rock itself. The small lighter bands whose composition is close to granite, rich in quartz and feldspar: leucosome.
  • Geology

    Lac Nègre

    When you reach Lac Nègre, you will see on its right bank, several metres below the lake’s spillway, a granite outcrop which is notable for the presence of several vertical lines which split the granite into fairly regular lozenge shapes.
    This corresponds to a transformation of the granite. There is a very particular structure with the apparition of cleavage and a big reduction in the size of the minerals. This phenomenon, characteristic of deformed rocks, is known as mylonite.


Description

Take GR52 along the right bank of the Salèse Valley before reaching the Col de Salèse.
When you get there, follow the path which heads upwards on the right towards Lac Nègre.
At marker 270, go left and continue towards Lac Nègre with its panoramic views.
Take the same route for the return journey. 

For those who wish, there is the possibility of a detour via Camp Soubran, reaching the Col de Frémamorte (this will take 3 extra hours for the outward and return journey).
  • Departure : Salèse carpark, marker 434
  • Arrival : Salèse carpark, marker 434
  • Towns crossed : Saint-Martin-Vésubie and Valdeblore

Altimetric profile


Recommandations

Is in the midst of the park
The national park is an unrestricted natural area but subjected to regulations which must be known by all visitors.

Information desks

Maison du Parc national du Mercantour - Saint-Martin-Vésubie

8, Avenue Kellermann - Villa Les Iris, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie

http://www.mercantour-parcnational.frvesubie@mercantour-parcnational.fr04 93 03 23 15

Horaires

Ouvert tous les jours sauf le dimanche du 15 juin au 15 septembre

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Office de Tourisme Métropolitain - Bureau d'information de Saint-Martin-Vésubie

Place du Général de Gaulle, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie

https://www.explorenicecotedazur.com/info.saintmartinvesubie@nicecotedazurtourisme.com04 93 03 21 28

Horaires

Ouvert toute l'année
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Office de Tourisme Métropolitain - Bureau d'information de Valdeblore - La Colmiane

La Colmiane, 06420 Valdeblore

https://www.explorenicecotedazur.com/info.valdeblorelacolmiane@nicecotedazurtourisme.com04 93 23 25 90

Horaires

Toute l'année.
Fermetures exceptionnelles les 1er janvier, Lundi de Pâques, Jeudi de l'Ascension, Lundi de Pentecôte, 1er mai, 8 mai, 14 juillet, 15 août, 1er novembre, 11 novembre et 25 décembre.
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Transport

Access tothe cow barns at Boréon: Randobus and bus.

Information available at Saint-Martin-Vésubie Tourism Office.

Access and parking

From Saint-Martin-Vésubie, take the D89 towards Boréon, then go left after the reservoir until you reach the carpark at Salèse (Entrance of the Mercantour National Park).

Parking :

Salèse carpark

More information


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