The Wolf Trail - Argentera & Mercantour - Stage 3
Saint-Martin-Vésubie
3. The Wolf Trail - Argentera & Mercantour - Stage 3
Medium
Difficulty5h
Duration11,4km
Distance+575m
Positive Elevation-987m
Negative ElevationWalking breaks
Course typeEmbed this item to access it offline
6 points of interest
Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre - CAF / DR 
RefugeLa Madone de Fenestre refuge
Club Alpin Français
Capacity: 62 Possibility of eating and having a shower
Warden: Mid-June to late-September + school holidays and weekends in winter
Tel. 04 93 02 83 19
Out of season upon reservation: Patrick Miraillet: 04 93 03 91 02
Online reservations: http://chaletmadonedefenestre.ffcam.fr/
Useful numbers:
St-Martin-Vésubie Tourism Office: 04 93 03 21 28
Park House: 04 93 03 23 15
Depuis le vallon, le sanctuaire de la Madone de Fenestre en début d'automne - LEBOUTEILLER Eric 
History and historical trailLa Madone de Fenestre sanctuary
In the 8th century, a modest refuge already, providing accommodation for travellers. This sanctuary with its imposing forms was built by the Benedictines of Borgo San Dalmasso and destroyed by the Saracens in the 10th century. The Templars restored it in the 13th century shortly after the Virgin Mary appeared at the Grand Caire window. Subsequently, the sanctuary was devastated by fire several times and then rebuilt. Today it belongs to the diocese of Nice.
Le Gélas encore bien enneigé en fin de printemps, depuis le vallon de la Madone de Fenestre - LOMBART Guy History and historical trailCol de Fenestre mule track
This track has been used for a thousand years and was regularly maintained to allow mules transporting salt to pass with ease. The technique used to make and maintain these tracks involved self-locking stones. Identically sized slabs were arranged vertically in close lines. Fine materials were then used to hold it all in place. Gutters provided a run-off area for rainwater.
Dans l'ombre à droite le pas du mont Colomb, (2548 m). - GUIGO Franck 
GeologyThe scars of erosion
When they converge, runoff streams of water leave the ground bare, breaking a fragile equilibrium. In addition, footfall due to tourism damages the ground and raises the question of preservation of natural environments. Plant cover has to be maintained as it protects the ground from erosion and guarantees its stability. Restoration work has been carried out to guide and direct the hundreds of hikers who love these wild areas.
Vieille souche et portion de tronc de mélèze dans le torrent de la Madone de Fenestre face au Cayre de la Madone. - RICHAUD Philippe History and historical trailTerre de cour
The black rock marks one of the borders of the Terre de Cour, formerly a domain of the Count of Provence, before it was returned to the House of Savoy in the 14th century. Two inscriptions on the black rock provide a reminder of the past: “B” for Belvédère, “SM” for Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Terre de Cour was located exclusively in these two communes but they have to share the ancient rights to pasture and wood with Lantosque and Roquebillière.
Le lac de Trécolpas en été, (2150 m) - GUIGO Franck 
Know-howMountain climbing in the Mercantour
At the start of the 20th century, for the first mountain climbers, the Mercantour was a taste of adventure. Little by little, the summits of the chain were conquered, initially via the normal routes and then, with the arrival of modern mountain climbing, along the most difficult routes. From Victor de Cessole to Patrick Bérhault, the greatest names have been involved in climbing in the Mercantour. Today, whether they are snowy, icy or rocky, the reputation of certain routes is well established.
Description
From the refuge head uphill along the GR52 path (marker 357 and marker 368) until you reach Pas des Ladres (2448m – marker 428). Go downhill along hairpin bends on the path until you reach Lac de Trécolpas (2150m). Shortly after the spillway (marker 427) take the path on the left heading downhill and you will come to marker 425 at 1936m. Follow GR52 until marker 423, cross the bridge and as you head downhill you will reach the Boréon cow barns (marker 419). Follow the small road to Boréon. Visit the Alpha centre.
- Departure : Madone de Fenestre refuge
- Arrival : Boréon
- Towns crossed : Saint-Martin-Vésubie
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.
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