The Wolf Trail - Argentera & Mercantour - Stage 3
>>
Home
>
Hiking
>
The Wolf Trail - Argentera & Mercantour
>
The Wolf Trail - Argentera & Mercantour - Stage 3
Saint-Martin-Vésubie

3. The Wolf Trail - Argentera & Mercantour - Stage 3

Embed this item to access it offline

6 points of interest

  • Refuge

    La 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
  • History and historical trail

    La 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.
  • History and historical trail

    Col 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.
  • Geology

    The 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.
  • History and historical trail

    Terre 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.
  • Know-how

    Mountain 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.

Report a problem or an error

If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: