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Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very Hard
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
1,282 m
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
17.2 km
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
6.5-9h
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Advanced (Diamond)
Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
Physical DIFF
Intermediate (Square)
Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
Technical DIFF
Directions to Trailhead

Le Mont Mounier

Panorama of the Mount Mounier hike in Mercantour National Park, France''
Measurement:

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Table of contents

Being one of the highest limestone massifs in the region, Le Mounier has some of the best scenery in the Southern Alps. Stunning views, a lunar landscape and a beautiful crest to climb, this walk has it all.

Route Description for Le Mont Mounier

From where you parked your car, continue on the track, following in the direction of Mont Mounier.

This road will reach the hamlet of La Colle in 1.5 km, then you must take the path that branches off the left hand side of the road and then curves right. As it curves right, you’ll walk below a rock cliff.

The path will go up, crest a hill, and then up along a rocky cliff before finally reaching a high and dry plateau. From here you enter the National Park itself!

Through this landscape the path continues, switch-backing on top of this ridgeline. You’ll pass a marker saying your altitude is 2,400 m. There is another path here that goes down, don’t follow it. Stay on this ridgeline.

After an hour or so, you’ll arrive to the crest of Col de Crousette (2,662 m), and you’ll continue on the crest until the Petit Mounier where you can see ruins of an observatory from 1893.

After a little pass the crest becomes narrower than before but never dangerous (if you stay on the trail). The path goes up and up, onto the final crest.

After all that altitude gain, you’ll arrive on the peak! The stunning view will be all you want in this moment, and that is exactly what you get: a just reward for hard work.

From the peak it’s possible to see south towards the Mediterranean Sea and the Corse, or the higher peaks of the Northern Alps towards the north. To the west the Provence Prealps seems without end.

The return is on the same path.

Insider Hints for Le Mont Mounier

  • The hike we proposed is the easiest by car and by foot, but the Mounier could be reached from South-East (Roubion on the Tinée Valley), or from Roya (close to Saint Etienne de Tinée) on the North side.
  • On the way in you can stop somewhere in the Gorge de Daluis, aka the red canyon.
  • Valberg, Beuil, or Roubion make great jumping off points. Each Cities' tourism page will give you lots of options to choose from.

Getting to the Le Mont Mounier Trailhead

Make your way to Valbert. Once there, look for the signs to the Mercantour National Park House, following in the direction of Col de l'Espaule. You should reach the Col de l'Espaule after 5km. Park the car here.

Route Information

  • When to do:

    June to early October

  • Backcountry Campsites:

    In Beuil 7 km away, or from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. on site

  • Toilets:

    Yes. In Valberg

  • Family friendly:

    No

  • Route Signage:

    Average

  • Crowd Levels:

    High

  • Route Type:

    Out and back

Le Mont Mounier Elevation Graph

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