How difficult is this hike in the Mercantour?

This trek in the Alpes-Maritimes is aimed at hikers who already have good experience of the mountains and itinerant hiking. The route has a significant difference in altitude, with several long climbs and passages at altitudes of over 2,300 metres at Colle del Sabbione. Some sections of the trail are also more technical, particularly around the scree slopes and rocky sections of the Vallon du Sabbione. Overnight bivouacs also require good preparation and appropriate equipment. However, the exceptional views of the Mercantour National Park and the Southern Alps are well worth the effort.

Where is the starting point for this walk in the Alpes-Maritimes?

The start of this hike is in Entracque , a small village in the Italian Piedmont nestling in the Gesso valley, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes. More precisely, the route starts near the hamlet of Trinità and the Locanda del Sorriso , a former school converted into accommodation for hikers. From here, the trail gradually climbs up the Vallon du Sabbione before reaching Lac de la Vacca and then Colle del Sabbione , on the border between Italy and France. Entracque is easily reached by car from Cuneo or Nice, and is an excellent gateway to the Mercantour National Park.

Can we do this hike in the Mercantour without a guide?

Yes, this hike in the Mercantour can be done without a guide if you already have good experience of the mountains and itinerant trekking. The trails in the Mercantour National Park and Colle del Sabbione are generally well-marked, and it is possible to follow the route with a GPX track and suitable preparation. However, leaving with a hiking guide is often the best option for making the most of this crossing of the Alpes-Maritimes. The presence of a guide gives you a better understanding of the history of the old military works, the fauna of the massif, particularly the chamois, and the emblematic landscapes of the Mercantour. A guide also provides added safety on this mountain itinerary, with bivouacs, high altitude passages and sometimes isolated sections.

What's the best time of year to discover the Mercantour on foot?

The best time to discover the Mercantour National Park on foot is generally from June to October . During the summer and early autumn , hiking trails are more easily accessible, high passes such as Colle del Sabbione are clear and conditions are ideal for trekking in the Alpes-Maritimes. June is the month to enjoy the mountain pastures in flower and the torrents still flowing, while July and August offer the longest days for itinerant trekking and overnight bivouacs. In September and early October , the temperatures become more pleasant and the Mercantour trails become quieter , with some very beautiful light on the peaks and valleys of the massif. Outside this period, however, snow can make certain sections difficult or even impassable , particularly around the high mountain passes and lakes of the Mercantour.

What animals can you see in the Mercantour National Park?

The Mercantour National Park is one of the richest natural areas in the French Alps, making it an ideal place for observing wildlife while hiking. On this trek in the Maritime Alps, it’s not unusual to spot chamois , which are very common on the rocky slopes of the Sabbione valley and around the high passes. More discreet but also present, marmots can often be seen in the high mountain pastures and meadows, particularly during breaks in the hike. With a little luck and patience, it is also possible to spot ibex in the steepest parts of the Mercantour massif.

Discover the Mercantour on a hike

Itinerary Trinità Di Entracque to Casterino

A unique cross-border walk

From the small village of Entracque to the spectacular scenery of Castérino, this hike in the Alpes-Maritimes takes you to the heart of a wild and unspoilt mountain region between Italy and France. This RivierALP itinerary crosses the Mercantour National Park via the mythical Colle del Sabbione, passing through alpine valleys, high-altitude lakes and ancient military trails clinging to the rock. With an overnight bivouac opposite Lac de la Vacca and exceptional panoramic views of the massif’s peaks, this trek promises total immersion on one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Southern Alps.

Getting organised

From Trinità Di Entracque to Casterino :hiking in figures

Distance: 22 kilometres
Duration: 2 days

Walking itinerary

Difficulty: experienced hiker

Difference in altitude :

⬆ 1 232 D+
⬇ 851 D-

Hiking in the Alpes-Maritimes A beautiful climb from the Gesso valley to Colle del Sabbione

This hike in the Alpes-Maritimes takes in one of the wildest parts of the Mercantour, from the Gesso valley on the Italian side. The scenery soon opens out onto a wider, more mineral mountain, where the relief takes over and sets the tone.

As the route progresses, the atmosphere becomes more and more striking. The mountain is still very unspoilt, with untouched landscapes, little marked by human activity, where each valley seems to stretch out towards the ridges. It’s a hike that leaves plenty of room for the eye, for the lines of the peaks, for theplay of light and for the sensation of crossing the Alps.

Colle del Sabbione is the high point of the itinerary. From the pass, the views open up to the French side of the Mercantour and the hills above Casterino. This is a highlight of the route, both simple and spectacular, where you can fully appreciate the link between the two sides of the Alps.

ItineraryFrom Trinità Di Entracque to Casterino in 2 stages

Randonnée pédestre : Trinità Di Entracque - Bivouac CAI Speranza

Randonnée pédestre : Bivouac CAI Speranza - Casterino

DépartTrinità Di Entracque

Stage 1Trinità Di Entracque → Bivouac CAI Speranza

Stage 2Bivouac CAI Speranza → Casterino

ArrivéeCasterino

Mercantour National Park

A crossing between Italy and the Mercantour

From Colle del Sabbione, this hike reveals all the wild beauty of the Mercantour National Park, one of the largest unspoilt areas in the Alpes-Maritimes. Here, the landscapes take on a whole new dimension: vast high-altitude meadows, luminous ridges, open valleys and mineral peaks create a particularly soothing high-mountain backdrop. A real sense of escape!

The Mercantour also has a strong historical identity, which can be seen all along the route in the ancient military structures that dot the landscape. Bunkers, old barracks and strategic paths are a reminder of the importance of this Alpine frontier for several decades. Today, these traces of the past reinforce the unique character of this walk in the heart of the Southern Alps.

The atmosphere changes again on the descent to Castérino, with coniferous forests, gentler paths and superb views over the Mercantour and Roya valleys. This small mountain hamlet, surrounded by wide open spaces and iconic peaks, marks a charming arrival after this immersion at altitude in the grandiose landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes.

An immersive adventure in the heart of the Southern Alps

This hike in the Alpes-Maritimes is a real itinerant trekking experience in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. With an overnight stay at the Bivouac Speranza facing Lac de la Vacca, the route plunges you into the authentic atmosphere of the great alpine treks, far from the busy refuges and tourist resorts. This immersion in the mountains allows you to take full advantage of the peace, quiet and wide-open spaces that characterise the Southern Alps.

Throughout the trek, the paths cross wild valleys, high altitude lakes and unspoilt landscapes typical of the Mercantour massif. Between balcony passages, old military roads and border passes, each stage offers new panoramas of the peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes. Thanks to its intimate atmosphere and the richness of its landscapes, this crossing between Entracque, Colle del Sabbione and Casterino will appeal to trekking enthusiasts looking for an authentic alpine adventure!

Testimonial

“A very beautiful crossing, quite challenging but really accessible if you’re already used to walking in the mountains. I particularly enjoyed the climb up to Colle del Sabbione and the evening on the banks of Lac de la Vacca. The passage between Italy and France makes the route even more striking, with landscapes that really change as you go along.” – Thomas

All you need to know about your walk From Trinità Di Entracque to Castérino

How difficult is this hike in the Mercantour?
This trek in the Alpes-Maritimes is aimed at hikers who already have good experience of the mountains and itinerant hiking. The route has a significant difference in altitude, with several long climbs and passages at altitudes of over 2,300 metres at Colle del Sabbione. Some sections of the trail are also more technical, particularly around the scree slopes and rocky sections of the Vallon du Sabbione. Overnight bivouacs also require good preparation and appropriate equipment. However, the exceptional views of the Mercantour National Park and the Southern Alps are well worth the effort.
Where is the starting point for this walk in the Alpes-Maritimes?
The start of this hike is in Entracque, a small village in the Italian Piedmont nestling in the Gesso valley, in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes. More precisely, the route starts near the hamlet of Trinità and the Locanda del Sorriso, a former school converted into accommodation for hikers. From here, the trail gradually climbs up the Vallon du Sabbione before reaching Lac de la Vacca and then Colle del Sabbione, on the border between Italy and France. Entracque is easily reached by car from Cuneo or Nice, and is an excellent gateway to the Mercantour National Park.
Can we do this hike in the Mercantour without a guide?
Yes, this hike in the Mercantour can be done without a guide if you already have good experience of the mountains and itinerant trekking. The trails in the Mercantour National Park and Colle del Sabbione are generally well-marked, and it is possible to follow the route with a GPX track and suitable preparation.
However, leaving with a hiking guide is often the best option for making the most of this crossing of the Alpes-Maritimes. The presence of a guide gives you a better understanding of the history of the old military works, the fauna of the massif, particularly the chamois, and the emblematic landscapes of the Mercantour. A guide also provides added safety on this mountain itinerary, with bivouacs, high altitude passages and sometimes isolated sections.
What's the best time of year to discover the Mercantour on foot?
The best time to discover the Mercantour National Park on foot is generally from June to October. During the summer and early autumn, hiking trails are more easily accessible, high passes such as Colle del Sabbione are clear and conditions are ideal for trekking in the Alpes-Maritimes.
June is the month to enjoy the mountain pastures in flower and the torrents still flowing, while July and August offer the longest days for itinerant trekking and overnight bivouacs. In September and early October, the temperatures become more pleasant and the Mercantour trails become quieter, with some very beautiful light on the peaks and valleys of the massif.
Outside this period, however, snow can make certain sections difficult or even impassable, particularly around the high mountain passes and lakes of the Mercantour.
What animals can you see in the Mercantour National Park?
The Mercantour National Park is one of the richest natural areas in the French Alps, making it an ideal place for observing wildlife while hiking. On this trek in the Maritime Alps, it’s not unusual to spot chamois, which are very common on the rocky slopes of the Sabbione valley and around the high passes. More discreet but also present, marmots can often be seen in the high mountain pastures and meadows, particularly during breaks in the hike. With a little luck and patience, it is also possible to spot ibex in the steepest parts of the Mercantour massif.