In brief
- Type : two-day circular hike
- Distance : 23.11 km
- Positive elevation gain : +1809 m / negative : -1804 m
- Difficulty : difficult, challenging route
- High point : Mont Mounier, 2812 m
- Departure : Pont d’Aygue Blanche, Péone (06470)
- Camping night on the Montagne de l’Estrop
- Advantages : panoramic views, alpine solitude, wildlife (marmots, chamois)
An alpine loop through the isolated ridges of Mercantour
Nestled in the heart of the Mercantour massif, the ascent of Mont Mounier from the Pont d’Aygue Blanche charts a demanding route to be covered over two days. This loop, relatively unknown, leads to one of the highest peaks in the area, at 2812 meters, in a setting where forests, pastures, bare ridges, and limestone scree alternate.
The first hours are spent in the shade of the deciduous trees, between the murmur of the stream and a narrow path, before the landscapes gradually open up to the southern slopes of Montagne de l’Alp. The ascent is gradual until the grassy flat of Montagne de l’Estrop, an ideal place to set up camp away from the world.
Stage 1: from the Pont d’Aygue Blanche to Montagne de l’Estrop
Distance: 5.95 km — Elevation gain: +978 m
The departure occurs near the hamlet of Péone. The ascent first winds through a sparse forest, then runs alongside the first pastures. The environment becomes more mineral as one approaches the ridge. This section, short but steep, allows for rapid altitude gain.
In the late afternoon, the light glides over the surrounding peaks, creating an atmosphere conducive to an extended pause. The campsite, possible near the Estrop plateau, offers a basic shelter from the wind, in rare tranquility.
Stage 2: from Estrop to the summit of Mont Mounier, then return via La Colle
Distance: 17.10 km — Elevation gain: +824 m / -1804 m
The day begins early. From Estrop, the path climbs toward the col de Crousette, a natural viewpoint where one can see the peaks of Haute-Tinée. The crest of Mont Mounier, broad and airy, is reached after a final push through the scree.
The panorama from the summit stretches over 360°, encompassing the bordering peaks of Italy, the plateaus of Vésubie, and the lost valleys of Haut-Var. In the early morning, it is not uncommon to spot a few chamois or marmots moving at the foot of the slopes.
The descent then proceeds via the hamlet of La Colle, before a final ascent to Tête de Charnaye. The day concludes with a long descent toward the altisurface and the Pont d’Aygue Blanche. This final section accumulates nearly 1800 m of negative elevation, a demanding passage for the knees.
Practical information
- Required equipment : complete camping gear, warm clothing, GPS or personalized map (adjustable background and route).
- Water sources : marker 89 (stage 1), Ravin de la Lavanche (ascent to Col de Crousette), hamlet of La Colle (stage 2).
- Recommended period : early summer to late September, only with stable weather.
- Possible variant : start from the altisurface to reduce the elevation gain of the second day.
Panorama and isolation: the advantages of Mont Mounier
As the kilometers go by, this hike reveals the very essence of Mercantour: a wild territory, often forgotten by crowds, where each step brings one a little closer to the sky. The Mont Mounier, isolated and mineral, asserts its presence in the landscape. Far from the busy classics, this route is aimed at experienced hikers, in search of disconnection and silence.
🧭 GPS coordinates departure
Latitude : N 44.114885°
Longitude : E 6.922294°
