August 11, 2024

Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, 1.500m

Departure around 7.45am, starting with the climb to the Col d’Anelle. A beautiful light at the start, Gilles joins me on the climb.

Col d’Anelle, 1,739m

From the col, we continue downhill towards the valley that will take us to the villa of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée.

Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, 1,161m

We pass the bakery, the mini-market and stop for a coffee in this pretty village. I continue on the climb to Auron, where it’s going to be very hot in the middle of the day.

Auron, 1.600m

I go back to the supermarket, and sit on the grass in the shade with other GR5 hikers for lunch.

Here we go again for the ascent to the Col du Blainon in the forest, which will be much easier than the previous one thanks to the trees and a few clouds.

Col du Blainon, 2014m

We skirt the mountainside before beginning the descent to Roya.

Roya, 1.499m

Bivouac possible at the refuge (10€ with shower, but there were a lot of us for a small piece of land), I recommend walking a few minutes further and just before the bridge on the right, there’s flat ground ideal for bivouac, with access to the river.