The Haute Route du Sel
A journey
between nature and authenticity
At an altitude of 2,260 metres, the highest point of the route takes us into the heart of the Marguareis massif. Here, the lunar landscape offers a sensational spectacle of limestone rock, the perfect setting for a hike to Pointe Marguareis at 2600 meters… The trail connects the hamlet of Castérino, the Col de Tende, the Massif du Marguareis, the Parc des Alpes Ligures, Mont Saccarello and Notre Dame des Fontaines in La Brigue.
One step in France, the next in Italy, this route takes you through authentic villages, rich in tradition, with an unforgettable historical, cultural and culinary heritage, all the while traversing a vast, unspoilt natural environment of astonishing biodiversity.
Haute Route du Sel :
a perched itinerary
The trail can be explored by quad bike, motorcycle or 4×4. For added immersion, days are reserved for hikers and mountain bikers. Theimmensity of the scenery stretches as far as the eye can see, and you’ll have your head in the clouds. A splendid perched itinerary to discover an impressive experience.
Please note
Motor vehicles, 4-wheelers and 2-wheelers are subject to traffic regulations from June to October.
30 km of piste between 1800 and 2100 meters altitude, accessible on the French side from the villages of La Brigue and Tende, and on the Italian side via Limone, Briga Alta, Triora and Pigna.
Mythical route
with incredible scenery
Leaving from Tende or La Brigue, let yourself be swept away by this most grandiose sensation in a high mountain setting. White rock contrasts with alpine grass and blue sky. This legendary route follows the crests of the French-Italian border. Both sides offer breathtaking views of the Italian coastline and Mont Bégo in the Vallée des Merveilles.
Please note
It is reserved for pedestrians and mountain bikers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Your itineraries and routes
2-day itinerary
Departure Castérino - Arrival La BrigueDay 1: Casterino > Col de Tende > Refugio Don Barbeira: Strava track
Day 2: Refugio Don Barbeira > La Brigue : Strava trail
👉 O verall itinerary
Route from Castérino
towards La BrigueStage 1: Castérino – Col de Tende (coming soon)
Stage 2: Col de Tende – Col des Seigneurs (coming soon)
Stage 3: Col des Seigneurs – Le Rédempteur (coming soon)
Stage 4: Le Rédempteur – La Brigue (coming soon)
👉 Overall route Tende – La Brigue (coming soon)
Route from La Brigue
to CastérinoStage 1: La Brigue – Le Rédempteur
Stage 2: Le Rédempteur – Col des Seigneurs
Stage 3: Col des Seigneurs – Col de Tende
Stage 4: Col de Tende – Castérino
Stage 5: Castérino – Tende
👉 Overall route La Brigue – Tende (coming soon)
Practical information
Opening period
From mid-June to mid-October
- Saturday, June 22 to Sunday, September 15 – opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (last admission at 18:00)
- Monday September 16 to Sunday October 20 – opening hours: 08:00-18:00 (last admission at 16:00)
Tuesday and Thursday the road is closed to motorized traffic.
A fee of €1.00 is charged for access by bicycles and electric bikes (of a symbolic nature and for registration purposes), which can be paid online.
How do I get there?
- From the Italian coast, from Ventimiglia to Arma di Taggia: reach the village of Triora, then the Sanson drop via Realdo, then the Pas du Tanarel and the Stazione Ingresso Via Del Sale, 18025 Briga alta CN, Italy.
- From Limone Piemonte: reach the Col de Tende and the Stazione Ingresso Via Del Sale, 12015 Limone Piemonte CN, Italy.
- From La Brigue: via the Sainson drop, reach Tanarel, then Stazione Ingresso Via Del Sale, 18025 Briga alta CN.
To reach the Roya Valley
- Roya access
The Roya Valley and its villages are waiting for you! Road and rail access has been improved. Only the Col de Tende tunnel is currently closed.