Mountain bike (AE) complete Haute Route du Sel La Brigue - Tende

DAY 1

This tour can be done on a classic mountain bike (pro level) or on an electrically-assisted mountain bike. It is the first stage of the Haute Route du Sel itinerary (direction La Brigue - Tende) and can be done as a simple return trip.

Start from Place Saint Martin in the village of La Brigue (~765 m.).
Leave the village via the Boseille bridge and follow the road to the next intersection. Follow the signs for the Notre Dame des Fontaine chapel (or Italy sign). Follow the track alongside the chapel on the left (~870 m.).

After the hairpin bend, stay on the main track that rises above the chapel. Shortly afterwards, there's a superb view of the village of La Brigue (~1000 m.).
Continue along the track until you reach the Pinet forest (~145 m. and flat). After the hairpin bend, follow the track up to the cime du Pinet and on to the Col Linaire. (~1450 m.)

Then follow the direction of the Baisse de Sanson (the only track continuing upwards) for about 4 km (~1700 m.).

The Baisse de Sanson marks the border between France and Italy. Beautiful views of the coastline and mountains of the Ligurian Alps. Take the track to the left, and as you round a bend, you'll see the proud Mount Saccarello in the distance, the finish line of this first stage.

Follow the track to the pas de Colle Ardente; there are two options: either take the forest track to the left of the oratory, or the track to the right. If you choose the right-hand route, you'll have to rejoin the track by climbing a little to the left after a few kilometers, which leads to the pas de Colle Ardente, at marker 271.

Follow the track up to Pas du Tanarel. Initially lightly tarmacked, the trail becomes a real effort to read the terrain: pebbles, stones, holes and sometimes slight steps punctuate the path. Motorized vehicles may pass. This is undoubtedly the most difficult part. Don't hesitate to dismount when necessary. Towards the finish, the trail improves and leads to the Pas du Tanarel. Panoramic views guaranteed.

Continue on the downhill track, then turn right at the intersection to reach Mont Saccarello. A small track takes you to the summit.

Descend towards the giant statue of the Redeemer. You've arrived!

You can continue on to the Terza or San Remo refuges a few metres further on. It's possible to get something to eat and charge your VTTAE.

The rest of the route is a paying section, so be sure to bring some money to pay the toll at the entrance to Monesi. This route can be taken on a classic mountain bike (pro level) or on an electrically-assisted mountain bike. It is the second stage of the Haute Route du Sel itinerary (in the La Brigue - Tende direction) and can be done as a simple return trip (reach the Pas du Tanarel or Mont Saccarello by 4x4, which can be accessed from the Italian side).

From the statue of the Redeemer, follow the track downhill, leaving Mount Saccarello on your left. Descend to the next intersection and turn right, continuing downhill. At the next intersection, turn left towards a sheepfold.

After the sheepfold, continue along the track for several kilometers. A little further on, a gatehouse with barrier marks the entrance to the paying section. This is where you pay or show up with your online reservation.

The trail continues through the Parc des Alpes Ligure. Pass the Col de la Celle Vieille and continue. Last climb of the stage and after a vertiginous hairpin bend that reveals incredible panoramas, descend following the track towards the Col des Seigneurs. The Don Barbera refuge is just a few metres below. Here you can eat and have your VTTAE charged.

End of the first day. Enjoy this excepetional place in the shelter of the Pointe Margaureïs, between France and Italy.

DAY 2

This third stage is part of the paying section: toll at Monesi di Triora in the previous stage. This route can be ridden on a classic mountain bike (pro level) or on an electrically-assisted mountain bike. It is the third stage of the Haute Route du Sel itinerary (direction La Brigue - Tende) and can be done as a simple return trip (join the Col des Seigneurs by 4x4).

Depart from the Col des Seigneurs parking lot (or from the Don Barbera refuge, with VTTAE recharging facilities, below the parking lot) towards the Brigasque enclave of the Marguareis massif. Follow the track northwards. It is possible to follow a grass and earth path parallel to the track on the right for about 1.5 km to avoid motorized vehicles.

After about two kilometers, the track leads to the Plan Ambreuge and its sheepfold. The sumptuous landscape offers a contrast between rock and alpine grass, and you could touch the sky with your fingertips. The area is dominated by the Marguareis peak (2650 m.), the Scarasson pass (2302 m.) and Castel Frippi (2256 m.).

Continue along the track that rises through the rocks towards Castel Chevolail to reach the Col de la Boaïra (2102 m.). Just beyond, a hairpin bend, suspended in the void, offers a breathtaking view. Tourists are often seen taking photos.

Follow the trail to the Col de la Perle (2086 m.). After this pass, continue along the track for about 5 km to the Col de Tende. Fort Central comes into view.

Last climb up to Fort Central, a disused military structure that locks off the upper Roya, standing proudly on the Col de Tende. The latter is a few metres further on, at marker 340 (1890 m.).

End of the third stage.

If you follow the track to the right, you can reach a chalet for a well-deserved break! (chalet Le Marmotte).

This fourth stage takes you to the hamlet of Castérino. This small hamlet is the easiest way to discover the famous rock engravings of the Vallée des Merveilles. This route can be taken on a classic mountain bike (pro level) or on an electrically-assisted mountain bike. It is the fourth stage of the Haute Route du Sel itinerary (direction La Brigue - Tende) and can be done as a simple return trip (join the Col de Tende by 4x4).

From the Col de Tende, follow the track south-west towards the Fort de la Marguerie (approx. 2 km). The track is pleasant and easy to follow, winding downhill along the mountainside to the fort.

Continue on the track past Fort de la Marguerie towards Peïrefique. Cross the bridge and continue towards the old Peïrefique barracks. Another kilometer and a good climb: the Peïrefique drop (2050 m.) and its fortified structures appear. Time to take a break and enjoy the scenery, before heading back down to Castérino.

Take the trail down to point 1949, where the Castérino valley gradually reveals itself below. Opposite, the heights dominate the landscape: the Sabion pass, Mount Paracouerte. Pass the Valmasque waterfall and tackle the last climb before arriving at a small parking lot, a starting point for hikes. Pass the parking lot and reach Castérino some 1.5 kilometers further down.

The finish line!

Well done!

Show less