Adventure 4Saddling up to the summit

The Authion plateau mountain bike tour

How about a walk that’s both sporty and historic? In the Bévéra valley, the Authion peaks at 2080 meters. In the heart of the Mercantour National Park, this walk can be enjoyed on foot, but it’s best in the saddle. A collection of peaks, sea views, ruins of military forts, cowherds… with its tarmac road and gentle slopes, the Authion is ideal for family outings.

Duration	Start	Level	Ideal season
2h30	Sospel	Accessible but sporty	Between June and October

Why do we love it?

A mountain bike trail for the whole family

breathtaking 360° panoramas along the way

A history lesson in the ruins of military fortifications

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Stage 1

Sospel

Col du Turini

Before the handlebars, the steering wheel. This stage is done by car, but doesn’t disappoint. The 24 kilometers between Sospel and the Col du Turini are impressive. The road winds through gorges and promontories. Shortly after Moulinet, don’t miss Notre-Dame-de-la-Menour, a small Chinese wall perched among oak and chestnut trees. It sets the tone! Continue on to Turini Camp d’Argent. For the more sporty, park at Camp d’Argent; for families, choose the parking lot in front of the Cabane de Tueis.

Stage 2

Col du Turini

Fort de Plan Caval

Saddle up! The climb begins. It’s uphill, but the slope is gentle and the area is relatively uncrowded. Just beyond the Cabane de Tueis, the heart of the Mercantour National Park is yours and yours alone. Before reaching Plan Caval, descend to Cabanes Vieilles, with its magnificent view over the Bévéra valley. You’ll need to take two breaks: one to admire Stuart, the American tank, and the other to take a bite of tomme at the vacherie.

Step 3

Plan Caval

Turini Pass

On its plateau, the buried fort of Plan Caval looks out over the Italian border. Follow the road up to the fortifications of Pointe des Trois Communes and Forca. Return to the road leading to the Tueis hut and Camp d’Argent. To the right, a small road through the fir trees leads to the Mantégas cow farm. Perfect for filling up on cheese before returning to the Col du Turini.

Step 4

It would be a shame not to stop off in this medieval town, nestled in the Bévéra valley. Colorful facades, trompe l’oeil, fountains, cobbled streets, 18th-century baroque cathedral, markets, garage sales… Sospel has it all.