Trek of the Italiens Forts – Alpes-Maritimes – France
Description
Itinerary
Conditions
Photos
Practical information
The “Italian Forts Circuit” is a fascinating route for fans of military history and hiking. This trek crosses the remains of ancient Italian fortifications built in the 19th century on mountain peaks or strategic passes to defend the Italian border. During the First World War, many of these forts played a crucial role in the clashes on the Alpine front between the French and Italians. This 3-day trek will allow you to visit the Forts of Tabourde, Pépin, Central, Marguerie, Giaure and Pernante as well as the Barchenzane battery, its blockhouses and its barracks. The panoramas throughout this trek are magnificent and impress with their majesty, particularly that on the departmental road which leads to the central Fort, with its countless number of bends… Two lakes are also on the program, that of Abisso and the grouping of Peirefique lakes.
All along the route, you will be able to observe marmots running towards their burrows as you approach and if you are very lucky, ibexes… The planned camps are also not without interest since one of them will be in Fort Central and the other near the Peirefique lakes. The sunrises and sunsets are particularly spectacular at these two locations.
This trek is recommended for beginners or intermediate-level hikers who wish to discover or deepen trekking.
Levels of difficulty
Difficulty levels are graded from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard), and a full description can be found here.
# | Italiens Forts Trek |
Level of difficulty | 3/5 |
Distance traveled | 25,23 miles |
Cumulative elevation gain | +2523 m |
Cumulative negative elevation | -2523 m |
Nature | 5/5 |
Culture | 5/5 |
Meeting | 3/5 |
Minimum Age Recommended | 15 years |
Comfort | Tent + Hotel |
Italian Forts Circuit Trek – Day 2 to 3
Day 1 : Meeting, transfer and first discoveries
Our team will collect you from Nice airport, depending on your arrival in France, and drop you off at the hotel.
The hotel is located as close as possible to the start of the trek in order to start the day of hiking as early as possible and have time to visit the forts. Therefore and in order to limit travel between the hotel and the airport, and too long a wait at Nice airport, IDTrek invites you to arrive during the afternoon. If this is not possible, we will drop you off in the city center of Nice so that you can visit the city. In this case a time and a meeting place will be sent to you so that we can pick you up when all the participants have gathered. You will be free to enjoy the beach or visit the old town and discover its museums and lively squares.
In the evening: the meal will be shared which will allow us to introduce the guides and guides to you. It’s also a time for participants to meet, don’t hesitate to take advantage of the evening to get to know your co-travelers. The guide will also explain the safety rules for visiting the forts and barracks.
- Transfer from Airport to hotel
- Half board (dinner + breakfast)
- Night in a hotel near Tende
- 1 to 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
- Transport time: 1h44
# | Italian Forts Tour |
Nature | 1/5 |
Culture | 1/5 |
Meeting | 5/5 |
Comfort | Hotel |
Transportation time | 1h44 from the airport - 56,55 miles |
Day 2 : Vievola - Fort Tabourde - Fort Pépin - Fort Central
This trek is broken down into three large sections that are approximately equal in terms of distance, but each of these sections (one per day) will be physically different. Today’s one will require the most effort. Indeed, the day is dedicated to reaching the Col de Tende where Fort Central is located, passing through the forts of Tabourde and Pépin. It is therefore a difference in altitude of more than 1500 m that awaits us and this is almost continuously climbing.
We will start the day by crossing the woods of the Ourtigue valley and at the end of the morning we will reach the Baisse de Lagouna pass then we will go up the ridges towards the Fort de Tabourde, while being able to observe the Magénora valley and in the distance the rocks of the Gata. Throughout the climb, keep your ears and eyes open because the marmots have taken over the area. From the fort, the eastern border of France with Italy is visible beyond Mont de l’évêque and its summit at an altitude of 2241m or those of Mont Bertrand (2482m) and Mont Saccarel (2200m). Also visible in the distance is Fort Pépin and the northern border, identifiable by the peaks of Roux (2214m) and Bec (2300m).
From Tabourde, and after his visit, we will go up either via the ridges or via the Framourssoure valley depending on the sunshine. The 2 routes are pleasant and both remain physical uphill. We will follow the border located at the edge of the ridge for a while, which will offer us splendid panoramas of Italy. Then we will walk 2 km more to reach Fort Pépin and offer us a view of the entire Tende region.
Once the fort has been visited, we will go back down the same path along the border to the Le Marmotte chalet to refill our water, enjoy a snack and refresh ourselves. Then we will set up camp directly in the heart of Fort Central. The rest of the day will be free, you will be able to explore the surroundings, climb to the heights and take magnificent photos of the fort and the sunset.
Reminder :
The forts are abandoned and their exploration requires increased vigilance to avoid accidents such as falls or collapses. Please follow the guide if this is your first URBEX visit. Always have a charged phone to ask for help if you are exploring the area alone.
- Accommodation : Tent
- Transfers to the start of the trek
- All food
- 1 to 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
- Transport time : 20 minutes
# | Italian Forts Tour |
Level of difficulty | 4/5 |
Distance traveled | 9,32 miles |
Cumulative elevation gain | +1515 m |
Cumulative negative elevation | -606 m |
Nature | 5/5 |
Culture | 5/5 |
Meeting | 3/5 |
Comfort | Tent |
Transportation time | 20mn - 6,83 miles |
Walking time | 7 - 8 h |
Day 3 : Fort Central - Fort de la Marguerie - Fort de Pernante - Fort de Giaure - Lakes of Peirefique
This second day will be more relaxing because the terrain will be more horizontal on many sections and on wide motorable roads. We will start by reaching Fort de la Marguerie following the main road and the contour lines. Along the way, we will pass near a bunker that can be visited provided you have a headlamp.
Once Fort de la Marguerie has been visited, we will have to make the hardest effort of the day. In order to avoid a huge detour to reach the Pernante fort, we are going to get off the beaten track and go a little off-piste. It’s a good effort to make because the slope is steep but once we reach the crests, we will take a break before resuming the road to admire one last time the panorama of the first forts that we have already conquered the day before and thus appreciate everything we have traveled.
This will give us reassurance to move forward and visit Fort Pernante. The Faure de Giaure is our next objective. The initial military road suffered a landslide and this access became impassable, particularly in the event of snowfall. We will therefore take a slight detour to Lake Abisso where if we are lucky we will be able to come across ibexes.
Finally we will go back down the valley towards the tip of Peirefique and its lakes. We will settle in this hollow of the valley to set up our tents then go up to the lakes to refill our water and observe the landscape. Finally and after the meal, we will enjoy the view of the Barchenzane valley and the sunset.
Reminder :
The forts are abandoned and their exploration requires increased vigilance to avoid accidents such as falls or collapses. Please follow the guide if this is your first URBEX visit. Always have a charged phone to ask for help if you are exploring the area alone.
- Accommodation: Tent
- All food
- 1 to 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
# | Italian Forts Tour |
Level of difficulty | 3/5 |
Distance traveled | 7,45 miles |
Cumulative elevation gain | +831 m |
Cumulative negative elevation | -460 m |
Nature | 5/5 |
Culture | 5/5 |
Meeting | 3/5 |
Comfort | Tent |
Walking time | 5 - 6 h |
Day 4 : Peirefique Lakes - Barchenzane Battery - Peirefique Barracks - Vievola
The last day will be the easiest, we will be downhill almost all the time. The effort will therefore be easy to produce. We will start by going back down into the woods, avoiding the more or less marshy areas towards the Barchenzane battery.
Then we will cross meadows to reach the first lines of defense of the area made up of blockhouses and trenches. These blockhouses, although inaccessible, remain impressive in terms of their size and their strategic position which protected the western road to the forts. We will return via a loop to the Peirefique barracks which can be visited although very degraded.
Finally we will follow the Caramagna valley, in the heart of deciduous and thorny forests for the rest of the day to reach our starting point in Vievola.
Reminder :
The forts are abandoned and their exploration requires increased vigilance to avoid accidents such as falls or collapses. Please follow the guide if this is your first URBEX visit. Always have a charged phone to ask for help if you are exploring the area alone.
- Accommodation : hotel
- All food
- 1 to 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
# | Italian Forts Tour |
Level of difficulty | 2/5 |
Distance traveled | 7,45 miles |
Cumulative elevation gain | +180 m |
Cumulative negative elevation | -1460 m |
Nature | 4/5 |
Culture | 5/5 |
Meeting | 3/5 |
Comfort | Hotel |
Transportation time | 20mn - 6,83 miles |
Walking time | 5 h |
Day 5 : Tende - Nice Airport
Our adventure ends, and it is time to say goodbye, full of memories, and stories to tell your loved ones. We will accompany you to the airport mid-morning while you enjoy your breakfast and prepare your things. Departure will depend on the first scheduled flight. If all flights are at the end of the day, you will be able to take advantage of the full morning.
- Transfer to Nice airport
- Breakfast
- 1 to 2 French-speaking, English-speaking, Russian-speaking IDTrek guides
# | Italian Forts Tour |
Transportation time | 1h44 - 56,55 miles |
Included
- Day 1 - Transfer from Nice airport to Tende
- Day 2 and 4 - Return transfer from Tende to the start of the Trek
- Day 5 - Transfer from Tende to Nice airport
- Van type vehicle for transport with driver
- Jour 1 - Hôtel 2* (Hôtel Le Mirval ou Le Prieuré ou similaire) à proximité de Tende (Nuitée + diner + petit-déjeuner)
- Day 5 - 2* Hotel (Hotel Le Mirval or Le Prieuré or similar) near Tende (Night + dinner + breakfast)
- Accommodation in hotels in twin/double or triple rooms
- Hébergement en tentes (inclus dans le prix) pour 2 personnes (sac de couhage et matelas non inclus)
- Services of 1 French, English and Russian speaking IDTrek guide
- Accommodation and board for guides, drivers and guides
- A collective first aid kit
- Drinking water (1L) per person per day
- Breakfast x2 / Picnic x3 / dinner x2 included on hiking days
- Entrance to the forts is free
Not Included
- International and national flight: Plane tickets for France and Nice airport
- Accommodation before/after the trek as well as transfers in case of arrival before and departure after the fixed date
- Breakfast and lunch on day 1 as well as lunch and dinner on day 5
- If you wish, meal at Chalet le Marmotte near Fort Central possible in the evening for €34
- Single room (additional charge on request and subject to availability)
- Sleeping bag and mattress not included
- Other personal expenses
- Tips
- Repatriation insurance accident/medical insurance health insurance/insurance against theft of equipment and personal effects
- For adventure type trips, with high mountains, trekking or other adventure sports: insurance covering possible rescue costs. Cancellation insurance.
Terms and conditions
Please make sure you have read the terms and conditions of sale by clicking here. In particular, they define cancellation conditions, payment methods, visa requirements and insurance.
Take out IDTrek travel insurance with our partner by clicking here.
Applications for participation are accepted until 08/27. The minimum quantity to confirm the group is a minimum of 2 people, and a maximum of 8 people.
If you arrive in Nice by car, or if you wish to organize your arrival before and after the trek, please let us know.
Notes et instructions :
Equipment :
- Each participant travels with a backpack of 60 liters maximum (camera, picnic, trekking and protective clothing, water and personal utensils, sleeping bag and mattress, personal medication, flashlight, etc.). Tent equipment will be divided by group of 2 people.
Wild animals :
It is because they are wild that they are wonderful and we want to see them, however strict rules must be followed when dealing with a wild animal. It should be noted that coming across them will be extremely rare, they prefer not to meet humans but around a rock chance can do things. As a reminder, Patous (shepherd dogs) are not stuffed animals, they protect the herds, you must stay at a distance, calm and not move towards the herds.
The camp :
On arrival at camp :
you will have to choose your location and set up your tent, or the rental tent that will be made available to you. If it’s your first time, don’t panic, the guide will explain how to set up your tent.
install your mattress and your sleeping bag, change for the night (the nights are cool at these altitudes, don’t forget a good fleece and a down jacket, we recommend warm merino wool clothing).
each participant will have received at the start of the journey a bag containing all of your meals (freeze-dried) for the 3 days of hiking :
- 2 breakfasts
- 3 lunches
- 2 dinners
- snacks : protein energy bars
- water for 2 days (resupply at Chalet le Marmotte at the end of day 2) – water from the lakes can be used mainly for cooking
- The guide will prepare hot water and the dishes you have chosen.
When leaving the camp, everyone is asked to :
- fold up the tent, mattress and sleeping bag in the morning before departure ;
- prepare your bag for the day ;
- do not leave any waste on site, what you produce, you bring it back, nature is our priority.
Relaxation at camp :
The guides will teach you “Dutsch” and “Dyrak”, two card games that are played while traveling, and which are very communicative, it is a bridge between travelers to get to know each other.
Visiting the forts :
The guide will give you an overview on the first evening of the safety rules to follow when exploring the forts and barracks. In particular on the degraded state of the places and the places to avoid in order not to come across areas ready to collapse.
Access to the forts can sometimes be difficult due to the destruction of the drawbridges, some climbing and technique is required. The forts are abandoned and their exploration requires increased vigilance to avoid accidents such as falls or collapses. Please follow the guide if this is your first URBEX visit. Always have a charged phone to ask for help if you are exploring the area alone. High-top shoes are recommended for this type of exploration to avoid strains. Finally, unnecessary risks to take beautiful Instagram photos should be avoided.
We advise you to take out sports insurance. (see conditions)
Altitude sickness… :
- has nothing to do with your age ;
- nor with your physical condition ;
- just because you didn’t have it on a first trip to altitude doesn’t mean you never will ;
- your state of stress and fatigue, all this added to the jet lag are preponderant factors.
Take the time to do things calmly.
- Duration
5 days - Period
May-October - Type
Culture,Nature - Landscape
Forest,Mountain - Difficulty
Average - Group
2 - 8 people.
per person
Request more information
- Duration
5 days - Type
Culture,Nature - Difficulty
Average
- Periode
May-October - Landscape
Forest,Mountain - Group
2 - 8 people.
per person