Hiking the Cime de Riodore

A superb hike on the heights of La Brigue and Saint Dalmas de Tende as well as on the main mountains of Haute Roya.

Departure from Place Saint Martin at the town hall of La Brigue. Head towards beacon 43, passing behind the chapel of the Annunciation. Follow the path and pass the intersection in the same direction towards the climb under the fir trees. At the beacon turn left then just after turn right. The climb begins, a dozen switchbacks take you up to the Saint Valentin plateau. At the beacon, turn right uphill between the rocks. Follow the climb and pass beacon 243 towards the lower Arpèse. At beacon 244, head to the right through the trees, then on leaving the undergrowth join a small path which rises towards the summit of Riodore. The path follows the ridge, always straight. When the slope stops it gives way to a flat: you have arrived. The summit of Riodore offers a superb panorama of the surrounding villages and the mountain cirque that locks the Haute Roya. There may be a little wind. Return by the same path with the possibility of a variant by following the Riodore plateau to the right at beacon 243; follow the yellow marks of the descent towards the valley after the ruins. Few landmarks and very steep descent, be careful!