MTB/ATV loop from the Cairos valley to the Maglia valley via Colla Bassa

A long loop on the track, which allows you to soak up the preserved landscapes of the Roya valley, the Cairos valley and the Maglia valley which flirt with the heart of the Mercantour national park. Splendid view down to the sea from Colla Bassa.
Accessible by train from Fontan-Saorge or Breil stations.

Take the RD 40 which goes up the Cairos valley due north-west from the RD 6204 at the foot of the village of Saorge, on the left before Fontan coming from Breil. Follow it almost to the end:
Pass the hamlet of Maurion, the Gafeug bridge (marker 174), continue to climb, the Merim valley (marker 186) on your right, then at the place called La Castagna take the wide DFCI track on the left which crosses the Cairos valley.
Go up the hill through the thick forest (do not take the track on the right) until you reach Colla Bassa on the ridge line.
A pause to contemplate the panaroma is obligatory! You can see the blue of the sea to the south, and to the north-east the border ridges of Mont Bertrand and the Marguareis massif.
Three tracks are available to you: Switch to the other side, to the south, and you will start the descent.
The track that descends on the ubac joins it but is a little longer, and carries more risk of getting lost.
You will gently skirt the beautiful valley of the Maglia, its farms and its large sheepfolds, to cross it at the bottom of the valley.
On the right bank you will find the tarmac. Be careful, the road is very narrow, unprotected, and you may pass vehicles.
Some breathtaking views of the canyon and the Maglia Gorge, very impressive.
Once you reach the RD 2204 Breil-Sospel via the Col de Brouis, turn left to go down to Breil, then left at the crossroads with the RD 6204 if you wish to return to your starting point.
The Breil train station is 800 m further down on the right.