Trekking – Oronaye Tour
A trekking route of exceptional beauty around Monte Oronaye, a massive and solitary mountain on the Italian-French border near Colle della Maddalena, among lakes, fortifications, villages, and unspoiled nature.
It can be tackled either clockwise or counterclockwise, starting from Valle Maira (Campo Base, Chialvetta), Vallée de l’Ubaye (Fouillouse, Saint-Ours), or the Maddalena Pass.
Starting from Campo Base, the first stage takes on the demanding climb of the Stroppia Waterfalls and reaches Fouillouse via Colle della Portiola. The second stage is shorter and easier, allowing you to recover energy and reach Saint-Ours easily. The third stage is long, but without major elevation gain, and ends at Colle della Maddalena (Rifugio della Pace). On the fourth day, the route returns to Valle Maira via the challenging Colle Feuillas, while the final day is once again a relaxing walk among the meadows and woods of Colle Ciarbonet.
THE STAGES
From Campo Base (1,650 m) to Fouillouse (1,880 m)
Elevation gain: 1,220 m
Maximum altitude: Colle di Nubiera, 2,865 m
From Campo Base, reach the base of the Stroppia Waterfalls and climb the rocky barrier via a trail that is at times exposed, but never difficult, up to Bivacco Stroppia and Lago Niera, at the lower edge of the grand hanging valley.
Continue along the main trail – yellow and blue markings of the “Dino Icardi” – and leave it at around 2,500 m to turn left toward Colle di Nubiera. After the pass, descend into French territory and quickly join the trail from Col du Vallonet into the Vallone de Plate Lombarde, which comfortably leads to Fouillouse.
From Fouillouse (1,880 m) to Saint-Ours (1,775 m)
Elevation gain: 530 m
Maximum altitude: Col de Mirandol, 2,433 m
A short and relaxing stage, allowing time in the afternoon to visit the very interesting Maginot Line fortifications of Saint-Ours.
From Fouillouse, cross the Baragne stream and climb the beautiful forest south of the village; the trail reaches a dirt road, cutting a few of its switchbacks before leaving it entirely around 2,130 m. Climbing the lovely pastures at the base of Tête des Adrechouns, you soon reach Col de Mirandol, from where the descent on the opposite, more mineral side leads to Saint-Ours, in a splendid panoramic position above the Ubayette Valley.
From Saint-Ours (1,775 m) to Colle della Maddalena (1,990 m)
Elevation gain: 780 m
Maximum altitude: Col de la Gipière de l’Orrenaye, 2,482 m
From Saint-Ours, follow the military road to the Batterie de Viraysse, passing near the Ouvrage Maginot of Saint-Ours Haut. After the Riou de Pinet, leave the road to the Batterie and follow the panoramic track to the Fort de Mallemort, crossing the beautiful plateau of the same name. After receiving the path from Col de Mallemort on the left, follow it briefly uphill, then turn right onto the tracks that cut high across the valley carved by the Riou de Rouchouse.
Once on the main trail, follow it up to about 2,274 m, then turn right and gently climb the pastures toward Col de la Gipière de l’Orrenaye, from where the trail descends to Colle della Maddalena / Col de Larche, always keeping right at the forks.
From Colle della Maddalena (1,990 m) to Chialvetta (1,500 m)
Elevation gain: 800 m
Maximum altitude: Colle Feuillas, 2,750 m
Begin by following the tracks on the right side of the valley climbed the previous day. Instead of ascending again to Col de la Gipière, stay right, and near Lac de l’Orrenaye, keep left to climb the secluded valley that leads to Colle Feuillas.
The descent is quite exposed and requires attention until the bivouac (ex-casermetta Enrico e Mario), starting point of the Via Ferrata dell’Oronaye. After a final debris-filled area, reach the pastures of the beautiful valley that descends into the Valle dell’Unerzio above Viviere. Following the old trail among the hamlets, you arrive in Chialvetta.
From Chialvetta (1,500 m) to Rifugio Campo Base (1,650 m)
Elevation gain: 850 m
Maximum altitude: Colle Ciarbonet, 2,205 m
From Chialvetta, climb the Vallone dell’Unerzio following the beautiful path through the hamlets. Above Viviere, reach the old military road, then leave it at the first switchback to continue along the dirt road, also built by the army, that leads to Colle Ciarbonet.
Descend through the larch forest on the opposite slope, with a pleasant and relaxing descent that leads to the Sorgenti del Maira. From here, following the yellow marks of the Percorsi Occitani, return to Campo Base with splendid views of Rocca Provenzale.
Mountain sports are potentially dangerous activities and should only be undertaken with the proper equipment and preparation. We recommend checking the weather and avalanche forecasts before setting off on a hike and/or contacting a guide for accompaniment. Campo Base S.r.l. disclaims any responsibility for the advice and itineraries provided here, which should be personally assessed based on weather and snow conditions.