Via Alpina Itinéraire Bleu - Étape 15: Rifugio Ferioli - S. Antonio di Valvogna
The place
From Bousiéyas, the Via Alpina leaves the heart of the Mercantour National Park, following the GR® 5 towards the Col de la Colombière, the high point of this stage. A descent follows towards St-Dalmas-le-Selvage, a former forest village, before climbing back up to the Col d'Anelle and ending at St-Etienne-de-Tinée, marking the end of this portion of the journey.
Why go
Departure: Leave Bousiéyas heading west via the D 64, following the red-and-white waymarking of the GR® 5. Ascent: Climb to the Col de la Colombière (2,237 m), crossing the Tinée and various natural areas. Heritage: Passage through St-Dalmas-le-Selvage, a listed village for its Romanesque bell tower and traditional architecture. Descent: Towards St-Etienne-de-Tinée, crossing medieval landscapes and architecture rich in history.
Detailed route
Bousiéyas: Ancien hameau le plus élevé de l'arrière-pays niçois. Col de la Colombière: Offre une vue imprenable sur la vallée de la Tinée. St-Dalmas-le-Selvage: Village entouré de nature, réputé pour son patrimoine forestier et son architecture préservée. St-Etienne-de-Tinée: Village médiéval, témoignant de la prospérité de la région et de son riche passé historique.
A bit of history
This stage of the Via Alpina is not just about physical challenges; it also invites a dive into the past, through villages that have retained their old-world charm, Romanesque churches and landscapes that tell centuries of history.