Via Alpina Itinéraire Bleu - Étape 53: Larche - Bousiéyas
The place
This stage of the GR® 5-56 Tour de l'Ubaye begins in the village of Larche and follows the Ubayette torrent, entering the Mercantour National Park through the pristine Lauzanier valley. The route leads to the Pas de la Cavale, a former mule track, passes at the foot of the Tête de l'Enchastraye, crosses the Camp des Fourches, a military relic, and ends at the deserted hamlet of Bousiéyas. The trail includes steep climbs, crossings of stony vales and descents along rocky banks, offering a deep immersion in an exceptional natural and historical heritage.
Why go
- **Larche**: Starting point, a picturesque village at the gateway to the Mercantour. - **Lauzanier valley**: Nature reserve known for its biodiversity. - **Pas de la Cavale**: Former mule track offering breathtaking views. - **Camp des Fourches**: Military relic bearing witness to past conflicts. - **Bousiéyas**: Abandoned hamlet, marked by its historic church and mountain lodge.
Detailed route
1. **Départ de Larche** : Suivre le GR® 5-56 le long de l’Ubayette. 2. **Entrée dans le Mercantour** : Via le vallon du Lauzanier, passer les cabanes pastorales de Parassac, des Eyssalps, et Donnadieu. 3. **Ascension vers le lac du Lauzanier** : Sentier en lacets, puis passage près du lac de Derrière la Croix. 4. **Pas de la Cavale** : Traversée caillouteuse jusqu'au col, puis descente vers le lac d'Agnel. 5. **Descente vers Bousiéyas** : Traverser le vallon de la Gypière, la combe de la Cypière, puis atteindre les granges de Salse Morène. Continuer jusqu'à Bousiéyas via le col des Fourches et la D 64.
A bit of history
The route is steeped in history, crossing areas that bear witness to military campaigns and a rich natural heritage. The Ubayette valley, devastated in 1957 and at the end of the Second World War, is home to the Méane house and its Sainte Marie-Madeleine chapel, symbols of resilience. The Lauzanier valley, a nature reserve since 1938, illustrates the region's rich flora and fauna. The Camp des Fourches and the ruins of a small fort recall the defensive strategies of the 20th century. The church of Bousiéyas, built in 1718, recalls the communal history tied to the Count of Dalmas.