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    The Col de Fenêtre

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    3-4.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    7.6 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    688 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Overall Rating
    This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
    10.0
    Physical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Technical Difficulty
    This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Read Reviews
    Directions to Trailhead
    Col de Fenetre hike in Mercantour, French Alps

    This hike places you in the core of Mercantour National Park. The Fenêtre pass connects the Vésubie to the Italian Val Gesso. On this walk you’ll likely see ibex goats and some chamois too. We recommend extending this hike with the alternate route back.

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    Route Description for The Col de Fenêtre

    Take the path on the left of the CAF hut. The path goes up in switchbacks. Thousands of pilgrims have walked through these paths and visited the sanctuary here.

    After twenty minutes arrive to the crossroad to the Pas de Ladres path. You continue straight and follow signs for Lac de Fenestre.

    In forty minutes, you arrive at the coast of the Lac de Fenestre: a little lake nestled between rocks and debris. The Col de Fenêtre isn’t far from here. The scenery, with the granite formations and glacial morphology, is fantastic.

    Before the Col de Fenestre, on the left, there is a bunker from WW2. Built by the Italian Army, it seems to invite you in for a visit. The door is open, and you might find an ibex sleeping in the shade.

    A few more switchbacks and you’ll reach the pass. Soak in these awesome views. The group of peaks on the right is the Mont Gelas, the Cougourda on the left, the Vallone Della Barra below. In good conditions you can see the Monte Rosa, situated 200.0 km to the north.

    The return is on the same path, or, if you prefer, take the Pas des Ladres path that, after descending a few switchbacks, you’ll find on the right. On our map, it is marked in blue.

    Insider Hints for The Col de Fenêtre

    • The Italians know it as “Colle di Finestre" and it was probably a secondary Roman road that became one of the most important commercial paths in the Southern Alps for salt and textiles, and access to the Forte di Fenestrelle.
    • During WW2, in September 1943 this pass was one of the escape routes of the Jews from Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
    • To find out more about the region and learn about where to stay and eat check out this info page or we recommend Chalet de la Madone de Fenestre. It is a fair price and a cool location.
    • Check out the Alpha Wolf Centre of Le Boréon while you’re in the area if you’re looking for something new to do. They have wolfs and exhibits about wolfs, as well as smaller farm animals. In the summer months they even have Tree Houses you can rent to sleep in.

    Getting to the The Col de Fenêtre Trailhead

    From the Nice airport, go up the valley of the Var by the RM 6202, then go to Saint Martin Vésubie (RM 2565) and 300 m after the village, take the little road to the right to Madonne de Fenestre. There should be parking there.

    Route Information

    • When to do

      June to early October

    • Backcountry Campsites

      Yes on site from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m.

    • Toilets

      Yes, at Madone des Fenêtre

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Moderate

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    The Col de Fenêtre Elevation Graph

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    The Col de Fenêtre Reviews

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