recommended route
Multi-stage route
The Salt Routes: The Pagarine Route
-
Saint-Martin-VésubiePhoto: Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur, Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur
The French-Italian "Pagarine Route" links Nice and Cuneo in 10 stages, passing through the Venetian Valley, the Mercantour National Park and the Alpi Marittime Park. It is based on the historical foundations of the salt routes and invites you to discover the innumerable riches of the territory in the heart of the grandiose landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
The route is based on the historical foundations of the salt routes and invites you to discover the innumerable riches of the territory in the heart of the grandiose landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
The Routes du Sel (Salt Routes) project is the result of cross-border cooperation between local authorities, nature parks and chambers of commerce in the Alpes-Maritimes, Piedmont and Liguria.
Halfway between a hiking guide and a novel, the three-volume collection provides a playful, faithful and fictional coverage of this period of history.
Through this original format, the Franco-Italian partners wanted to offer a different look at the close historical and cultural ties that unite this territory thanks to the support of passionate historians.
Touring these three different itineraries is an opportunity to discover the countless riches of the territory in the heart of the grandiose landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Volume 1, from Nice to Cuneo, follows in the footsteps of our fictional host, Artémio, on the old Pagarin road. It is available for download.
This project is funded by the ALPIMED PATRIM project within the framework of the INTERREG ALCOTRA programme.
Author’s recommendation
- Volume 1, by Nice à Cuneo follows the footsteps of our fictional hero, Artémio, on the old Pagarin Road. It is available for download here.
- Have fun covering the heritage related to the salt roads in Nice, by downloading the "Explor Games" application and choose the "Intrigue" puzzle game.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
- Before you go:
- Find out about the local weather before you set off
- Inform someone close to you of your destination and departure time
- Check that the length, gradient and time of the route correspond to your level of ability before setting off and do not overestimate your capacities
- During your hike :
- Follow the marked paths and respect the direction of the routes
- Trails are shared: mountain bikers, horse riders and hunters may use your route
- You may encounter flocks of sheep grazing. Protection dogs are there to protect them from any aggression. The golden rule: stop and keep your distance from the flock. Take time to walk calmly around them.
- Pay extra attention during the hunting season and find out about the current hunting season.
- Be an eco-citizen: take away your rubbish, be discreet so as not to frighten wild animals and do not pick wildflowers or plants, a photo is a sufficient souvenir.
- Respect private property, cultivated areas and natural spaces and close the gates after your visit.
- In summer the days are hot, and the vegetation is very sensitive to the risk of fire, do not light fires, you are endangering your safety and that of others
- To alert the emergency services, dial 112
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Follow the signposting on the posts with the "Route du sel" logo in the colour pink.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- The city centre of Nice is easily accessible by plane from Nice Côte d’Azur international airport, by train from Nice-Ville station or by tramway. Public transport within the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolitan area is provided by the Lignes d’azur network, to consult the site click here : www.lignesdazur.com.
- The return journey to Nice can be made by train then TER with a change to Breil sur Roya or Ventimiglia. More information on: https://www.thetrainline.com and https://www.sncf-connect.com/
Directions
- The city centre of Nice is easily accessible by car from the A8 motorway or by taxi.
- Think about carpooling.
Parking
- There are many underground pay car parks in the centre of Nice.
- It is also possible to park in parking spaces in the streets of Nice.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
-
Author’s map recommendations
-
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
- Suitable walking shoes are strongly recommended
- Bring water, a cap, provisions, and waterproof and warm clothing
- A torch or headlamp if you are going through a tunnel or to avoid being caught out by nightfall
- A first-aid kit
Localization
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- 10 Stages
From the shores of the Mediterranean, stroll through Old Nice, discovering the history and the local gastronomy before setting off on an adventure ...
From the Mediterranean landscapes to the steep gorges of the Venetian River.
From the wild and stony ledge overlooking the Vésubie to the village of Utelle.
Along the Vésubie to Lantosque and then the intersection with the Gordolasque Valley.
From the aptly named Belvedere, head north towards the peaks of Mercantour.
Sublime panoramas at an altitude of more than 2000 m, from the summit of La Palu to the lower part of Férisson.
Through the alpine mining landscape, between France and Italy in the heart of the Marittime-Mercantour European Park.
From lush green pastures to centuries-old forests towards Entracque.
Along the Gesso River, between agricultural plains, chestnut forests and authentic villages.
At the foot of the Alps, Cuneo and its famous arcades is the last stage of our journey.
-
Route
-
Gradient
-
Snow Depth Unlock with Pro+
Questions and answers
Ratings and reviews
Photos from others