The Roubion easy mountain walk combines fabulous mountain views, a steady but slow climb, open pastures and forest paths. There are fewer better places to be on a beautiful autumn day than Roubion and its surroundings. This 11km (6.8 mi) walk is a delight with sufficient effort for a sense of achievement, but not so much that you feel exhausted.
How to get there
From Nice take the M602 along the Var Valley past St Martin Du Var. Take the M2205, which follows the Tinée river valley. This is a very easy route that has been much improved in recent years. When you arrive at Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée look out for the M30 to Roure and Roubion. The M30 climbs steeply up to Roubion. The journey from Nice takes approximately 90 minutes by car.
Roubion
Begin the Roubion easy mountain walk in the centre of the village. Roubion sits high above the Tinée Valley. For an exact location open the map.
The 12th century village sits on the mountainside at an altitude of 1350 m and faces south. From the beginning of the walk there are magnificent views out towards the Tinée valley below. If has a tiny population of 105.
Follow the signs for the Via Ferrata which head westward out of the village.
My wife and I stayed at the Le Rupicapra B&B, which I believe is the only guest house in the village. On the night we stayed we found that neither of the two restaurants were open for an evening meal. Our landlady couldn’t cook for us, but she didn’t convince the one shop to open up in order that we could buy some cheese and ham.
The stairs wind up past the B&B and you’ll see many a painting on the walls as you pass along.
Out of the Village
You soon pass the last inhabitable house in the village.
Although there are more individual homes further along this section of the path.
You can see by the picture below how the village sits below mountain above.
As you proceed along this narrow path always keep to the right. The route splits and takes you up the hill at the point below.
A steady climb
The route rises along the side of the hill and you will continue to look out on great views.
We came upon this little structure and were not sure of its purpose.
Possibly a disused shrine, but if anyone knows please add it to the comments below.
More beautiful views on the way up.
But perhaps the most heart warming views on this section of the route is the view below.
The sign ahead signifies the end of the steep rise on this walk.
Path joins a track
When you arrive at the signpost turn sharp right. You have completed the hardest part of the journey and the steepest climb. This doesn’t mean there isn’t further to rise, but it’s no where near as steep.
The track continues slowly upwards through the forest and takes a hairpin turn. Continue along this track and it opens up into an open meadow area known as The Haut Falcon.
Along this part of the track there are a number of isolated houses. Shortly after you pass the last of these buildings you’ll find a path which will almost take you back on yourself.
This might be a good time to check out the map again.
The photo above is the point at which you turn. You are now about half-way round Roubion easy Mountain walk.
Crête et Bois de Falcon
The path continues to go up, but only slightly and you are almost at the summit or the Ridge of Falcon. after approximately 500 m you’ll meet a crossroads in the path. Turn left.
The track begins to descend and wind through the woods. You have finished the climbing for the day.
Through the trees you cans the other side of the valley where the mountains are much steeper.
When you catch a glimpse of the view below you need to pay attention because your route turns off to the right shortly afterwards.
We missed this turning and only with the help of a passing forest ranger did we get back on track.
The entrance to the offshoot from the main track is a little bit tricky for the first few steps. After this point it is narrow but easy walking.
This is a very simple route to follow. If you experience the same weather then wandering down the path, with the sun shining through the trees, will be exhilarating.
When you arrive at this sign turn back on yourself and continue to descend.
At one point there is a clearing in the forest with a path coming in from the left. Just continue straight on.
As we passed along the forest floor had many different types of fungi. We didn’t have the nerve to pick any of them.
Continue on down.
The final track
You may want to check the map as you descend. Eventually you’ll arrive at a signpost.
Turn right heading for Roubion. The track is more or less flat from here on in. From the route there are better views of the valley below and the mountains opposite.
As you pass along the track you can glimpse the church at Roubion sitting on the edge of the mountain.
Continue along the path until you meet the car park at the end of the village and pass through the arch. Here you’ll find a little square with restaurant and church.
Make your back through the village to where you started. We hope you enjoyed this walk as much as we did.
What Next?
If you enjoyed Roubion easy mountain walk you can find more great walks at Find a walk – Riviera.
Do you have a favourite walk? We are always looking for new walks that everyone can enjoy. Please go to Share your walk and find out how to add your favourite route to the web site.