La Madone de Fenestre to La Madone de Fenestre

4 day camping trip in the Mercantour. From 2020-06-29 to 2020-07-02.

Day 1. Start at Madonne de Fenestre, hike up to Col de Fenestre. Then a very long and hot descend into Italy to San Giacomo. The last part is rather boring. Very nice and friendly camping at Camping Sotto Il Faggio.

Day 2. Very early start to beat the sun and hike up first to Lago del Vei del Bouc, then onto Bivacco Speranza, and descend to Repeat du Sabion. Camping close to one of the 'lakes' (more like puddles). This is again a very long and hard walk uphill. The sun can be merciless in summer, so you should start very early (5:30 am). In early summer there is water in a stream close to the lakes. Not sure about later in the summer though, in which case it's probably better to camp at Lago della Vacca (Bivacco Speranza).

Day 3. Descend to Vallee de Valmasque, then onto Refuge de Valmasque, and further onto Lac du Basto. On the south side of the lake there are U shaped stone walls where you can pitch your tent behind, so you will be protected from the wind.

Day 4. Climb to the magnificent Baisse du Basto, descend to Refuge the Nice, through lots of snow (bring poles). You could camp here, but we pushed on to Madonne de Fenestre, via Pas du Mt Colomb. The climb to Pas du Mt Colomb is sometimes technical. Long descend to MdF. Camping behind the church of MdF. For 2 euro, you can take a shower in the refuge.

Maps:
- ALPI MARITTIME PN MERCANTOUR 113 VALDIER IGC 2019
- VALLEE VESUBIE 3741OT 1/25,000 IGN 2017