Hike Start - Malinvern Loop

The hike begins at the parking lot of the Chalet Marano hotel. Head toward the Terre Rouge Lakes. Reach marker 92 and continue toward the Terre Rouge Lakes by taking the trail that climbs to the left. At the Terre Rouge Lakes, follow the signs for Baisse de Druos, marked by marker 93. The trail overlooks the largest of the lakes and winds its way up to the pass without any particular difficulties. At Baisse de Druos, continue along the trail downhill toward the first Valescura Lake, which you’ll pass on your right. Pass the lake and head toward Lake Malinvern. Then descend toward the Malinvern mountain hut. Caution: the descent is long and rocky. After the mountain hut, turn left toward the Orgials Lakes (a fairly long, winding climb). Finally, descend toward the Lombarde Pass via the Passo d’Orgials and return to Isola 2000 along a few kilometers of road, ending up on the GR trail of the Grande Traversée du Mercantour. If you take a slight detour, you’ll find a water source, dry toilets, and a snack bar for hikers.