Hiking - Le Mont Péla and the hop-hornbeam forest

This hike, which features a good deal of climbing, takes place in a forest which represents a meeting point between a Mediterranean environment and the first slopes of the Alps.
On this hike, you will come across a very singular tree, the hop-hornbeam: in France, this tree is only found in the Alpes-Maritimes area and in Corsica. At the summit of Mont Péla, you will have a panoramic view of the villages and high peaks of the valley.

The departure point is at marker 247. The start of the itinerary is along the GR52A (red and white markers). Initially, you will be walking close to the Gordolasque mountain stream. The path then rises through the forest on a north-west facing slope until you reach marker 248.
At the marker, leave GR52A and head left, crossing a flatter grassy section. The path follows a break in the foliage for 300 metres where you can see the former military installations which were part of the Maginot Line then leads onto a small road. Follow this road for a few metres then take the which is on the left.
Enter the hop-hornbeam forest. At around 1250m altitude, then end of this hike is on the crest which separates the north- and the south-facing slopes. The path runs along this crest until it reaches Mont Péla (1465m) via marker 250.

Follow the same route for the return journey.

When you are crossing a scree, be careful: the path remains flat while crossing a big bank, when you reach the edge of it go down on the right-hand side and pass close to the ruins.