Menton to Castellar loop hike

We have used the village of Castellar north of Menton as a starting point for many hikes, such as the Mont Carpano loop.

This time we wanted to start from Menton along the GR 52 trail, then back along a trail beginning in the Vallon de l’Orméa. We had marked the waypoints on our last hike.

Start from Menton

GR52 start in Menton

Menton seen from trail

We parked in Menton-Garavan and headed to the Garavan railway station, and found the first signpost of today’s itinerary behind the station. However, the numbers on the rather new posts were different from those on our map (Nr 1 was 420 on the map etc). The white/red markings were frequent and easy to follow as we first ascended along stairs and narrow streets. We walked under the A8 motorway, and after a short stretch along roads, we were on the rocky and rather steep trail to Granges St-Paul.

GR52 still in Menton

GR52 now more sauvage

GR52 higher above Menton

Near Granges Saint-Paul

We reached a dirt road named Piste des Granges St-Paul and forked left heading northwest towards Castellar. The GR 52 continued straight to Plan de Lion. After about 2 km we came to the outskirts of Castellar. At signpost #414 (Menton par Balmetta et le Baousset) we forked left and soon entered a delightful path in a verdant valley. Now yellow-marked, the descent became steeper as we approached the A8. Pay close attention here to the markings as the trail exited a road and dove into a pedestrian tunnel under the motorway.

We came to the upper neighbourhoods of Menton, and passed a pony club. There were no markings anymore, but the direction was evident. Passing several beautiful villas with panoramic views, we walked past the cemetery before reaching the old town.