Levens: Another loop hike from Sainte-Claire

The village of Sainte-Claire (512 m) near Levens is located at the crossroads of good hiking trails. Notably the renowned GR5 runs through it. We did a three-col loop hike from Sainte-Claire last year.

This time we followed the GR5 towards Levens. We circled a hill named Barvégaire, first descending a bit to signpost #285 where we forked right, heading north, and climbed steeply about 100 m.

A bit higher on GR5

Starting descent to Levens

Still along GR5 near Levens

We descended rapidly to Levens, reaching the large sports fields south of the village. We followed the GR5 a bit more along Promenade des Prés, then headed east along Route de Saint Blaise, crossed the M19 road to signpost #261. We ascended along paved streets in la Madone neighbourhood, familiar from our previous hikes. Eventually we reached signpost #265, and continued along a good trail to Col de Travail (760 m; signpost #281).

Large sports field in Levens

Heading to Col de Travail

Col de Travail again

Rapid descent to Sainta-Claire

Col de Travail is a crossroads of trails as well as dirt tracks. From here, the descent back to Sainte-Claire was straightforward along a yellow-marked path, completing the energising winter hike.

Distance: 9,3 km

Climb: 400 m

Duration: 3h 30

Map: 3741 ET Vallée de la Bévéra