Vars: L'Ecuelle Loop

The following relatively short loop above Vars ascends to la Combe Froide under the Eyssina Massif (2837 m). It gives the opportunity to experience a high mountain atmosphere near the village and outside of the ski lift system.

Starting point of L'Ecuelle hike

Larch forest after start

Vars Les Claux

Ascending trail to Combe Froide

We started from the upper parking at Vars les Claux (1920 m) and climbed along the upper trail in a larch forest towards Col de Vars. At about 2100 m elev. we reached a large meadow where we forked right, climbed to a signpost showing “Les Myrtilles” to the left. We, however, forked again right and dove back into the larch woods. The trail circled a small unnamed peak 180° almost horizontally and came to a crossroads (Trail from les Escondus) where we forked left, crossed a stream and climbed to Combe Froide. There were patches of snow here and there. Marmots, spring flowers and complete tranquillity! The final push to L’Ecuelle Col (2420 m) was fairly steep. The col was the highest point of this hike. It was a warm but very windy day, and we descended a bit for our picnic. In the beginning, the southern side of the col was steep as well.

Eyssina massif

Combe Froide near L'Ecuelle

Northern flank of L'Ecuelle

Trail near L'Ecuelle

Descent from L'Ecuelle

How to jazz up Quinoa

 Cooked quinoa is a super healthy carbohydrate side to some simple meat or chicken and vegetables. But sometimes one wishes something a bit more adventurous than just cooked quinoa.

The following herb- olive oil- cherry tomato mixture can be added to still warm cooked quinoa making it much more interesting, like a warm quinoa tabbouleh.

2 servings

100 ml quinoa, pref. a mixture of white, red, and black quinoa

About 300 ml water

3 tbsp. tasty olive oil

A handful of chopped fresh herbs 

2 tbsp. sliced black olives

About 10- 12 cherry tomatoes, cut into smallish pieces

A dash of pressed garlic

Freshly ground black pepper

Cook the quinoa for 20 minutes. Then set aside and cover for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile wash and chop the herbs. Add to a bowl with the black olives, olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes. Grind over some black pepper and mix.

Fold this mixture into the cooked warm quinoa. In the photo, it is served with a roasted turkey escalope and steamed green beans.

Ubaye Valley: Col de Mary

Crossing Ubaye River

Ubaye River Maljasset

GRP trail above Maljasset

Steep section of GRP to Col de Mary

Easy stream crossing on GRP

Peaks west of Ubaye Valley

Crossing torrent Mary Valley

Midway to Col de Mary

Higher in Mary Valley

Col de Mary 2640 m

Upper Mary Valley

Col de Mary track

Spinach and pea frittata

Frittata is the Italian variant of the French omelette. It is usually cooked over a low heat until the underside is set but the top is still runny. It is then quickly grilled to set the top layer.

Frittata can be simply cooked in the oven, 180° C roast for about 25 minutes, until the eggs are set. This is my preferred effortless way of cooking frittata. All you need is a good, heavy non-stick oven-proof dish!

2 servings

2 handfuls of baby spinach leaves

1 small onion, thinly sliced

A handful of frozen peas

1 clove garlic, minced

4 large eggs

Olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 180° C roast.

Warm 1 tbsp. olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the onion and garlic for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the spinach and frozen peas and cook for 2- 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and until any moisture released by the spinach has evaporated.

Lightly oil a non-stick oven-proof dish with olive oil. Place the vegetables evenly in the bottom of the dish. In a bowl, beat the eggs with some black pepper. Pour over the vegetables and transfer the dish to the oven. Cook for about 25 minutes until the eggs are set.

Serve with a green side salad and some good whole wheat bread for a balanced light lunch.

"Shorter" loop above Tourrettes-sur-Loup

The following hike is basically a bit shorter variant of the previously posted long walk which started from the village (400 m) and included both summits. 

We drove up to le Caïre and parked by the narrow Route du Caïre at about 760 m elev. about 500 m before the auberge as they understandably don’t want their property to be used by hikers.

Route du Caïre is narrow, steep and potholed but negotiable with a normal car. Starting higher up meant over 300 m less climbing on a day when once again thunderstorm activity was forecasted in the afternoon. 

Near le Caire

Early summer greenery above the Riviera

Above le Caire

Puy de Naouri

Towards Puy de Tourrettes

Trail to Courmettes well visible

Courmes

Near Pic de Courmettes summit

Pic de Courmettes