Auron: Bois Gaston Ridge

In Auron, we wanted to explore a less frequented trail on a picturesque ridge, Crête de Bois Gaston. It turned out to be a good and efficient morning exercise.

Sauma Longa viewed from Auron

Start in Bois Gaston

Bois Gaston Ridge

Mont Mounier in the south

We drove to the upper large paved parking (~1650 m) which was almost empty. We walked along a wide dirt track (easy ski slope in winter) to signpost #18, forked left and started to climb in Bois Gaston which mainly comprised a larch wood. The trail was good but very steep and in fact climbed continuously about 400 m before levelling off. Higher up, clearings gave us some very nice views down to Auron. Mont Mounier became visible in the south.

Bois Gaston Ridge higher up

Tinée Valley in morning haze

Mont Tenibre and Corborant

Bois Gaston Ridge steep trail

At about 2070 m, the trail (yellow markings but only here and there) turned left (southwest) and we briefly entered a wood before reaching 2125 m and the ridge next to Sauma Longa (or Sauma Longue; signpost # 17), a small wintertime mountain restaurant now deserted.

We returned along the same trail.