Col de Péas (GR58) from les Fonts (Cervières)

Col de Péas


For day hikes, the numerous mountain passes in the French Alps offer good and safe options. Many long distance (GR) trails cross the cols.

We chose to drive to Les Fonts de Cervières (2040 m) at the end of the  D89T road. We have previously used this popular starting point for our hikes. The GR 58 runs via the hamlet.

Les Fonts
Les Fonts
Start of GR58 Les Fonts
Start of GR58 Les Fonts
GR58 along Cerveyrette Torrent
GR58 along Cerveyrette Torrent
Pic de Rochebrune
Pic de Rochebrune
Col de Péas 15min away
Col de Péas 15min away
Almost at Col de Péas
Almost at Col de Péas
Rocky steep stretch of GR58
Rocky steep stretch of GR58
Back to Les Fonts
Back to Les Fonts

Our goal was Col de Péas (2629 m), south of Les Fonts. It was a straightforward itinerary along the GR58 with white/red markings. After having crossed a wooden bridge in Les Fonts, we reached the GR58 and headed south. With such a high starting point, we soon reached a high alpine environment where Pic de Rochebrune (3320 m) dominated the landscape on our right-hand side.


We reached an intersection where a trail forked right to Lac des Cordes. We continued straight and came to a steeper section of the trail where some surefootedness was required when climbing, and especially during the descent. Some patches of snow were still present by the trail in late July near the col.

The mountain pass comprised wide alpine meadows notably on its southern side. It was a great stop for our picnic. Several other hikers were recuperating there as well.


We used the same trail back to our starting point.


Climb: 650 m
Distance: 8,3 km
Duration:  4 h
Map: Briançon Serre-Chevalier Montgenèvre 3536 OT

Col de Péas track


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Courgettes and red onions with ricotta

 

Courgettes and red onions with ricotta


Sometimes in the South of France The spring lingers before suddenly turning into full summer. Tomatoes and paprikas are still not in season but we have plenty of courgettes. 

The following recipe makes a nice and flavourful lunch and does not require much effort. Serve it with some good country bread and a green side salad for a balanced meal.

The culinary roots in Nice are almost half Italian so Italian products are widely available in our shops. I have used the sweet and sour Toscoro Crema con aceto balsamico di Modena as a flavouring. If you don’t find it in your shops you can use balsamic vinegar di Modena and add a bit of sugar.

2 servings

2 regular long courgettes or 4 small

4 tbsp. olive oil

1 red onion, peeled and finely sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

2 tbsp. Toscoro Crema con aceto balsamico di Modena

½ tsp. Piment d’Espelette or other mild chilli powder

250 g ricotta

Fresh basil leaves to decorate


Warm 3 tbsp. olive oil in a sauté pan over medium- high heat. Wash and slice the courgettes. Fry them for 4- 5 minutes on both sides until golden brown. Then remove with a slotted spoon on to a plate.


In the same pan, fry the red onion for about 10 minutes. Remove the heat to medium- low and add the garlic. Keep on stirring and frying until the onion is soft.


Add the courgette slices back to the pan. Season with Toscoro Crema and Piment d’ Espelette and stir.


Divide the courgettes and onion on the plates. Divide the ricotta in the middle of the plates and sprinkle with the remaining olive oil. Scatter with basil leaves and serve.


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