Moulinet: Hiking Trails, Mountain Landscapes and Cultural Heritage

Moulinet can be explored through three distinct themes: mountain landscapes, marked hiking trails and cultural heritage. The upper Bévéra Valley crosses the municipality from north to south. The area is mountainous, with an extensive valley basin at its centre, cut through by tributary streams. The municipality covers 4,107 hectares, and Moulinet is located in the Parc national du Mercantour. This offers different ways to plan your trip: you can get to know the area through its landscapes, marked trails or individual cultural sites.

Hiking on marked trails

From Moulinet, marked hiking trails of varying difficulty are available, including PDIPR and Grandes Randonnées (GR) routes. When choosing a trail, you can refer to its stated difficulty level and route. One trail described in detail is the Sentier des aromates: it starts at Moulinet’s football pitch and follows the Saint-Louis track to the Peïra-Cava bridge. The Chapelle Saint-Michel is close to the trail, and the route also offers views of the Authion mountain ranges. Before setting off, check local trail conditions, especially if you have a particular route in mind.

Military history and religious traditions

The Camp de Cabanes Vieilles offers a glimpse into another part of Moulinet’s history. Construction began in 1889, with extensions added in 1905 and 1912. Today, the remains of 15 masonry buildings can be seen there. The camp can be visited free of charge in summer, in good weather. Before visiting, check whether conditions are suitable for your planned date.

The Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Menour originally dates back to the 11th century and remains a pilgrimage site for the people of Moulinet. Mass is celebrated there three times a year—on Easter Monday, Whit Monday and 8 September. The chapel is reached by a monumental staircase. Its interior is closed to visitors, but can be opened on request through the Moulinet municipal administration.

The Chapelle Saint-Michel is also located on a hiking loop near Moulinet. It is estimated to have been built between the late 11th and 13th centuries. Visiting arrangements therefore vary: summer and good weather are relevant for the camp; access to the interior of the Menour requires a request, while Mass is held on three recurring dates.

Two pumpkin dishes

Boussotou is a large ravioli filled with white pumpkin from Moulinet. Boussotou, filled with white pumpkin from Moulinet, differs from Pissare, a tart made with salted, coarsely grated pumpkin that is still served at family and traditional celebrations. The two names refer to different shapes and preparations: a stuffed ravioli on the one hand, and a pumpkin tart on the other.

Discover more destinations: Bairols, La Turbie, Entraunes, Biot, Carros, Le Bar-Sur-Loup, Utelle, Bézaudun-Les-Alpes

For the broader travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.