Cime du Diable, Mountain summit in Alpes-Maritimes, France.
Cime du Diable rises to 2685 meters (8810 feet) and sits in the southern part of Mercantour National Park, roughly 40 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. The mountain features steep ridges and is connected to several neighboring peaks that define this alpine zone.
The area contains military installations from the world wars, including Fortino dei Tre Comuni built in 1898 to defend the Franco-Italian border. These fortifications served strategic purposes across multiple conflicts and shaped how the region developed.
The name translates to Devil's Peak in Italian, a reference rooted in local folklore about the mountain's supposed supernatural properties. This naming tradition reflects how mountain communities historically interpreted dramatic alpine landscapes.
The route starts from Tueis refuge parking area and follows marked trails through Punta dei Tre Comuni and several mountain passes on the way to the summit. The climb is demanding and requires sturdy footwear and experience with alpine conditions.
From the summit, you can see both Monte Bego and Monte del Grand Capelet, with views reaching across the Franco-Italian border territories. This panorama reveals the mountain's position as a natural dividing line between the two countries.
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