Osiglia to Rocca dei Francesi via Colletta

The trail from Osiglia to Rocca dei Francesi is a demanding route from the shore of Lago di Osiglia — Liguria's largest reservoir, built in 1939 for water supply — through the hamlet of Colletta to a rocky ridge at 1,277 metres. The route crosses three distinct vegetation zones: valley-floor chestnut groves, mature beech forest between 900 and 1,100 metres, and summit grasslands with dwarf juniper. Rocca dei Francesi owes its name to Napoleonic troops who used it as an observation point during the 1795 battles. From the top, views stretch from the sea at Spotorno to the Alpine chain including Monviso and Monte Rosa on the clearest days. Total elevation gain exceeds 600 metres with steep sections near the summit. Recommended only for experienced hikers, from July to October, starting early to avoid summer afternoon storms.