Dominating the Sanctuaire de la Madone, the eastern and western peaks of Fenestre frame the pass of the same name, a strategic passage, being a weak link (2,474 m) of the border ridge linking the Haute Vésubie with the Italian Val Gesso.
There are the traces of an important military route, and consequently the paths are broad and travel easy, with great views over the grandiose peaks of the Cirque de la Madone. Once frequented by the Romans, the Benedictines and the Dukes of Savoie, the Col de Fenestre has,throughout history, complemented or replaced the neighbouring Col de Tende, an easier route, given that it is notably less high (1.871 m).Linking the villages of Entracque and Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie, Col de Fenestre enables the exploration of the Italian Piedmont, with the snowy peaks of the Val d’Aoste in the distance (Cervin, Mont Rose...).
