Alpes Mercantour
Welcome to the Mercantour Alps, a unique region where Provence meets the high mountains. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track getaway, far from the crowded beaches of the French Riviera, you have come to the right place. This region offers authentic perched villages and the Mercantour National Park, a true paradise for hikers and lovers of unspoiled nature. You can observe ibex, discover crystalline high-altitude lakes and explore prehistoric sites that are unique in the world.
The must-see villages
Saint-Martin-Vésubie, nicknamed the “little Switzerland of Nice”, is your ideal starting point. The inhabitants still perpetuate mountain traditions there. In summer, don't miss the transhumance festival, when thousands of sheep pass through the village. I attended it last year: the sound of bells and the smell of wool create a unique atmosphere.
The village of Tende will surprise you with its blend of Italian and French influences. The colorful facades tell the story of this ancient border town. The Musée des Merveilles (Museum of Wonders) preserves archaeological treasures, including the mysterious rock engravings of the Vallée des Merveilles.
Roubion, perched at an altitude of 1336 meters, offers an exceptional view of the peaks. Its local stone houses seem to cling to the mountain. Shepherds still make goat's cheese here using traditional methods.
Belvédère, nestled in the heart of the Vésubie valley, is well worth a visit. Its baroque church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul houses remarkable frescoes. The village is also the starting point for many hikes to the mountain lakes.
Valdeblore, made up of three historic hamlets, will charm you with its authenticity. La Bolline, La Roche and Saint-Dalmas form a preserved architectural ensemble. In winter, the nearby resort of La Colmiane attracts skiers.
Isola, the last stop before the Col de la Bonette, combines tradition and modernity. The old village has preserved its narrow streets and period fountains. The Isola 2000 resort, located higher up, offers exceptional panoramic views of the Mercantour.
Focus on the Mercantour Park
The Mercantour National Park covers 68,500 hectares. You will find
Hiking trails for all levels
More than 2,000 species of plants, some of which are only found here
Exceptional wildlife including ibex, wolves and golden eagles
High-altitude lakes such as Lake Allos, the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe
The Vallée des Merveilles deserves a special mention. This protected site is home to more than 40,000 rock engravings dating from the Bronze Age. To get there, allow 4 hours of walking from the Merveilles refuge. A guide is compulsory to see the engravings up close.
In winter, the park is transformed into a playground for ski touring and snowshoeing enthusiasts. The resort of La Colmiane offers more family-oriented activities, with slopes suitable for beginners.
Practical advice
Best time: from June to September for hiking
Altitude: from 490m to 3143m (Mont Gélas)
Essential equipment: hiking boots, IGN map, water
Accommodation: mountain huts or lodgings in the villages
Reservations are required to visit the Vallée des Merveilles in summer.
Activities not to be missed
Climbing is an exceptional pastime here. The Gorges du Cians site offers more than 200 routes for all levels. Beginners will appreciate the climbing schools of La Colmiane and Roubion.
Mountain biking is booming in the region. The Auron area offers 180 km of marked trails, from family routes to technical descents. The resort organizes international competitions every summer.
For thrill seekers, canyoning in the Valdeblore gorges offers a unique experience. The cool water of the streams and jumps into natural pools are refreshing on hot summer days.
Families will enjoy the Alpha park, near Saint-Martin-Vésubie. This animal park allows you to observe wolves in their natural environment. The scenovisions tell the fascinating story of the cohabitation between man and wolf in the Alps.
Don't forget the aerial activities: paragliding from the Col de la Bonette offers a breathtaking view of the massif. First flights in a two-seater paraglider allow beginners to discover these spectacular landscapes from the sky.