The Mercantour in 4 days
The Mercantour mixes peaks above 3,000 metres, glacial lakes and hilltop villages already bathed in Mediterranean light. Walk to the prehistoric rock carvings of the Vallée des Merveilles, look for wolves at Le Boréon, hike to Lac d'Allos and cross valleys still recovering from Storm Alex.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- All day
Vallée des Merveillesfree · a full dayAround Mont Bégo, above 2,000 metres, some 36,000 engravings from the late Neolithic and Bronze Age show horned cattle, ploughs, daggers and human figures.
Day 2
- Morning
Alpha wolf park2 to 3 hAt Le Boréon, wolf packs live in large wooded enclosures that you watch quietly from hides, best early or late in the day.
- Afternoon
Saint-Martin-Vésubiefree · about 1 hThe last village up the Vésubie valley, at nearly 1,000 metres, main gateway to the national park and a summer resort since the 1860s.
- Late afternoon
Cians Gorgesfree · about 1 hThe Cians drops 1,600 metres in 25 km to the Var, cutting gorges through red schist and then limestone.
Day 3
- Morning
Lac d'Allosfree · about 1 hA glacial lake at 2,230 metres below Mont Pelat, up to 50 metres deep, often described as the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe.
- Afternoon
Cime de la Bonettefree · about 1 hFrance's highest paved road loops the summit at 2,802 metres; a short path climbs to the 2,860-metre top, with views over the Southern Alps.
- Late afternoon
Musée des Merveilles, Tendefree · about 1 h 30Opposite Tende station, original engraved rocks and casts explain the Bégo carvings and stand in for the hike when snow closes the trails.
Day 4
- Morning
Saorgefree · about 1 hStone houses stacked on the slope above the Roya gorges, linked by stepped lanes and vaulted passages.
Where to sleep in the Mercantour
- La Bonne Auberge · €90 a night
- Le Prieuré · €90 a night
Plan this trip
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