©Festival De Lecotourisme 2025 Poster Menton Riviera Merveilles

Ecotourism Festival

in Castérino

May 31st and June 1st 2025 at Castérino : An Ecotourism Experience to discover, learn and celebrate

In the green paradise of Casterino, this second edition of the festival promises a memorable experience! Join us in celebrating a greener, more conscious future, and leave with unforgettable memories. Take advantage of this extended weekend for an immersion in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. Between family hikes, outdoor activities and discoveries of local produce, Castérino is the ideal place to celebrate in a natural and soothing setting.

Admission is free, but don’t forget to plan your adventure!

🤝 This festival is organized by the Office de Tourisme Menton, Riviera & Merveilles, in partnership with the Mad Jacques.

The Program

🎉 Rendezvous on May 31 and June 1, 2025

🕐 Free entry
€ Free entertainment

Saturday May 31st : From 12h00 to 2h in the morning
Sunday June 1st: 10am to 5pm

Coming soon 👉 the detailed program of workshops, animations and the DJ evening. Stay informed!

Practical info

In the heart of the Mercantour National Park

A springtime interlude

At the Castérino Ecotourism Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the unique biodiversity of the Mercantour Park. Set off on a hike with a naturalist guide to discover the local flora and fauna, while enjoying unforgettable moments with family and friends. Whether you’re a nature lover or an avid hiker, Castérino offers a soothing experience conducive to relaxation and discovery. You can also enjoy free yoga sessions in the fresh air!

The Festival de l’écotourisme à Castérino offers you a beautiful escape just a few hours from Nice, Monaco or Menton.

©Mad Jacques Trek Roya 2024 Atelier Alexandre Leroy

A committed festival

Creative and local encounters

The Castérino Ecotourism Festival celebrates local commitment and puts the spotlight on artisans from the Roya Valley and the entire destination.
Creative workshops will be organized free of charge to enable you to discover local know-how. Artistic, sensory or manual, come and have fun and discover your own talents!
The festival is a real showcase for local crafts and a commitment to responsible tourism.

All workshops are free!

Savour the terroir of the Roya Valley

A responsible gourmet getaway

At the Ecotourism Festival, discovering local flavors is at the heart of the experience. Take a stroll through the farmers’ market to sample local produce, or settle in at the inns to savor dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients.

Meet our producers to sample authentic products such as honey, cheeses, olive oil and mountain herbs.

Leave with a gourmet souvenir to share at home, while supporting eco-responsible tourism.

©Festival De Lcotourisme 2024 Menton Riviera Merveilles Produits Locaux @otc Rotated

accrobranche-activite-pleine-nature-accro-des-merveilles-nicolas-simmen.jpeg — ©Nicolas Simmen

Children’s special

Several activities and discoveries are available for the whole family:

Accrobranche de Castérino, with its zip lines
Bracelet workshop
Treasure hunt organized by Parc du Mercantour

New for 2025: Our climbing wall!

Take part in the Trek Roya Mad Jacques

Menton, Riviera & Merveilles has teamed up with the Mad Jacques, a trek-type sporting event offering a choice of 2 formulas:

5-day trek: May 28 departure from Fontan-Saorge, with bivouac in La Brigue. 2nd bivouac on May 29 in Tende.
🥾4 days walking
Short3-dayoption: May 30 departure from Tende in the morning (to be added halfway along the route). Bivouac at Col de Tende on May 30.
🥾 2 jours d’emarche

👉 The Trek ends in Castérino on May 31 at midday, and the experience continues with the Ecotourism Festivalover the weekend!

Whatever the duration you choose, each itinerary promises an unforgettable experience! Ready for the challenge?

Registration for TREK Roya Mad Jacques

How do I get there?

With your own vehicle: park along the road. Carpool if possible!

By public transport, using the usual Zest lines. From Menton :

By train
1st Train from Menton (SNCF station) to Ventimiglia 👉 Timetable and ticket purchase. Change at Ventimiglia station and take the 2nd Italian train to Cuneo 👉 Timetable
By bus
Take the 25 bus from Menton (Gare routière) to Tende (⏱️, 2 hours). Then Castérino – Tende by bus 23.

Sleeping in

A bivouac will be organized by the Mad Jacques for all trekking participants. Possibility of bivouacking with them.
Book hotels and inns in Castérino as soon as possible!
You’ll also find hotels and self-catering accommodation in the Roya Valley:

On-site catering

Restaurants in Castérino’s inns: traditional dishes will be prepared especially for the occasion by the innkeepers at a single price.

Please bring cash with you (no cash dispenser on site).

FAQ

1. Are there any paid activities?
Most activities are free of charge. Charges may apply for special events and mountain bike hire, for example.
2. Can I take part in the workshops without booking?
For free activities, we suggest you consult the schedule and arrive between 10 and 20 minutes in advance, to maximize your chances of participation. To take part in paid activities, you need to book in advance with the suppliers.
3. Are pets allowed?
Pets are welcome, but must be kept on a leash within the festival grounds.
4. Are there any special measures for people with reduced mobility?
The festival strives to be accessible to all.
5. How can we contribute to the eco-responsibility of the festival?
We encourage car pooling, the use of reusable water bottles and respect for waste sorting practices.
6. What ecological measures are taken during the festival?
We focus on reducing our ecological impact, in particular by managing waste and making the most of local service providers.
7. Can I buy local produce to go?
Yes, the farmers’ market offers a variety of local products that you can buy and take away. The same goes for the artisans.

©Mad Jacques Trek Roya 2024 Solene Aboud 191

©Mad Jacques Trek Roya Victor Dubas 221|Qm

©Mad Jacques Trek Roya 2024 Alexandre Leroy 742|© Alexandre Leroy

©Mad Jacques Trek Roya Victor Dubas 174|Qm

This festival is organized with the support of the Communauté d’Agglomération de la Riviera Française, the Mercantour Ecotourisme association, the Parc National du Mercantour, the town of Tende and the ZEST French Riviera transport network.