Mercantour National Park

Mercantour National Park: a breath of fresh air

Located between the coast and the mountains, Mercantour National Park is an outstanding alpine destination, boasting large mountain pastures, crystal-clear lakes, protected larch woodlands and a diverse variety of flora. Mercantour National Park is a peaceful haven, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and home to an abundance of wildlife for hikers to enjoy, as long as they are prepared to take their time. You can’t fail to fall in love!

A National Park

What does that mean?

This means that due to its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and cultural importance, it is a protected conservation area. By protecting an area’s biodiversity and beauty, a national park contributes to mankind’s overall quality of life, both now and in the future. First listed in 1979, Mercantour National Park is one of eleven national parks in France. Covering an area of 1,801 km², it includes six valleys, each with its own special character, namely Verdon, Var-Cians, Ubaye, Tinée, Vésubie and Roya-Bévéra. As part of its sustainable development policy, the park’s main objectives are to gain a better understanding of its biotopes and ecosystems by conducting flora and fauna inventories and counts, to manage the number of visitors and, most importantly, to share this precious natural area with others by creating a place of respect.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Mercantour Park has successfully launched several programmes to introduce or reintroduce a number of endangered species including the ibex and the bearded vulture. This is a wonderful way to encourage biodiversity!

Mercantour National Park

full of things to see and do!

Take a look at the park’s fun-packed programme! During the summer season, there is no shortage of things to do. All as appealing as each other, in addition to its incredible biodiversity, they hold the key to what makes this park so special. Follow the trails of the park’s animals, observe birds of prey and bats, see films about the park’s wildlife and geology, and enjoy listening to tales and legends under the stars… Youngsters will have fun observing and drawing these amazing creatures. And best of all? Hiking off the beaten track with experienced park guides, who can reveal the treasures of this natural world.

Fontanalba Valley:

The Voie Sacrée (The Sacred Way)

Just as impressive as its neighbour the Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders) , Fontanalba is located in the heart of Mercantour National Park. With rural landscapes and wonderful flora including orchids, lilies, gentians and anemones, the area is a paradise for those who appreciate nature in its purest form. Picture chamois and ibexes perched on jagged rock faces, and marmots peeking out from the midst of spring flowers at the Gias des Pasteurs. All along the Voie Sacrée and open to the sky, a vast reddish stone can be found, displaying rock engravings from the Neolithic period. No, you’re not dreaming! This place really does exist and is waiting to be discovered!

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The Valmasque Valley

lakes, waterfalls and larches…

The majestic Valmasque Valley with its lakes of many colours! Walk through a setting filled with magnificent larch trees providing shelter. On reaching higher ground, the scenery opens up and the Valmasque refuge comes into view, blending perfectly into the lunar landscape of the Lac Vert. Mountain goats, who rarely shy away, regularly come with their young to drink from its waters. And if you’re adept at moving without making any noise, marmots may even come up to greet you. A magical experience! But, be warned, it’s easy to lose track of time here!

Castérino

a summer and winter paradise

Located at the entrance to the Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders) , the small hamlet of Castérino offers an exceptional setting for mountain enthusiasts. During the summer, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can enjoy hiking around the lakes and walking alongside streams, in this wonderful natural wilderness. The amazing Merveilles Treetop Adventure Park will appeal to all ages. At the Lac des Grenouilles (Frog Lake), the nightly croaking will lull even the hardiest of hikers to sleep. In winter, amid a stunning backdrop of larch and pine trees, the landscape turns to white and offers a host of mountain delights such as sledging, snow trekking and backcountry skiing. If you’re after a genuine mountain experience, look no further. Everything you need is right here!

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IMPORTANT TO NOTE

Following the passage of storm Alex, access to the hamlet of Casterino has been modified. Please contact the tourist information office in Tende: 04 83 93 98 82 or tende-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr.

To reach the Roya Valley

Roya Valley Access
Having been severely impacted by Storm Alex, the Roya Valley and its villages are now ready to welcome you this summer! Road and rail links have been developed to offer you the best possible experience.
Roya Valley Access

Trail Conditions

within Mercantour National Park

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Escape

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Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders)

Roya Valley

The Bévéra Valley