| Duration | Start | Level | Ideal season |
| 4 days + 4 nights | Mesches Lake | Difficult | June to September |
Adventure 7Magic hike
Why do we love it?
A wilderness experience in the Mercantour Park
Incredible prehistoric rock engravings
The special, almost mystical atmosphere
Day 1
The Vallauria silver mine
The hike begins at Lac des Mesches, surrounded by larch trees. Follow the small wooded paths to reach the hamlet of La Minière. This authentic miners’ hamlet will be your base camp during your stay. Leave your belongings at the Gîte Neige et Merveilles and head off to see the Gias, prehistoric shelters hidden in the forest.
Distance covered: 3 to 8 km depending on your arrival time
Difference in altitude: D+ 200 to 500 m / D-60 to 300 m
Effective walking time: 1 to 4 hours, depending on your pace
Overnight accommodation Gîte Neige et Merveilles, La Minière.
Good to know
In the wake of storm Alex, we strongly advise you to take a guide with you. With him, avoid detours and discover the valley’s most beautiful spots.
Day 2
Fontanalba Valley or Valley of Wonders
Total immersion in the Mercantour National Park! Welcome to a paradise of flora and fauna. Here, the Saxifraga only blooms once in fifty years, the orchids are wild and the birds multicolored. From the Fontanalba refuge in the north to the Merveilles refuge in the south: a wilderness bath for everyone!
Distance covered: 8 km
Difference in altitude: D+ 800 m / D-400 m
Effective walking time: 4h30
Overnight stay: Refuge de Fontanalba or Refuge des Merveilles
Day 3
Protohistoric engravings at the Merveilles site
A day full of color and emotion. The vast expanses and mineral nature of Mont Bégo. The sacred path and its long slab of orange schist decorated with 284 engravings, the green lake and its wild rhododendrons, the Roche de l’Éclat, Christ, the tribal chief, the Sorcerer… to make sure you don’t miss anything and understand everything about these incredible prehistoric engravings, we strongly recommend you leave with a guide.
Distance covered: 8 km
Difference in altitude: D+ 400 m / D-900 m
Effective walking time: 4h00
Overnight: return to the Neige et Merveilles gîte via the mountain pastures.
Good to know
In the Fontanalba and Merveilles valleys, the most emblematic rock engravings, such as the Sorcier, are located off the authorized trails, on protected sites. If you’re on your own, you can explore the engravings close to the trails, but off-trail you’ll need a guide, as access to the site is protected and regulated.
Day 4
Tende and its Musée des Merveilles
Say goodbye to the mountain gods, the village of Tende awaits you. Pick up your car at Lac des Mesches and enjoy a well-earned break on the terrace. Finish in style at the Musée des Merveilles.
Distance covered: 15 km
Difference in altitude: D+ 500 m / D-1100 m
Effective walking time: 4h30
Small gestures and good reflexes
The Valley of Wonders lives up to its name and, like all wonders, it is fragile:
- I bivouac in a dedicated area
- I use a stick with a rubber tip
- I stay on marked trails or take a guide
What if I don't like walking?
Looking for a thrill?
Try a via ferrata. The ones at Tende and La Brigue give you a bird’s eye view of the valley.
Saddle up, rider!
This tour can be done on horseback, with itineraries spanning several days. For more information, contact Horse and Ventures: horseandventures.com
Who to contact
Orgaya Agency
Phone: 06 13 25 01 82
Mercantour Guides Office
Tel.: 04 93 04 67 88
Our good addresses
The Fontanalba refuge
Refuge de Fontanalbe, 06430 Tende
Tel: 04 93 04 89 19
Refuge formula: dormitory or rooms, shared bathroom
For hikers passing through: omelettes, salads, drinks…
Le Gîte Neige et Merveilles
Route de Castérino, Hameau de la Minière, 06430 Tende
Tel: 04 93 04 62 40
Gîte option: rooms for 2 to 4 people, private bathroom
Refuge option: dormitory with shared bathroom
Access
By car, park at Lac des Mesches. Access to Lac des Mesches is subject to conditions: please contact the Tende Tourist Information Office on 04 83 93 98 82 before setting off.
All set? Lace up your shoes, grab your bag and set off to discover our corners of paradise.
