Vallée des Merveilles (The Valley of Wonders)
Mont Bégo
and its surrounding archaeological area
Mont Bégo rises to 2,872 metres. As the mountain was often identified as a way of reaching the gods, it is likely that, at that time, Mont Bégo would have been considered as ‘sacred’. Prehistoric Man would have engraved the rocks along the mountainside to mark the place as a holy sanctuary. Listed as a Monument Historique since 1989, the archaeological area of Mont Bégo’s rock engravings, which straddles the “Vallée des Merveilles” (The Valley of Wonders) and Fontanalba, is therefore likely to be a significant testimony to an ancient cult.
Nature
and Biodiversity
As you walk through the “Vallée des Merveilles” (The Valley of Wonders) you find yourself surrounded by a colourful landscape of glacier-polished rock (the “Ciappe”), interspersed with mountain lakes. The iconic “Vallée des Merveilles” (The Valley of Wonders) offers visitors mineral landscapes with a stark and rugged beauty, while Fontanalba is more lush, featuring a rich array of flora.
As far as fauna is concerned, there is also a great deal of protected wildlife in the region, which is part of Mercantour National Park. Keep your eyes and ears open and you’ll discover that chamois, roe deer and ibex are never far away!
UNIQUE
While the site is renowned for its engravings, it is much less known for its origins, which date back to well before the time of dinosaurs. Yet footprints reveal that a small lizard with thin legs was already roaming the site some 250 million years ago!
Hiking
in the “Vallée des Merveilles” (The Valley of Wonders)
Hiking is only allowed along the designated paths in the conservation area of the engravings, where some engraved images can be viewed, together with information panels. But there is nothing like a comprehensive tour of the site led by a Mercantour National Park-approved guide, who will take you literally off the beaten track. You’ll get to see some of the most significant engravings, as well as learning about the archaeological theories behind their meaning.
Visiting
a Protected Site
It goes without saying that this natural and cultural site is among the most important conservation areas that need to be protected, at all costs. Note that using a metal walking stick, carving on rocks, touching or walking on rock engravings, or using non-biodegradable products, (including washing powders and shampoos) are all strictly prohibited. Furthermore, within Mercantour National Park, visitors are not permitted to bring their domestic animals, pick plants, build campfires or fly drones.
Plan a stop off at
the Musée des Merveilles
The Musée des Merveilles in Tende makes for the perfect complement when visiting the archaeological site and engravings. An exciting innovative and entertaining display will help everyone to fully appreciate all the different aspects of this period of history. Contributing to the conservation and development of this unique archaeological heritage, the museum presents a vivid reconstruction of the life of the valley’s first inhabitants. Not to be missed.
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.
