Guest house in Provence

Discover Mercantour National Park

The Mercantour National Park, established in 1979, is one of France’s most beautiful and well-preserved natural areas. It is also one of the most popular with hikers, offering over 600 kilometers of marked trails to explore its wildlife, flora, and diverse landscapes.

A vast territory between the Southern Alps and the Italian border

The park covers an area of 68,500 hectares, mainly in the Alpes-Maritimes, but also partially in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It runs along the Italian border and stretches across the high peaks of the Southern Alps, reaching its highest point at Mont Gélas (3,143 meters), offering breathtaking panoramas. To the east, it extends to the Ubaye Valley in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.

The Vallée des Merveilles: a unique archaeological site

One of the park’s major treasures is the Vallée des Merveilles, a prehistoric site of great significance. This valley holds over 40,000 rock carvings from the prehistoric era, offering a fascinating glimpse into human activity thousands of years ago.

Picturesque valleys and perched villages

The Mercantour National Park includes eight main valleys and numerous perched villages. Among the remarkable valleys are:

• Roya Valley: A spectacular valley with typical villages like Tende, and breathtaking wild landscapes.
• Vésubie Valley: An ideal location for hiking, home to charming villages like Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
• Vallée des Merveilles: Famous for its prehistoric carvings, it is one of the park’s most iconic sites.
• Tinée Valley: With its varied landscapes, from dense forests to alpine meadows, this valley offers magnificent panoramas.
• Ubaye Valley: Located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, it is perfect for nature lovers and towering mountains.

The park is also home to charming villages, such as:

• Saint-Martin-Vésubie: A typical mountain village, often considered the gateway to the park.
• Tende: Located in the Roya Valley, this historic village offers impressive mountain views.
• Moulinet: A small village in the Vésubie Valley, known for its traditional architecture.
• Saint-Etienne de Tinée: A mountain village nestled in the Tinée Valley, close to the Auron ski resort.

A varied climate and rich biodiversity

The climate in Mercantour National Park is predominantly alpine at high altitudes, but valleys close to the French Riviera enjoy Mediterranean influences, resulting in particularly diverse flora and fauna. It is a true haven for nature lovers, with landscapes ranging from dense forests to alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks.