©Côte d’Azur France Tourisme / Lionel Lecourtier

Discover the Mercantour National Park, a naturally authentic area

If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery, the Mercantour National Park is for you! On the border between France and Italy, the Mercantour National Park boasts an exceptional heritage. With over 550 kilometres of footpaths, hikers will discover panoramic views of the Mediterranean stretching as far as the eye can see. Ranging in altitude from 300 to over 3,000 metres, the Park covers eight valleys with unique identities and an extraordinary wealth of vegetation: the Roya, Bévéra, Vésubie and Tinée, the high valleys of the Var, Cians and Verdon, and the Ubaye. The biological wealth, scenic beauty, cultural interest and historically preserved character of this area justify special protection.

Parc National du Mercantour: preserving biodiversity

In the Parc National du Mercantour, ibex, chamois, mouflons, marmots and birds are to be encountered at the bend of a path!

The Park’s primary mission is to protect and enhance the natural environments, flora, fauna, as well as the cultural heritage and landscapes that surround it. The “National Park” designation is recognised throughout the world as the highest level of quality and protection for natural areas. With this in mind, the Mercantour National Park is providing you with an atlas listing all the wild species observed by its staff since it was created in 1979.

Each new observation feeds the data sheets for each species in real time, which you can consult in a bid to share and enrich knowledge of Alpine biodiversity.

Discover Biodiv'Mercantour!

Esprit parc national, a brand inspired by nature!

Launched in 2015, the Esprit parc national brand is inspired by the values it embodies: commitment, sharing, respect authenticity and vitality. The brand highlights products and services designed by businesses committed to preserving our heritage. Organic farming, agriculture, promotion of local breeds and varieties… the emphasis is on short circuits and the local economy. This eco-responsible philosophy can also be found in the tourism sector. Whether it’s in the accommodation, the restauration, site visits or discovery activities, the ideas stays, companies limit water and energy consumption, sort waste, encourage soft mobility, and promote local products and know-how. All of this is designed to raise visitors’ awareness of the virtues of nature-friendly practices.

The Esprit Parc National brand!

Charming landscapes and verdant surroundings for an unforgettable stay

For a restful stay as close to nature as possible, many gîtes boast the Esprit parc national label. At the Relais des Merveilles, the sound of birdsong will gently wake you up. When night falls, take the opportunity to admire the Milky Way. You’re sure to feel totally disconnected from everyday life.

The Gîte d’étape de Bousieyas is one of those little mountain café-restaurants with a warm atmosphere and a friendly welcome after a good day’s hiking! For birds of a feather or a longer stay, five cosy nests await you at Le Chant du Mélé.

The table d’hôtes is prepared using local produce to rediscover forgotten flavours. At Ferme Saint-Joseph, it’s in the heart of a pretty orchard that you’ll find all the comforts to stay.

Discover Esprit Parc national accommodation!

A night in a refuge, a unique experience of immersion in the heart of unspoilt nature

If you have the soul of an adventurer and you’ve decided to embark on the great Mercantour traverse that links the high mountains to the sea over nearly 200km passing through breathtaking landscapes, or if you’re more the 2 or 3-hour hiking type, you’ll need to take a breath of fresh air in one of the many refuges that inspire conviviality and claim an authentic soul.

Enclosed by the highest peaks and their eternal snows, the refuge de Nice will offer you a pleasant stopover on its panoramic terrace overlooking the Lac de la Fous. Whether you’re more into hiking, mountaineering, fishing or ski touring, you’ll find something to suit you at the refuge de la Valmasque.

At the foot of Mont Clapier, you can walk between mountain lakes and reach the refuge des Merveilles. The refuge de Vens is one of its magical spots where a waterfall flows through an ancient glacial cirque. In short, unique experiences to rediscover a taste for the simple things.

Find your refuge in the Mercantour!

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This summer, explore the Mercantour by train or bus!

Say goodbye to crowded car parks and stressful mountain roads, and free your mind by relaxing on transport while admiring the scenery.

In the Mercantour valleys, you can now enjoy magnificent hikes in the National Park without needing your car.

The mobility network in the region is well-developed, with trains, buses and tourist shuttles offering travellers a convenient alternative to the car. Each valley is linked to the urban centres by a regular bus service, and rotations are often more frequent in summer.

Regional trains such as the Train des Merveilles and the Chemins de Fer de Provence also provide access to the mountains and allow you to discover the local heritage.

Summer tourist shuttles and transport on demand are also available to take you to specific sites, including hiking starting points.

Sites accessible this summer include Gordolasque, Boréon, Castérino, Estenc, Larche/Le Lauzanier, Val d’Allos, Saint Dalmas Le Selvage, as well as Pra Loup, Valberg, La Colmiane, Isola 2000, Auron, and many others.

For more information, check out the links in the e-brochure below or contact the Tourist Offices.