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©Bouquetin Agneliere Crt Cote D Azur France Lionellecourtier1.jpg 1200px|Côte d'Azur France Tourisme / Lionel LECOURTIER

The Mercantour, an ecotourism destination

Discover ecotourism in the Mercantour with the Mercantour Ecotourism Association. Committed to preserving our heritage, the association offers you unique and responsible experiences. Hikes, tastings, wilderness accommodation: explore the Mercantour in a more authentic way!

The Mercantour Ecotourism Association for a benchmark ecotourism destination

The Mercantour Ecotourism Association brings together a network of players (accommodation providers, farmers, mountain guides, craftsmen, etc.) committed to protecting and promoting the natural and cultural heritage of the six Mercantour valleys. The aim is to make the Mercantour National Park a benchmark destination for ecotourism!

Working closely with the Mercantour National Park, the Mercantour Ecotourism Association has defined its ambitions in line with the principles of the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism, a benchmark for the implementation of sustainable tourism in protected natural areas in Europe. In order to guarantee balanced economic, social and environmental development of the territory, the member professionals are committed to offering visitors more responsible travel experiences based on the following commitments:

  • Guaranteeing the discovery of local landscapes, heritage and architecture.
  • Integrate the holiday destination and activities into the environment as far as possible.
  • To promote the environmental management of activities.
  • Promote mountain lifestyles and raise awareness of nature.
  • Offer an authentic encounter with the local people.
  • Link the content of the tourist offer to the area.
  • Favour soft travel and public transport.

Ecotourism Exploration in the Heart of the Mercantour : Know-how, Biodiversity and Authenticity

Immerse yourself in the heart of an exceptional protected area and discover the skills, biodiversity, heritage and villages that forge the identity of the region.

Hiking, snowshoe trekking, rock-climbing, exploring nature, discovering a high-altitude arboretum, donkey trekking, night-time visits to forts or tasting local produce – there’s a whole host of activities on offer to help you explore the Mercantour, while taking your time to contemplate.

Enjoy local cuisine in member inns and restaurants, and spend a night in the heart of nature in a refuge, bed and breakfast or self-catering gîte, where you’ll feel right at home.

Extending the experience

Would you like to extend your experience beyond a one-day activity?

Mercantour Ecotourisme also offers themed weekends and short breaks (Haute Tinée Bivouac Weekend, Gourmet Weekend – snowshoeing in a mountain chalet in winter) that can combine sporting activities, heritage discovery, gourmet delights as well as passing on knowledge and telling tales and legends.

The Mercantour National Park’s tour operators (travel agencies and accredited guide offices) are members of the Mercantour Écotourisme association, and are on hand to design tailor-made holidays!

YOU'LL LOVE IT TOO!