Destination Castérino :

5 reasons to escape to the heart of the mountains this summer

Looking for fresh air, gentle adventure and family fun? This summer, the resort of Castérino is your destination! Nestling at an altitude of 1,550 metres in the Roya valley, this little gem in the Alpes-Maritimes invites you to get away from it all and savour the beauty of the Mercantour.

1. Breathe, you’re in Castérino

At Castérino, you can forget about stress and take a deep breath! Just 1h30 from Nice, this secret hamlet immerses you in grandiose, unspoilt nature. Larch forests, mountain pastures in bloom and high-altitude lakes create a backdrop worthy of a summer fairytale.

It’s also one of the entry points to the mythical Vallée des Merveilles and its thousands of rock engravings, fascinating witnesses to the Bronze Age.

Hike to Mount Bego, horse ride, mountain bike outing or relaxing break by the river: at Castérino, every activity brings you a little closer to nature. Even the youngest can explore the surrounding area with a donkey!

A peaceful village resort, Castérino can be enjoyed at your own pace, perfect for recharging your batteries, as a duo, a tribe or on your own!

Find out more

©7iv02255|Office de Tourisme Menton, Riviera & Merveilles

2. Outdoor activities at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park

Eager for a bit of adrenaline? Castérino and the surrounding area are full of activities to indulge in! Just 15 minutes away, the via ferrata de Tende is ideal for a mountain thrill above the Roya.

For mountain bike lovers, the mythical Haute Route du Sel invites you to pedal between Castérino, the Col de Tende and ancient Italian forts to discover breathtaking Alpine panoramas.

For even more thrills, head for the “Accro des Merveilles” climbing park, just a stone’s throw from the accommodation. For a fun time with family or friends, 11 courses, 150 fun workshops and long zip lines await you in the heart of the larch forest.

Finally, it’s impossible to stay at Castérino without hiking to the rock engravings from Fontanalba or the Valley of Wonders. Along the way, the atmosphere becomes almost mystical… On site, an approved guide will decipher the secrets of more than 4,000 Bronze Age engravings. A sporting, cultural and timeless experience.

Find out more

3. The simple joy of a family holiday in the mountains

At Castérino, everything is designed with families in mind. Children will love the walk to lac Vert, easy and fun, where they can come across a few frogs and above all the first rock engravings.

Another favourite: the hike with a donkey. The little ones climb on its back while the animal carries the picnic. A great way to explore the flower-filled meadows around the hamlet!

Eager for an original adventure? Opt for the Lubin’s Treasure Hunt, a life-size investigation through the hamlet, between mysteries, secret codes and discovering the link between man and wolf.

Finally, meet up in the late afternoon for a wildlife observation in the company of a guide. Between the whistling of the marmots, the majestic flights of the lammergeiers and the furtive passage of a chamois, you will experience moments worthy of a documentary… but in real life!

La Haute Route du Sel - Une route mythique aux paysages grandioses ⛰✨

4. New things to discover at Castérino this summer

Even if you’re already familiar with Castérino, prepare to be surprised!

This summer, the legendary Route du Sel is back in its entirety – a unique opportunity to run this historic route between France and Italy. The “Accro des Merveilles” park has been expanded to offer even more fun.

New trail routes have been marked out for nature lovers. And when it comes to soft mobility, everything has been thought out to make it easy for families to get around: electric bike hire, shuttles, adapted trails…The icing on the cake: a brand new educational adventure playground has just opened right in the centre. It’s fun, immersive and the perfect way to learn while having fun right in the heart of nature!

LEARN MORE

5. Authentic mountain experiences

At Castérino, the mountains are also experienced through their traditions.

Every summer, the Fête de la Transhumance brings the hamlet to life in a warm, festive atmosphere. Herds on the march, bells ringing, shearing demonstrations, food stalls… everything is designed to delight young and old.

Stroll through the village, taste the mountain specialities, chat with the locals or passing holidaymakers, all united by the same desire to experience an authentic moment.

At Castérino, the moments shared are simple, real and unforgettable. A break in the fresh air that’s already making you want to come back next summer!