Mercantour Reflections

Rich, varied, and equally as stunning as anywhere else in the whole of the Alpine chain, the area boasts a unique combination. That of rugged soaring peaks and ridges rising to over 3000 metres on the Italian border, from which the valleys drop down and culminate in typical Provençal countryside & witness the change in eco-systems from Alpine to Mediterranean, all within a radius of 30km!

The Mercantour is blessed with more than 100 lakes at high altitude. These glittering lakes are the remnants of glacial activity eons ago. The turquoise colour of the lakes and the reflection of the surrounding mountains are a sight to behold.

In the spring when the high passes are clear of snow you can walk from valley to valley admiring the shimmering water, among carpets of alpine flowers. In the autumn the scenery changes its mantle as the larches turn to brown creating a mini New England in the South of France.

Chamois, and ibex are a regular sight, as are the noisiest creatures in the Park, the marmots, best enjoyed in the spring when they awaken from their winter slumbers. The increasingly rare mouflon can also be seen with a little luck and patience.

In the air golden eagles are regularly seen, and occasionally the magnificent lammergeier vulture.

Itinerary / Highlights

Day 1- Arrive Berthemont les Bains for gite accommodation or pick up in Nice.

Day 2 - La Madone de Fenestre. Cime de l'Agnelliere via Pas de Ladres.

Day 3 - Valdeblore - Lacs des Millefonts - Col du Barn and the Téte des Margés ridge.

Day 4 - Free day. Excursions to Nice can be arranged, or there are short day walks starting at St Martin Vésubie or Berthemont.

Day 5 - Salèse - Téte Sud des Bresses from the Salèse valley, with magnificent views of the Alpes to the North, including, on a clear day, Mont Blanc.

Day 6 - Le Boréon - Lacs Besson and the Haute Boréon. Cime Guilié if conditions allow.

Day 7 - La Gordolasque - Lac Autier, and the Baisse du Basto.

Day 8 - Depart from Berthemont les Bains gite, or drop off in Nice.

Other Details

Accommodation Details

On all our Mercantour based trips you will either stay in our gîte at La Zourcière, or if you choose our B&B or half board options we are very pleased to work with local hotels or chambres d'hôte in the area.
Gîte

Enjoy the beautifully secluded situation of La Zourcière in the small hamlet of Berthemont les Bains in the Vésubie valley. The gîte sits on the ground floor of the house and is fully self contained. There are shops about 10 minutes drive from the hamlet, and an organic farm just 200m down the road from the house.

Other options:-
Hotel or Chambre d'Hôte:-
Le Grand Chalet is a homely chambre d'hôte run by Christine and Luc and is situated overlooking the small village of St Dalmas Valdeblore. A good week of outdoor activity is well fuelled by Christine's great cooking, crafted from home made (mainly organic and local) ingredients. Vegetarians are welcomed.

Hotel Saint Sébastien is situated in just outside the small town of Roquebilliere. Again, family run, with large airy rooms, and has a restaurant and outdoor pool.

Le Chalet or La Bonne Auberge are situated in the town of St Martin Vésubie, a thriving small community that has been the centre of life in the valley since the 12th century. There are plenty of local shops and restaurants to choose from, and the Bonne Auberge has its own restaurant.