Stay "Stories and legends of the Valley of Wonders

Level 3: itinerary for walkers in good physical condition, on generally well-maintained and well-marked paths, with an average ascent of 700 m / 800 m and an average walking time of 5 hours

The medieval town of Tende is rich in treasures, thanks to its privileged location on the Salt Route. It also protects another treasure on its slopes: the Vallée des Merveilles. Two exceptional sites shelter rocks engraved by shepherds over 5,000 years ago at an altitude of 2,000 meters.

Where did these shepherds come from, attracted by Mont Bégo which towers 2872 m above the sea, and what did they want to achieve by engraving these inaccessible rocks?

A magnificent stay to discover the Mercantour Park, in an extremely friendly hotel***.

Detailed program:

* Day 1: Welcome at the hotel*** in Castérino and meeting with your guide at 6.30pm.

* Day 2: It was on the Fontanalba "chiappes" that Neolithic shepherds carved their first rocks. In the shadow of the Bego or on the banks of the Lac Vert or Lac Jumeaux, the Fontanalba site is a magnificent Mercantour hike, between larch forests, alpine meadows, peat bogs and rhododendron massifs.

* Day 3: The Peyrafique drop and the Italian forts.

In a cirque at the foot of the Roche de l'Abysse (2755 m), at the start of a military road lined with forts, you'll encounter lakes and enjoy magnificent panoramic views over the Mercantour park and its Italian twin, the Alpi Marittime park.

* Day 4: The Valley of Wonders.

5000 years ago, men (shepherds or shepherds, the mystery remains...) carved thousands of engravings on the stones at the foot of Mont Bégo (2872 m), a truly sacred mountain. Your guide, an expert on the site, will help you discover as many engravings as possible, and introduce you to the interpretation of corniforms, carriages and sorcerers.

* Day 5: This day in Valmasque gives us the opportunity to discover a new valley rich in lakes, flora and fauna. The Valmasque flows through the valley, cascading down to Julie's hut, and down to lakes Basto, Noir and Vert. Lunch at the refuge on the shores of Lac Vert.

* Day 6: An easy ascent of either cime de la Nauque (2207 m) or Paracouerte (2385 m), for a last glimpse of the Mercantour peaks or those of the neighboring Alpi Marrittime park. End of stay after the hike, around 3:30pm.

Tour details : https://www.allibert-trekking.com/voyage/alpes-francaises-randonnee-raquettes-mercantour

Tour highlights:

Exceptional setting with a wide variety of landscapes, lakes and wildlife

Prehistoric engraving sites

The wood-panelled hotel***: the bar, restaurant and small lounge are a real invitation to conviviality. In the evening, we'll spoil you with a choice of dishes

This service provider is a member of the Mercantour Écotourisme association, find out more here !