Wonderful Mercantour

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.

Whether you want to follow the paths of shepherds, peddlers or customs officers, or be seduced by the splendor of nature, you'll find the pleasure of discovering an unspoilt territory in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. You'll find yourself immersed at the foot of the ultimate "3,000" of the Alpine arc, culminating in the discovery of the Vallée des Merveilles. This natural open-air archaeological site is one of the largest in Europe. You'll be seduced by engravings dating back over 4,000 years, with their mystical and mysterious atmosphere.

Detailed program:

* Day 1: Welcome at the gîte in the hamlet of Le Boréon, near Saint-Martin-Vésubie on the edge of the Mercantour National Park. Depending on arrival time, hike or visit to the Centre du Loup.

* Day 2: The Fenestre circuit. Overlooking the sanctuary of the Madonna, the eastern and western peaks of Fenestre frame this strategic passage between France and Italy. Here you'll find traces of an important military past, allowing us to take advantage of wide paths where progress seems easier and the eye can wander towards the grandiose peaks of the cirque de la Madone. Dinner and overnight at the refuge.

* Day 3: Lacs de Prals and Gordolasque valley. The well known "Lacs de Prals" or "Cinq lacs" itinerary takes you into the heart of the Mercantour on pleasant, easy trails. From the drop of La Valette (2496 m), gateway to the Gordolasque valley, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of the Haute Vésubie. Overnight in a gîte.

* Day 4: The Vallée des Merveilles. The Vallée des Merveilles isn't your typical hike. Here, shepherds have immortalized their pagan beliefs. Their worship of the deities of the mountains and the heavens - foremost among them the Bull God, master of lightning - has imbued the area with a magical atmosphere on glacier-polished rock. If you wish, you can join a tour organized from the refuge (optional), with a site specialist, who will help you discover the Merveilles engravings and introduce you to their interpretation. Night at the refuge.

Luggage: 1 light mountain bag for the night in the refuge. Your luggage will remain at the gîte for these 2 days.

* Day 5: La cime du diable. The most southerly significant summit in the Mercantour, the cime du "Diable" watches over the cirque des Merveilles to the north (optional ascent). Its evocative name recalls the cursed nature of this high mountain. To reach the Gordolasque valley, you'll also cross the Pas du Trem, whose etymology suggests terror and horror. For hikers, these names are now references to the beauty of the area. Night in a gîte.

* Day 6: In the heart of the 3000s. The first refuge built in the Mercantour massif, recently renovated and renamed "refuge Victor de Cessole", its discovery will add a historical note to your stay. Perched a few meters above the current building, you can see the old refuge built over a century ago (1902) on the initiative of Chevalier de Cessole. An unexpected encounter with a herd of ibex will complete this tour between rock and sky in the heart of the "3000" of the Haute Vésubie (Gélas, Malédie, Clapier).

Luggage: 1 light mountain bag for the night in the refuge. Your luggage will be transferred to the next refuge.

* Day 7: Le Pas du Colomb. Last stage on the GR52, between the high valleys of Gordolasque and Madone, at the foot of the Alps' last "3000". A final Alpine route before the end of your stay scheduled for around 3:30 pm at La Madone de Fenestre.

Tour details : https://www.allibert-trekking.com/voyage/alpes-francaises-randonnee-vallee-des-merveilles

Tour highlights :

Les Merveilles engraving site, Europe's largest open-air archaeological site, with 30,000 rock engravings dating back over 5,000 years

Overnight stays in high-altitude accommodation for an immersion experience in the heart of the National Park

A wide-ranging itinerary to discover the most beautiful valleys in the area

A multitude of lakes and the presence of ibex and chamois

Surprisingly colorful landscapes

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