Mercantour National Park: a night at high altitude

Would you like to spend a night at high altitude with the stars in your eyes? The refuges of Mercantour National Park are the perfect place to recharge your batteries and share an enjoyable time with others. Perched at an altitude of over 3000 metres, you'll rediscover a taste for the simple things and community life.

Located between the Alps and the Mediterranean, Mercantour National Park boasts unique landscapes. Total immersion in a refuge gives the opportunity to appreciate this spectacular natural environment both by day and at night. At the end of the day, the light of the setting sun gives way to the glowing moon and stars. Tucked away in one of these shared havens, where closeness with others ensures a friendly atmosphere, you'll enjoy some exceptional scenery.

The refuge: a warm-hearted experience

Experiencing refuge life means agreeing to living sparingly while respecting the principles of living together in harmony. Informing wardens about your stay ahead of time means they can manage provisions and feed all their guests. To enjoy the authenticity and beauty of the National Park's landscapes, everyone must pay particular attention to the environment: sound waste management, sparing water use and low electricity consumption are at the heart of refuge life. Remember to recharge your phones or cameras before your stay because electricity can be limited at high altitude!

Walking by the Lakes of Vens (altitude 2 300 metres)

The five natural Lakes of Vens are breathtakingly beautiful. They flow into each other in the heart of the Haute Tinée. Around these azure jewels, you can admire the beautiful waterfalls flowing down the glacial valley. The area is rich in wildlife, you can find Golden Eagles, Bearded Vultures and Alpine Marmots. Early risers may come across Chamois, Red Deer, Roe Deer, or even wild sheep in spring.

Escaping to the Cayolle Pass (altitude 2 320 metres)

The Cayolle Pass is a breathtaking viewpoint for any visitor. Straddling the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, Cayolle Pass connects the Ubaye valley in the north to the Var valley in the south. Cayolle Pass is the starting point for a number of footpaths so hikers like to make the most of it as soon as it opens in summer. It's also a popular spot for cyclists, having featured in the Tour de France route on three occasions.

Treat yourself to a goumet break at Valmasque Refuge

Mountains work up an appetite! The refuges offer their guests tasty dishes prepared by the warden using local, organic and seasonal produce. At Valmasque Refuge, take the time to enjoy the mountain specialities, especially as everything here is home-made. For instance, you can try a delicious bilberry tart together with a drink brewed just a bit further down the valley.