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Considered one of the largest national parks in France, Mercantour alone spans two departments: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes. Rising to 3,143 metres in altitude, Mercantour National Park is a rich blend of ecosystems and breathtaking natural landscapes. How about heading there for your next holiday? It’s the perfect destination for lovers of wild, unspoilt scenery.
Before you set off, you can already book your stay at Camping L’Oasis du Verdon. Allow for a distance of 179 km by taking the Grenoble road. Now, let’s head to the must-see spots to explore within Mercantour National Park.
This is one of the park’s most remarkable archaeological sites. In total, the Vallée des Merveilles features nearly 40,000 rock engravings. They date back to 3300 BC. It is, in fact, the largest rock engraving site in all of Europe. The valley is listed as a Historic Monument.
Another natural gem to discover within Mercantour National Park, the Vens Lakes lie in the Tinée Valley. They were carved out at the foot of rocks and mountains. Located at 2,000 metres above sea level, the lakes are surrounded by a wide variety of flowers and plants.
Colmar-les-Alpes is a beautiful mountain village you’ll discover within Mercantour National Park. It boasts a charming, picture-postcard Alpine feel, which earned it the “Village et Cité de Caractère” label.
Stroll through its lovely narrow streets and admire its old houses. The village is surrounded by fortified walls that once ensured its protection.
Did you know? Mercantour National Park is home to the largest lake in the Alps and the European continent. Set at 2,200 metres above sea level, Lake Allos is renowned for its pure, crystal-clear blue waters. On a sunny day, you can clearly see the reflection of the towering peaks that surround it. It’s the very definition of a postcard view.
Lake Allos is also home to a wide range of wildlife. You may spot chamois, marmots, ibex, golden eagles, and more.
This is hikers’ favourite spot. Many organised walks in Mercantour National Park lead to the Col de la Cayolle. It’s a protected natural area that offers adventurers a breath of fresh air. You’ll find forests, meadows, and high alpine pastures.
Nicknamed the “Colorado of Nice”, the Daluis Gorges are located in the upper reaches of Mercantour National Park, more precisely in the Haut-Var Valley. This magnificent canyon was shaped over time by the Var’s mountain torrents. It’s an ideal place for rafting or canyoning in summer.
Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy breathtaking and dizzying views. The gorges owe their nickname to the striking cliffs and rocks that line the canyon.
Located in the La Vésubie area, the Gordolasque Valley offers truly remarkable scenery. Nature shaped these landscapes over almost 20,000 years. At the very beginning, this area was covered by immense glaciers.
This is a charming mountain village full of character. Saint-Martin-Vésubie is the gateway to Mercantour National Park.
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