{"id":1024,"date":"2026-04-08T12:25:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:25:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/verdon\/mercantour-national-park\/"},"modified":"2026-09-25T12:01:12","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T10:01:12","slug":"mercantour-national-park","status":"publish","type":"verdon","link":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/culture-visits-verdon\/mercantour-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Mercantour Park"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"diaporama-header align-full\"><div class=\"gallery\"><figure class=\"gallery__item\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/header-mercantour-420x280.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 210px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/header-mercantour-850x567.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 420px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/header-mercantour-768x512.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 850px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/header-mercantour-1024x683.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/header-mercantour.webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1025px)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/header-mercantour-420x280.webp\" width=\"420\" height=\"210\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"diaporama-header__inner\"><div class=\"group resa\"><p><ctv-searchbar><\/ctv-searchbar><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><nav aria-label=\"breadcrumbs\" class=\"rank-math-breadcrumb\"><p><span class=\"last\">Home<\/span><\/p><\/nav>\n<div class=\"group sec-25\"><h1 style=\"text-align: center;\">Must-See Attractions in <span class=\"fc-span\">Mercantour National Park<\/span><\/h1><p class=\"mini center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"  >Considered one of France\u2019s largest national parks,<strong> the Mercantour spans two departments<\/strong>: the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes. Located at an elevation of 3,143 meters, the Mercantour National Park is a treasure trove of ecosystems and spectacular natural landscapes. Why not make it your next vacation destination? It\u2019s the perfect spot for lovers of wild landscapes.   <\/p><\/div><div class=\"columns\"><div class=\"columns__item\"><h2>Mercantour National Park:<span class=\"fc-span\"> Places to Visit<\/span><\/h2><p   id=\"73\" >Before setting off, you can book your stay at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"73\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Oasis du Verdon campground right now .<\/a> Plan on a 179-km drive via the Grenoble route. Now, let\u2019s head to the must-see sites in the Mercantour National Park. <\/p><h3>The Valley of Wonders<\/h3><p    >It is one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the park. In total, the Vall\u00e9e des Merveilles contains nearly <strong>40,000 rock engravings<\/strong>. They date back to 3300 BCE. In fact, it is <strong>the largest rock engraving site in all of Europe<\/strong>. The Valley is designated a Historic Monument.    <\/p><\/div><div class=\"columns__item\"><div class=\"gallery fade-left\"><figure class=\"gallery__item\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-mercantour-420x280.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 210px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-mercantour-850x566.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 420px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-mercantour-768x512.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 850px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-mercantour-1024x682.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-mercantour.webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1025px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-mercantour-420x280.webp\" width=\"420\" height=\"210\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"group sec-25\"><h3 class=\"h2\" style=\"text-align: center;\">The Lakes <span class=\"fc-span\">of Vens<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"mini center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"  >This is another natural wonder to discover within the Mercantour National Park. The Vens Lakes are located in the Tin\u00e9e Valley. They were carved out at the foot of the cliffs and mountains. Situated at an altitude of 2,000 meters, the lakes are surrounded by a wide variety of flowers and plants.   <\/p><\/div><div class=\"columns reverse-mob\"><div class=\"columns__item\"><div class=\"gallery fade-left\"><figure class=\"gallery__item\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-du-mercantour-420x236.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 210px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-du-mercantour-850x478.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 420px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-du-mercantour-768x432.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 850px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-du-mercantour-1024x576.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-du-mercantour.webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1025px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/parc-du-mercantour-420x236.webp\" width=\"420\" height=\"210\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"columns__item\"><h3 class=\"h2\" style=\"text-align: right;\">The Village <span class=\"fc-span\">of Colmar-les-Alpes<\/span><\/h3><p  style=\"text-align: right;\"  >You\u2019ll discover a beautiful mountain village nestled within the Mercantour National Park. Colmar-les-Alpes exudes <strong>picturesque, mountain charm\u2014<\/strong> qualities that have earned it <strong>the \u201cVillage and City of Character\u201d designation.<\/strong> <\/p><p  style=\"text-align: right;\"  >Explore its beautiful narrow streets and historic houses. The village is surrounded by a fortified wall that protects it. <\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"group\"><h3 class=\"h2\" style=\"text-align: center;\">Lake Allos, the largest lake <span class=\"fc-span\">in the Alps and in Europe<\/span><\/h3><p class=\"mini center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"  >Did you know? The Mercantour National Park is home to the largest lake in the Alps and in Europe. Located at an elevation of 2,200 meters, Lake Allos is known for its pure, crystal-clear blue waters. On a clear day, <strong>you can clearly see the reflection of the towering peaks that surround it.<\/strong> It\u2019s a picture-perfect scene. Lake Allos is also home <strong>to a multitude of animal species<\/strong>. Among them are chamois, marmots, ibex, and golden eagles\u2026     <\/p><\/div><div class=\"columns\"><div class=\"columns__item\"><h3 class=\"h2\">The Col <span class=\"fc-span\">de la Cayolle<\/span><\/h3><p    >It\u2019s a favorite spot for hikers. Many of the hikes organized in the Mercantour National Park lead to the Col de la Cayolle. It is a protected natural area that offers adventurers a breath of fresh air. There are forests, meadows, and high alpine pastures.   <\/p><\/div><div class=\"columns__item\"><div class=\"gallery fade-left\"><figure class=\"gallery__item\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-verdon-420x280.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 210px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-verdon-850x566.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 420px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-verdon-768x512.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 850px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-verdon-1024x682.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-verdon.webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1025px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-verdon-420x280.webp\" width=\"420\" height=\"210\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"group\"><h3 class=\"h2\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span class=\"fc-span\">The Daluis<\/span> Gorges<\/h3><p class=\"mini center\" style=\"text-align: center;\" id=\"845\" >Nicknamed the \u201cColorado of Nice,\u201d the Daluis Gorges are located in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, more specifically in the Haut-Var Valley. It is a magnificent canyon carved out by the torrents of the Var River. It\u2019s ideal for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/activities-sports-verdon\/rafting-canyoning-verdon\/\" data-type=\"activites\" data-id=\"845\">rafting<\/a> or canyoning during the summer. Once you arrive, you\u2019ll be treated <strong>to a view that\u2019s both breathtaking and dizzying<\/strong>. The Daluis Gorges owe their nickname to their sheer walls and the rocks they contain.    <\/p><\/div><div class=\"columns reverse-mob\"><div class=\"columns__item\"><div class=\"gallery fade-left\"><figure class=\"gallery__item\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-parc-420x250.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 210px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-parc-850x506.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 420px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-parc-768x457.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 850px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-parc-1024x610.webp\" media=\"(max-width: 1024px)\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-parc.webp\" media=\"(min-width: 1025px)\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mercantour-parc-420x250.webp\" width=\"420\" height=\"210\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/picture><\/figure><\/div><\/div><div class=\"columns__item\"><h3 class=\"h2\" style=\"text-align: right;\"><span class=\"fc-span\">The Gordolasque<\/span> Valley<\/h3><p  style=\"text-align: right;\"  >Located in the La V\u00e9subie region, the Gordolasque Valley offers remarkable landscapes. Nature has shaped them over nearly <strong>20,000 years<\/strong>. In the beginning, there were immense glaciers.  <\/p><h3 style=\"text-align: right;\">Saint-Martin-V\u00e9subie<\/h3><p  style=\"text-align: right;\" id=\"https:\/\/www.mercantour-parcnational.fr\/fr\" >It is a beautiful village with plenty of character and a mountainous atmosphere. Saint-Martin-V\u00e9subie is <strong>the gateway to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mercantour-parcnational.fr\/fr\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.mercantour-parcnational.fr\/fr\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Mercantour National Park<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p><\/div><\/div>\r\n        \r\n        <div class=\"buttons between\">\r\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/activities-sports-verdon\/le-sentier-de-limbut\/\" class=\"buttons__btn\">\r\n                    Imbut Trail                <\/a>\r\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/discovering-the-region\/palud-sur-verdon\/\" class=\"buttons__btn\">\r\n                    Palud-sur-Verdon                <\/a>\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    \r\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3072,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/verdon\/1024"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/verdon"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/verdon"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.oasis-verdon.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1024"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}