Péone walks

A lesser-known and less-frequented secondary summit of the Mercantour, located above the pretty village of Péone, the Tête de Méric nevertheless offers a magnificent panorama stretching from the Tours du Lac d'Allos to the peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles, via the Val d'Entraunes and the Gorges de Daluis. The final ridge allows you to gradually discover this panorama.

This two-day hike takes you up to Mont Mounier, a major and isolated peak in the Mercantour, via a circular route. After a fairly short first stage, an early morning ascent to the summit will allow you to enjoy clearer weather and perhaps spot a few chamois and marmots. The descent to the Pont d’Aygue Blanche will be very long (a 1,800-metre descent). Don’t hesitate to set off the day before from the Altifsurface to balance out the route.

This hike is the first stage of a two-day circular route leading to the ascent of Mont Mounier. Starting from the Pont d’Aygue Blanche near Péone, you’ll climb gradually towards the small plateau of the Montagne de l’Estrop, where you can camp in sheltered conditions. A stage through deciduous woodland and mountain pastures at the foot of the rocky ridge of the Montagne de l’Alp.

The walk takes place largely through woodland. Personally, I prefer to do it in the morning in spring, as it isn’t too hot yet.

Ideal for learning to ride a mountain bike, this ride, high above the resort, takes you to the hamlet of La Colle, the starting point for the walk to the marmot site, home to the Alps’ iconic animals. The route begins on a tarmac road and continues along a dirt track.

Starting from the Valberg Golf Club car park, a short (1h40) but intense trail marked as a Green Trail. Lac de Beuil invites you to take a break; you’ll enjoy the return via the Sentier Yoga on the balcony path.

A walk starting from Valberg that crosses the resort’s ski area and a wilder section towards the end. From the top of these peaks, a remarkably colourful landscape unfolds below, featuring the characteristic red rocks of the Cians and Daluis. You can also admire the 360° views of the peaks (Mont Saint-Honorat on one side, Le Mounier and the Cime Nègre above Valberg on the other, etc.)

This hike forms thesecond stage of the ascent of Mont Mounier. Starting from the Montagne de l’Estrop, you’ll climb to the Col de Crousette for a beautiful view over the valley of the same name and the Haute-Tinée. You’ll then reach the Mont Mounier ridge, which you’ll follow to the summit. The descent takes you through the hamlet of La Colle before climbing back up towards the Tête de Charnaye, then down again towards the altisurface, and finally the final descent to the Pont d’Aygue Blanche.

Nestled at the heart of rugged, untamed nature lies Mont Demant. Every step on its rocky slopes is a battle against gravity, a struggle against fatigue, but also a communion with a breathtaking landscape. As you climb, the view opens out onto deep valleys and distant peaks, silent witnesses to the courage required. Once you reach the summit of Mont Demant, silence reigns, broken only by the wind caressing the rocks. It is a moment suspended in time, where personal achievement blends with the immensity of the world. Conquering Mont Demant is not just about climbing a mountain; it is about pushing your own limits and experiencing the very essence of adventure.

A short, very easy trail, ideal for a family walk, in an area frequented by marmots.

Mont Mounier (2,817m) is one of the must-see peaks in the Alpes Maritimes: magnificent panoramas, 360° views from the summit, a beautiful ridge at the end, a fairly steady and easy 1,100m climb with views of the summit almost all the way.

A beautiful hike through woodland, featuring a monumental arch some fifteen metres high, a testament to a distant geological past, and Sauze, a small, isolated 13th-century mountain village, the outskirts of which are still farmed by a few die-hard farmers. The chapel at Sauze Vieux and its wooden table make a lovely spot for a lunch break, facing Mont Saint-Honorat.

From the Éguilles car park, at the end of the road of the same name, you will descend the Vallon de Challandre and then climb back up to the Plateau Saint-Jean with some beautiful views of the Gorges du Cians and the Tête de Rigaud towering above them. After a short detour to the Chapelle Saint-Jean chapel, you will cross the plateau with Mont Mounier in your sights.

A beautiful hike that will allow you to discover a lovely forest and a superb 360° panorama from the Cime de Raton. The ridge line that follows offers a succession of sweeping views with picture-postcard scenery. The route is not very busy.

A beautiful, long hike overlooking the Var valley, starting from Guillaumes. Difficult due to its length, it includes a very difficult section that is only suitable for experienced hikers who are not afraid to use their hands to climb over rocks. It is possible to avoid this section; see the Practical Information section. I recommend this hike in autumn to enjoy the beautiful colours of the vegetation.

This is a very pleasant hike which, after a covered climb, offers breathtaking views of the Daluis Gorges. The landscapes are magnificent, combining red, green vegetation and blue stone. Swimming in the Clue d'Amen is a very pleasant experience in summer. The abandoned hamlet of Amen is a major tourist attraction as it was a completely self-sufficient community for decades, with no other access routes than the hiking trails.

A superb hike offering stunning panoramic views of the Nice region’s ‘Colorado’. This hike can be completed in one or two days, with an overnight stay at the Roua campsite (see practical information).

A short, moderately challenging hike offering beautiful views of the Var, the Gorges du Daluis and the Pont de la Mariée. The route, which is rarely used, passes through a pine forest before reaching the natural arch at La Roche Trouée, a true natural treasure. On your return to Pont des Roberts, visit the village of Guillaumes, a charming village nestled in the heart of the Upper Var Valley.