Mercantour walks

Beautiful day hike. Varied scenery, névés, scree, lakes, everything you need to have fun.

This is a fine route with the beautiful Lac de Trécolpas at the foot of the Pas des Ladres. Please note that following storm Alex, the start of the hike on the right bank is no longer possible and must therefore be made on the left bank.

A hike to discover four glacial lakes among chamois, ibex and marmots!

The Millefonts lakes hike will take you to no fewer than five lakes at the foot of the Mercantour. The Col de Barn offers breathtaking views of the Molières valley and the lakes.

A beautiful loop in the Gordolasque valley that takes you close to five lakes, including the superb Lac Autier and Lac Niré. There are also some beautiful waterfalls, including the vast Cascade de l'Estrech. Numerous chamois can be seen throughout the hike. A few ibex and marmots can be spotted below the Lac de la Fous dam.

A magnificent hike in the Haute-Tinée offering varied panoramas and one of the most beautiful series of lakes in the Mercantour! The climb from Le Pra is gradual and easy, with the Cime de la Bonnette behind you. You then pass under the strange Aiguilles de Tortisse before arriving at the Col du Fer (view of Mont Viso). After the Collet de Tortisse, you arrive at the arch, where you can enjoy a splendid panorama of the Lacs de Vens and the peaks of the Trou de l'Âne!

This round trip will give you a 600m elevation gain in 4 hours and allow you to enjoy this magnificent lake. Moderator's addition on 22/07/2021: Please note! Access to the lake is now impossible due to damage caused by Storm Alex. See the reviews at the bottom of this page

The Pissoun waterfall is a pretty waterfall that is easy to access. This circuit around the valley via the Portes de l'Enfer and their cliffs offers beautiful forest and pastoral landscapes and the trail is relatively easy.

A beautiful family hike with the chance to see marmots just a few metres from the path (from the start and also at the lake).

The Bessons Lakes are among the most beautiful and airy in Boréon. The striking glacial relief, with the passage of barriers defending this cirque, is truly awe-inspiring.

A pleasant hike with no major difficulties, featuring a superb ridge walk and, as a reward, a visit to Fort Charvet. Built between 1883 and 1890, this fort occupies a rocky promontory overlooking the confluence of the Tinée and Var rivers.

This short loop takes you past Lac des Adus, then continues a little further towards Pointe des Adus and returns via theGR®52. Mainly in the forest, it is very pleasant in hot weather, especially as you can swim in the lake.

This small natural lake is little known to hikers. Surrounded by greenery, it is very pleasant and peaceful.

A beautiful loop around the Fenestre valley with Lake Fenestre as its centre point.

A charming circular hike that can be done at the start of the season (June) when there is still snow. Chamois are often seen (early in the morning). The lake area is very pleasant and offers many options and views for picnics.

A round trip to this high-altitude lake located in a cirque at the foot of the Chevalier (2,886 m). The trail overlooks the Terres Plaines valley and its endless shades of green.

One of the main sites in the Mercantour, Lac Nègre offers the reward of a sudden view of a rocky high mountain landscape that contrasts with the peaceful forest climb that precedes it. The Pas du Préfouns is the viewpoint of the Préfouns valley with the Aiguilles de Questa on the Italian side and the Lac Nègre cirque on the French side.

It is the 3000m peak renowned as the easiest in the Southern Alps. To the north, it overlooks the glacial site of Lac d'Allos, the largest high-altitude lake in Europe at 2,227 metres. Mont Pelat, in the Mercantour National Park, is the highest point in the Haut Verdon.

This area with its four fortifications located at high altitude was the scene of fierce fighting, both in 1793 when the French invaded the County of Nice, and in April 1945, during one of the last battles between the German army and the Allies. These stone and cement structures, bearing multiple cannon and gunshot marks, bear witness to the violence of these final confrontations.

Cime Viglino enjoys a privileged location. At an altitude of 2,910 metres, it cannot compete with the nearby Mont Clapier (3,051 metres), which offers its most beautiful façade and an impressive view of its glacier. The view to the west is obscured by this superb neighbour, but there is still a breathtaking panorama to the north as far as Mont Viso and to the south as far as the sea. From this promontory, you can dream and meditate on the hikes to be made in the valleys below.

This is a wild hike with no directional signs, as is often the case in the Alpes de Haute Provence. No major orientation difficulties. It begins with a long descent towards Lac des Sagnes in an area of summer grazing where sheep are present from the end of June. The presence of guard dogs requires vigilance, even if they are not all naturally aggressive. The climb back up to Lac de Pelouse is first through larch trees, then through alpine meadows. Beyond that, you need to join the rocky trail below the Crête de la Tour with a few exposed and somewhat degraded sections until you reach the Col de Pelouse. The final section is not difficult.

This trail allows you to discover a little-visited valley in the Mercantour: you can see marmots and chamois here. The landscape is very varied, alternating between coniferous forests, meadows and ridges which, in good weather, offer views of the peaks of the Mercantour, Queyras and Écrins.

This magnificent French-Italian hike allows you to discover the middle and upper reaches of the Mercantour: pastures, ungulates, lakes and panoramic views. This hike has a significant elevation gain and includes an exposed section between the Pas du Bœuf and the Col de la Guercha: not recommended for anyone who is afraid of heights or unsure-footed in the mountains.

This is a beautiful circuit that allows you to discover the valleys of Gouitrous and Ponset, including the Lacs de Prals, Mont Ponset and the Cime de Paranova. You will see many chamois and marmots throughout the circuit.

This route begins in woodland where wild strawberries grow, followed by an unusual, little-used canal, before joining the GR®5. The beautiful village of Roure is well worth a visit: original wash house, fountains, a wealth of renowned local heritage.

This is a beautiful circuit that allows you to discover the Baus de la Frema and Mont Pétoumier with incredible views of the Argentera and Gélas massifs, then the Lacs de Millefonts with the final climb to Mont Pépoiri, which offers an extraordinary panorama of the entire Mercantour and the middle country.

A very fine walk in the middle country of the Alpes Maritimes, alternating between open views and coniferous forests. The 360° panorama from the Lauvet d'Ilonse is well worth the diversions: you can see the whole of the Mercantour and the main peaks of the mid-country.

A short drive from St Dalmas le Selvage you will find this beautiful walk through meadows, woodland and up to rocky peaks.

A beautiful walk to a secret valley with a lush green meadow surrounded by rocky mountain peaks.