Pont du Countet walks

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.

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

Discover the Gordolasque Valley and the Mercantour.

A very pleasant family walk in the Gordolasque Valley, with no particular difficulties and wonderful scenery.

The destination of a hike starting from Pont du Countet, the traditional entry point to the Vallée des Merveilles, Lac Long is relatively uncrowded and exudes an atmosphere of serenity in its rocky setting dominated by the elegant Cime de la Malédie. Reaching this lake allows you to enter a wild and mineral valley located near the very popular Refuge de Nice. Ibex and chamois will probably be your only companions.

This beautiful circular route takes you from valley to valley, each time revealing a new landscape, from a wild valley to the lakes around the Refuge des Merveilles in a stunning rocky setting.

Mont Clapier (3,045 m) is one of the five 3,000-metre peaks in the Alpes-Maritimes, and probably the most accessible. The ascent does not present any particular technical difficulties, but you do need a good sense of direction to navigate the scree slopes from the Lacs du Mont Clapier. At the summit, there is a superb panorama of the peaks from the Italian-Swiss border to Corsica, passing through the Po plain, the ever-isolated Mont Viso, and closer by, Mont Bégo, Grand Capelet, Gélas and Argentera.

Mont des Merveilles or Caïre des Conques is a peak located between the Vallée des Merveilles and the Vallée de la Gordolasque. This hike from Pont du Countet will take you up Pas de l'Arpette via Vallon d'Empuonrame. On the agenda: beautiful panoramic views of several lakes and the peaks of the Mercantour, as well as encounters with chamois and marmots if you're lucky.

This hike is mostly off-trail, with significant elevation gain, and is reserved for experienced walkers. The view from the summit of Grand Capelet, at the crossroads of the Gordolasque, Merveilles and Valmasque valleys, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Mercantour.Please take note of the practical information.

A very beautiful circular in one of the wildest valleys in the Southern Alps. It offers landscapes of rare beauty in an exceptional setting. The refuge is a welcome place to take a break. Keep an eye out for wildlife: chamois, marmots (outside hibernation period) and ibex.

This magnificent circular will take you to the two main peaks of the Vallée des Merveilles: Mont du Grand Capelet and Mont Bego. You will encounter numerous chamois around the Pas de l'Arpette and Lac Autier.