french-alps-hike-mercantour-national-park

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 4
Mon Roadbook App
Gite or Gite with dorms
Multi-day hike
Réf : E3N4
14 days from 1525 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • A high-altitude trek from the Southern Alps to the Mediterranean.

  • Alpine lakes nearly every day.

  • Easy train access from Nice Airport.

  • Wild valleys, high passes, lakes, and mountain wildlife.

  • A memorable finish on the beach in Menton.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

Thanks to the Grande Traversée du Mercantour, the mountains rising above the Côte d'Azur now have a long-distance walking route truly worthy of their beauty, their extraordinary natural richness and their remarkable history. This is a journey of striking contrasts, leading you from the high summits of the Southern Alps, across passes of over 2,600 metres, all the way down to the Mediterranean, before finishing on the beach in Menton, a charming seaside town on the French Riviera. Over 14 stages, this demanding trek offers an ever-changing immersion in some of the finest landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes and Mercantour National Park. Expect around 5 to 7 hours of walking each day, with wild valleys, high passes, alpine lakes, ancient villages and sweeping views that gradually draw you from the mountain world towards the sea.

Your travel options

Gite Gite with dorms From July 1st to September 30th

Gite

Without luggage transfer From 1525 €* Book / Enquire Devis

Gite with dorms From July 1st to September 30th

With luggage transfer From 1825 €* Book / Enquire Devis

* Minimum price for the current season, subject to availability based on 4 participants. (Price incl. VAT)

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To check out as well...

Itinerary

Level 4: An average of 6 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails or off trail, and/or 700 to 1000 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances of 15 to 18 kilometers.

Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 14 days
Luggage transfers : With luggage transfers
Lodging : Gite, Mountain Hut, Hotel
Guiding : Self guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : From July 1st to September 30th

Day by day

Day 1

Allos

Lodging : hotel. Meals not included.
Welcome to Allos, a small mountain village and ski resort set at 1,500 metres. Settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Dinner is not included this evening.
Day 2

Allos - Lac d’Allos - Estenc

Distance : 14,89 km (9.25 mi) - Ascent : 790 m (2.59 ft). Descent : 810 m (2.65 ft). 5,5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : About 30 mn.
After breakfast, a taxi transfer takes you to the Laus trailhead, the gateway to Mercantour National Park. Your first stage begins in spectacular fashion, on the shores of Lac d'Allos, Europe's largest natural high-altitude lake, framed by the jagged Tours du Lac peaks. The trail climbs to the Petit Col de la Cayolle, close to the imposing Mont Pelat, rising to 3,050 metres. From above the lake, continue to Lac des Garets before descending into the upper Var Valley and the hamlet of Estenc, on the Route des Grandes Alpes between Nice and Barcelonnette. Overnight in a mountain refuge.
Day 3

Estenc - Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage

Distance : 17,8 km (11,18 mi) - Ascent : 690 m (2.264 ft). Descent : 1070 m (3510 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The route from Estenc to Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage follows an ancient mountain crossing over the Col de Gialorgues, long used as a link between the upper Var and Haute Tinée valleys. On the upper Var side, the Vallon de l'Estrop feels remote and rugged, with a wild atmosphere heightened by the surrounding peaks.
By contrast, on the Haute Tinée side, the Gialorgues lakes are scattered at different levels between 2,300 and 2,500 metres. In fine weather, their clear waters turn a vivid turquoise, reflecting the jagged outlines of Fort Carra and Pointe Côte-de-l'Âne. You then descend to Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, a mountain village where the Sestrière and Gialorgues streams meet. Overnight in a mountain gîte.

Day 4

Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage - Bousiéyas

Distance : 18 km (11.18 mi) - Ascent : 1190 m (3.904 ft). Descent : 825 m (2.707 ft). 5.5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
This stage links Estenc to the hamlet of Bousiéyas, following part of the famous GR5 long-distance trail. In Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, tall houses with sundials and larch-shingle roofs cluster around the village centre, giving the village its distinctive character.
The trail then leads to Bousiéyas, the highest hamlet in the Alpes-Maritimes at 1,850 metres. Its mountain architecture already has a distinctly Alpine feel and is one of the highlights of the stage. Along the way, enjoy wide views from the Crête de la Blanche ridge, with a 360-degree panorama over the Haute Tinée Valley and the impressive Vens-Ténibre-Rabuons massif near the Italian border. Overnight in Bousiéyas.
Day 5

Bousieyas - Lac de Vens

Ascent : 1080 m (3543 ft). Descent : 580 m (1903 ft). 6.5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, lunch. Meals not included : dinner.
Today's stage takes you from the hamlet of Bousiéyas to the Refuge de Vens, beginning once again on the famous GR5 long-distance trail. The beautiful Vallon de Salso Moreno climbs towards the Morgon Pass, then continues to the Col de Fer and the Aiguilles de Tortisse. This is a striking mineral landscape, softened by high pastures and mountain lakes. The short descent to the Refuge de Vens is superb, with views over its seven lakes. Overnight at the refuge, in an exceptional setting.
Day 6

Refuge de Vens - St-Etienne-de-Tinée by the Chemin de l’Energie

Distance : 12.36 km (7.68 mi) - Ascent : 300 m (984 ft). Descent : 1400 m (4593 ft). 5.5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
The route begins by winding from lake to lake before reaching the Col des Babarottes. Above you, most of the peaks rise close to 3,000 metres, though only Ténibre, at 3,031 metres, exceeds this height. These summits form the border with Italy. After a final pause at Lac Pétrus on the scenic Chemin de l'Énergie, begin the long descent to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, passing through fir, spruce and then chestnut forests. Overnight in a mountain gîte.
Day 7

Isola 2000 - Refuge Questa (Italy)

Distance : 10,27 kmkm (6.38 mi) - Ascent : 680 m ( 2231 ft). Descent : 360 m (1181 ft). 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : About 30 mn.
A day of border crossings begins with a transfer to Isola 2000. The trail climbs via the Terre Rouge lakes to the Druos Pass, at 2,628 metres, north of Cime de Tavels and Mont Malinvern, the highest summit in the massif. Crossing the pass brings you into Italy and the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime. The descent leads past a string of lakes edged by magnificent paved paths, relics of the former hunting grounds of King Victor Emmanuel II, before a truly royal arrival at the Questa mountain hut.
Day 8

Refuge Questa - Le Boréon

Distance : 15,12 km (9.39 mi) - Ascent : 370 m (1214 ft). Descent : 1300 m (4265 ft). 5.5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
Climb to the Col de Préfouns, at 2,615 metres, a favourite haunt of ibex. The descent to Lac Nègre is magnificent, with the northern cirque framed by the Tablasses peaks. Continue through larch forest and open slopes of rhododendron to reach the Col de Salèse, at 2,031 metres. The final stretch follows the stream down to Le Boréon. Overnight in a mountain gîte.
Day 9

Le Boréon - La Madone de Fenestre

Distance : 12,9 km (8.03 mi) - Ascent : 1000 m (3281 ft). Descent : 1000 m (3281 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
As you pass Alpha Park, you may even catch a glimpse of wolves. The climb winds through larch forest before revealing a superb series of waterfalls. Pause briefly at the Cougourde refuge, or continue directly to Lac de Trécolpas, at 2,150 metres. If the day feels too short, keen walkers can climb the Cime de l'Agnelière for a glimpse of the sea. You then cross the Pas des Ladres, at 2,448 metres, before descending to the Madone de Fenestre refuge, where you spend the night.
Day 10

Madone de Fenestre - Refuge de Cessole

Distance : 6,4 km ( 4 ft) - Ascent : 755 m (2477 ft). Descent : 430 m (1411 ft). 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
From the Sanctuary of the Madone de Fenestre, the route opens onto superb views of the Cirque de la Madone and its surrounding peaks, a favourite area for climbers of all levels. The Cime du Gélas, the highest summit in the Alpes-Maritimes at 3,143 metres, dominates this rugged mineral landscape, with views stretching from the Alps towards the sea. This stage takes you beneath some of the highest mountains in the Mercantour, including La Malédie and Mont Clapier, both rising above 3,000 metres and visible from the Refuge de Cessole. Overnight at the Refuge de Cessole.
Day 11

Refuge de Cessole - Vallée des Merveilles

Distance : 9,7 km (5.77 mi) - Ascent : 830 m (2723 ft). Descent : 600 m (1969 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : mountain hut. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch.
This stage crosses the highest pass on the Grande Traversée du Mercantour, the Baisse du Basto, at 2,693 metres. The route then enters the legendary Vallée des Merveilles, or "Valley of Wonders", known for its 40,000 prehistoric rock engravings and often described as an open-air museum. The setting is remarkable, with ancient sedimentary rocks shaped by Quaternary glaciers and a palette of colours found nowhere else in the Alps. Scattered lakes, changing with the light and weather, add to the mysterious atmosphere of this captivating valley. Overnight at the Refuge des Merveilles.
Day 12

Refuge des Merveilles - Col de Turini - Sospel

Distance : 13.17km (8.18 mi) - Ascent : 700 m (2297 ft). Descent : 930 m (3051 ft). 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : gite. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 40 mn.
Today marks the transition from the high mountains to gentler, lower-altitude landscapes. At the start of the day, the majestic silhouettes of Mont Bégo and Grand Capelet still rise above the trail, before the route leads towards the more open alpine pastures of the Bévéra area.
The walk passes beneath the Cime du Diable, or "Devil's Peak", at 2,685 metres, just thirty kilometres from the Mediterranean as the crow flies. The trail then moves away from the mountain lakes and the Italian border as you continue south, gradually descending towards the coast. From Camp d'Argent, transfer by taxi to Sospel. Overnight in Sospel.
Day 13

Sospel - Menton

Distance : 13 to 18 km (8.1 to 11.16 mi) - Ascent : 400 to 750 m (1312 to 2461 ft). Descent : 1300 m (4265 ft). 4.5 to 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
End your holiday on the beach. Today, hiking boots and backpacks give way to swimwear for a memorable final stage. The route stays in the mountains for much of the day, with sweeping views towards the Mediterranean.

The descent is long, but unforgettable, as you move from fir forests to Mediterranean vegetation before finally reaching the seafront. Few treks offer such a dramatic finish. Explore Menton's old town, then head to one of its finest beaches. This stage can be shortened, either on the ascent or the descent. Overnight in a 2-star hotel. Dinner at leisure.


Day 14

Goodebye Menton

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Your trip ends after breakfast. If you have time, enjoy a final wander through Menton, from its old town and Saint-Michel Basilica to its beautiful gardens. Or simply take one last dip in the Mediterranean before heading home.


The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from july to september 2026

Gite
Price per person		Without luggage transfer
Single season
2 people1 shared room1685 €
3 people1 shared room1575 €
4 people1 shared room1525 €
5 people1 shared room1495 €
6 people1 shared room1475 €
  • Single season : From 01 July 2026 to 30 September 2026
Gite with dorms
Price per person		With luggage transfer
Single season
2 people1 shared room2285 €
3 people1 shared room1975 €
4 people1 shared room1825 €
5 people1 shared room1745 €
6 people1 shared room1685 €
  • Single season : From 01 July 2026 to 30 September 2026

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes
— All required transfers during the trip.
— Baggage transfers, if you selected this option, to mountain huts accessible by vehicle. Days 5, 7, 10 and 11 are excluded.
— Lodging with half-board (breakfast and dinner), from dinner on the second night to breakfast on the last day (excluding dinner on days 1 and 13).
— One roadbook for a group of two to four people.
— The "My Roadbook" mobile app to help guide you on your trip.

The price does not include
— Transportation to the meeting point at the start of your trip, nor from the final destination at the end of your trip.
— IGN Maps.
— Fees for a double room on day 4, day 6 and day 8: €185.
— Additional fees to expedite your reservation for all trips reserved less than 15 days before the start.
— Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Spending and other expenses during your trip
— Picnic lunches (from €3 to €6 per person when prepared on your own).
— Picnic lunches purchased through your accommodations (approximately €12 on average per day per person).
— Dinners on Day1 and Day13.
— Drinks.
— Tokens for hot showers in some refuges (between €2 and €4 per token, 2024 prices).
— Tips.

Currencies

France
France is part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.
Exchange rate

 


Italia
Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

During your trip

Travel documents

We provide one set for every four participants, which includes  a roadbook describing your itinerary and trip.
Each participant will have access on his phone to our "My Roadbook" app which includes an itinerary description as well GPS guidance.
You will have access to our 24/24 7/7 support hotline to assist you during your trip.

Transfers

Three transfers are included:
— D2: Allos to parking du Laus.
— D7: Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée to Isola 2000.
— D12: Camps d'Argent to Sospel.

Lodging

Five nights in mountain gite in dormitory, five nights in hut in dormitory, three nights in hotel in double or triple rooms. No single room on this trip.
Double rooms are available on days 4, 6 and 8 at extra cost and subject to availability.

Meals

Half boards except dinners in Allos and Menton that are not included. Picnics and beverages are not included.

Luggage transfer

Two choices are possible:
— Option "without luggage's transfers": You carry all your luggage throughout the tour.
— Option "with luggage transfers": You pick up your luggage every evening except D5, D7, D9, D10, D11 (three consecutive nights without luggage transfer).

Group composition

Two adults minimum.

What you need to know

Maps (not provided):
Parc National du Mercantour, Gallimard, 2011.
IGN TOP25 3540 OT - Barcelonnette
IGN TOP25 3639 OT - Haute Tinée - Auron - Parc du Mercantour
IGN TOP25 3640 ET - Haute Tinée - Isola 2000 - Parc du Mercantour
IGN TOP25 3741 OT - Vallée de la Vésubie
IGN TOP25 3841 OT - Vallée de la Roya
IGN TOP25 3741 ET - Vallée de la Bevera - Parc National du Mercantour
IGN TOP25 3742 OT - Nice - Menton - Côte d'Azur

Required before leaving

Formalities

France

American, Canadian, Australian and British Travellers

Visa Requirements

  • No visa is required for American, Canadian, British or Australian citizens for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area (France, Italy and Switzerland included).

Passport Requirements
Travellers must hold a passport that:

  • is valid upon entry, and
  • remains valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

It is strongly recommended to ensure a minimum of 6 months' validity prior to expiration to avoid potential boarding refusals by airlines.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Exempt Countries

The following nationalities may enter the Schengen Area for tourist stays of up to 90 days without a visa :
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong (HKSAR passport).

Entry conditions for these travellers are identical to those applicable to American or British nationals:

  • no visa required,
  • passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Required Countries

Travellers holding passports from China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and other South and Southeast Asian countries must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa prior to travel, including for stays of less than 30 days.

  • Visa applications must be submitted to the relevant French, Swiss or Italian consular authorities in the traveller's country of residence. Processing times may vary.
  • Passports must be in good, undamaged condition (no tears, stains, staples, clips, or other alterations).
Important Notice:
The information above is provided for guidance only and may change according to decisions made by the French, Italian or Swiss authorities.
Please consult official sources before travelling. 

Italia

American, Canadian, Australian and British Travellers

Visa Requirements

  • No visa is required for American, Canadian, British or Australian citizens for stays of up to 90 days within the Schengen Area.

Passport Requirements
Travellers must hold a passport that:

  • is valid upon entry, and
  • remains valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.

It is strongly recommended to ensure a minimum of 6 months' validity prior to expiration to avoid potential boarding refusals by airlines.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Exempt Countries

The following nationalities may enter the Schengen Area for tourist stays of up to 90 days without a visa :
Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong (HKSAR passport).

Entry conditions for these travellers are identical to those applicable to American or British nationals:

  • no visa required,
  • passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure date.

Asian Travellers - Visa-Required Countries

Travellers holding passports from China, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, and other South and Southeast Asian countries must obtain a Schengen short-stay visa prior to travel, including for stays of less than 30 days.

  • Visa applications must be submitted to the relevant French, Swiss or Italian consular authorities in the traveller's country of residence. Processing times may vary.
  • Passports must be in good, undamaged condition (no tears, stains, staples, clips, or other alterations).
Important Notice:
The information above is provided for guidance only and may change according to decisions made by the French, Italian or Swiss authorities.
Please consult official sources before travelling. 

Health

France

Routine Vaccinations:
Travellers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, according to national guidelines :

  • Tetanus - diphtheria - pertussis (Tdap)
  • Measles - mumps - rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Seasonal influenza
  • COVID-19

These vaccinations are generally recommended for all adults.

Altitude and Physical Effort
Our tours involves sustained daily effort and includes sections at moderate altitude. Travellers are advised to :

  • ensure they are in adequate physical condition,
  • consult a healthcare professional in case of medical conditions potentially affected by altitude or exertion,
  • bring all personal medication required for the entire duration of the trip.

Dentist and general physician:
We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.  

Food and Water Safety
In these area, tap water is safe to drink and hygiene standards are high.
Nonetheless:

  • wash hands regularly,
  • use a clean reusable water bottle,
  • avoid drinking untreated natural water sources without proper filtration or purification.

Italia

Routine Vaccinations:
Travellers should ensure that their routine vaccinations are up to date, according to national guidelines :

  • Tetanus - diphtheria - pertussis (Tdap)
  • Measles - mumps - rubella (MMR)
  • Polio
  • Seasonal influenza
  • COVID-19

These vaccinations are generally recommended for all adults.

Altitude and Physical Effort
Our tour in Italy involves sustained daily effort and includes sections at moderate altitude. Travellers are advised to :

  • ensure they are in adequate physical condition,
  • consult a healthcare professional in case of medical conditions potentially affected by altitude or exertion,
  • bring all personal medication required for the entire duration of the trip.

Some tips for staying healthy:
Tap water is mostly good for drinking all other the Alps. Unless notified as not, you can consider it as drinkable. Even if they are recyclable we request you consider the waste impact of your bottles.
Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it's far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. 
Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best! 

Dentist and general physician
We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 4

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking at least once per week (around 15km to 18km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (350m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity to build endurance.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • A broad-spectrum antibiotic.
  • An antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal tablets, an intestinal antibiotic, and an antiemetic (for nausea or vomiting).
  •  Cough medicine (in tablet or pill form).
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips, non-stick bandages, and an elastic bandage.
  • An antiseptic.
  • A phlebotonic.
  • Sunscreen and a burn cream.
  • Eye drops.
  • Other: tweezers, scissors, 2 or 3 safety pins, a tick remover, a pair of latex gloves, sleeping pills (mild) and/or earplugs, any personal medication. See the paragraph on “Health” for indications on specific medications for altitude sickness, malaria, etc.
  • Iodine or other similar tablets to purify water.

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.

Extend your trip

Additional nights

Vous pouvez réserver des nuits supplémentaires avant ou après votre voyage.
  • Menton
    • Hotel 2 star : from 65 to 120 € (depending on the season and / or service chosen)
      • Double room, single room, twin room
      • B&b
Price per person