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About

Mercantour National Park, locally known as Parc national du Mercantour, is located in the southeast part of the country. It is found within the Aples-deHaute and Alpes Maritime provinces.

The national park covers an area of 264 square miles (685 sq km) and features seven valleys. The valleys are Bevera, Cians, Roya, TInee, Vesubie, Ubaye, and Verdon. Cime du Gelas is the third tallest summit in the Maritime Alps reaching a peak of 10,311 feet (3,143 m).

Mont Bego is a mountain with a summit of 9,423 feet (2,872 m), however, in addition to its atheistic beauty, there are approximately 37,000 petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age.

There are over 2, 000 species of flowering plants scattered throughout the national park. Hikers and trekkers will probably see one of the goat-antelopes known as a chamois with several thousand living within the boundaries of the protected area.

Other wildlife includes red deer, roe deer, rabbits, boards, wolves, buzzards, and the famous golden eagles. The golden eagle is a tremendous predator species who is known for capturing and flying off with sheep, antelope, and other similar size prey.

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Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park

Things to See

Mercantour National Park is a tremendous place to hike, climb, and trek through nature experiencing the abundance of valleys, mountains, canyons, and various waterways. The wildlife adds to the spectacular landscapes.

The park is a hikers paradise with over 372 miles (600 km) guided trails. Verdon canyon is one of the more popular canyons in France.

Verdon Gorge

Verdon Gorge, or sometimes called Verdon Canyon, is a river canyon located in the national park.  The gorge stretches across a distance of 15.5 miles (25 km).  The elevation ranges along the way reaching up to a height of almost half a mile (700 m).

The Verdon River meanders through the canyon and features a striking turquoise-green color.  It is considered one of the most picturesque river gorges in all of Europe.  Kayaking on the river or hiking the canyon rim are two of the most popular ways tourists experience the gorge.

Rock climbers are attracted to Verdon Gorge because of the various cracks, pillars, and vertical walls create an abundance of challenging climbing opportunities.  This climbing is considered technical and only for experienced climbers.  The size is often compared to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, United States.

Mercantour National Park Trails

Mercantour National Park is a popular place for hiking.  The Verdon Gorge and park’s proximity to the French Riviera make it a common excursion for visitors.  There are over 75 different trails to explore throughout the park.  Here is a quick glance into some popular trails.

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Lake Negre and Pas du Prefouns Trail

This is a challenging 10.2-mile (16.4 km) that meanders through Vesubie Valley out to Lake Negre which sits at about 8,202 feet (2,500 m) in elevation.

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Lac Autier Trail

This is a 4.7-mile (7.5 km) loop trail that travels across some rough terrain while providing views of the mountainous landscapes along with a lookout over a lake.

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Lacs de Millefonds Trail

This is a challenging 4.7-mile (7.5 km) trail that meanders past five Millefonds Lakes and ascends to Mount Pepoiri. It is rated as difficult.

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Lac d'Allos Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 7 miles (11 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: This scenic trail leads hikers to the largest high-altitude lake in Europe, Lac d’Allos. Surrounded by alpine meadows and rugged peaks, the lake’s tranquil beauty is a highlight.

Suitable for most hikers, the trail offers magnificent views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

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Valley of Wonders

Rating: Moderate to Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, up to 10 miles (16 km) round trip, with variable elevation gain

Description: The Valley of Wonders is renowned for its thousands of Bronze Age petroglyphs.

Hiking here combines cultural history with stunning alpine scenery, including rock formations and ancient carvings.

Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the archaeological significance.

Mercantour National Park

Le Boréon to Lac Nègre

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9 miles (14.5 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,800 feet (550 meters)

Description: Starting from the picturesque area of Le Boréon, this hike takes you through lush forests to the serene Lac Nègre.

The path offers diverse landscapes, including streams, meadows, and the chance to see wildlife like chamois and ibex.

Mercantour National Park

Gorges du Verdon Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 8 miles (13 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: Although partially outside the national park, this trail offers spectacular views of Europe’s deepest canyon, the Gorges du Verdon.

It features breathtaking vistas, turquoise waters, and dramatic cliffs.

Mercantour National Park

Cime du Gélas

Rating: Challenging

Distance and Elevation Gain: 15 miles (24 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters)

Description: For experienced hikers, the ascent to Cime du Gélas, the highest peak in the Mercantour, is unforgettable.

The challenging hike rewards adventurers with panoramic views of the Alps, glacial landscapes, and a sense of achievement.

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