> Enjoy the beautiful French Alps
> Spend your nights in local mountain huts
> Don't worry about arranging the accommodation, we got that covered!
At only a stone's throw from Nice and the Mediterranean coast, you can find a mountain range with the striking name: les Alpes-Maritimes. In these mountains, you can find Mercantour National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks France has to offer. With peaks of over 3000m and valleys formed by ancient glacial streams, Mercantour provides the perfect backdrop for your next mountain adventure. It's in Mercantour where hikers of all ages and abilities will be able to find an unparalleled hiking experience. Are you ready to discover one of France's best-kept secrets?
In Mercantour National Park you can do parts of the GR5 and the GR52. The GR5 will basically take you halfway across Europe, and although the GR52 is doable for most people with enough off days, it is best to craft your own itinerary together. Especially if you don't want to hike for longer than a week. We have designed a 6-day itinerary that offers a great combination of nature, the most hospitable Mercantour refuges, and quaint little towns.
The charming town of Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie marks the starting point of your hike through Mercantour National Park. This is the perfect place to make your last-minute purchases for the trek. You'll find an outdoor shop, several restaurants, and plenty of small grocery stores here.
As soon as you leave the village behind, the ascent begins almost immediately. In the first 4 kilometers, you will climb about 700 meters until you reach Collet Cotignol. At Collet Cotignol, you’ll be rewarded with views of the pine forests and surrounding mountains. From here, the trail changes and you’ll encounter slightly more challenging sections than during the ascent. The trail flattens out, and it remains mostly level for the next 3.5 kilometers.
In total, you’ll cover approximately 9 kilometers today, eventually reaching your first destination: Gîte d’Étape du Boréon.
After a good breakfast, day 2 of your adventure can begin. Head east towards Vacherie du Boréon, which for many hikers is the starting point to explore Mercantour National Park. When you come across the GR52 signs, you'll know you're on the right track. You can follow these all the way to Chalet de la Madone de la Fenestre.
After about half an hour of walking, you'll reach Chalet Vidron, where you'll find a beautiful waterfall on your left. Make sure to take a short break here. Continue the trail towards Gias de Peirastrech, and then turn right towards Lac de Trécolpas. This is the perfect spot for lunch with a stunning view of the lake.
Keep following the GR52, and after about 1.5 kilometers, you will reach Pas des Ladres. From here, head further southeast until you arrive at the charming Chalet de la Madone de Fenestre.
As soon as you leave the cozy Refuge de Nice behind, you descend towards the Vallon de la Fous (418 m). Once on the other side of the valley, you’ll face a climb over impressive glacier-polished rocks, which will lead you to the idyllic Lac Niré, situated at 2,353 meters. This tranquil mountain lake is the perfect spot for a short break.
From the lake, you continue north along the right bank of the Chamineye Valley. Along the way, you’ll pass three picturesque small lakes, also known as "lagarots," beautifully located at the foot of the imposing north face of La Tête du Lac Autier.
After crossing the valley, you reach an area of scree and begin the ascent to La Baisse du Basto (2,693 meters). The climb is steep and about 250 meters, so again, take your time walking up. The final climb takes you through a narrow rocky passage, worn down by the many adventurous hikers before you. Early in the season, snowfields may still be present, so proceed with caution.
From La Baisse, the route continues along the GR52 through a breathtaking landscape of vast alpine meadows. The descent begins after passing a small lake on your left. The path leads you to the impressive Lac du Basto, a true gem in the rugged landscape.
Turn left here and enjoy a scenic hike along three stunning lakes: first Lac du Basto, then Le Lac Noir, and finally Le Lac Vert. At the shore of the last lake lies your destination, Refuge de la Valmasque, the perfect place for a well-deserved rest after this beautiful hike.
Today's hike begins by heading back towards Lac de Basto. As soon as you arrive here, you’ll quickly begin the climb towards today’s mountain pass. Fortunately, the summit isn’t very high today, which is a relief after the hikes of the past few days. From here, you will continue on the GR52 and soon reach the Baisse de Valmasque at an altitude of 2549 meters. Take a moment to look around and enjoy the stunning views of the lakes in the Vallée des Merveilles. From this point, you will zigzag your way down, passing through the Vallée des Merveilles. Along the way, you will encounter several beautiful mountain lakes and have the opportunity to admire magnificent rock engravings. For thrill-seekers without a fear of heights, the climb up Mont Bégo (2873 meters) is well worth the effort.
The destination for today is the Refuge des Merveilles. This hut is located on the shores of Lac Long Supérieur, in the heart of the Vallée des Merveilles. Nestled between Mont Bégo and Devil's Peak, this area is steeped in history, with tens of thousands of rock carvings to admire at an altitude of over 2000 meters.
Today’s goal is to reach Pont des Sagnes. This route is less crowded than the classic path many hikers take toward Pont du Countet, but it’s no less stunning. Explore the rugged Vallon des Verrariers, and if you’re feeling adventurous, climb the Cime du Diable (Devil’s Peak) at an altitude of 2685 meters.
After leaving the refuge, pass by Lac Fourca, Lac du Trem, and Lac de la Muta, heading towards Pas du Diable. If you have the time and energy, ascend to the summit of Devil’s Peak. From its stunning viewpoint, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Mercantour and l’Authion, and with a keen eye, you can even spot the sea.
Continue toward Vallon des Verrariers, where the hike involves regular rock climbing. After traversing the valley, descend 700 meters over approximately 4 kilometers to arrive at Pont des Sagnes.
Return to St.-Martin-de-Vésubie
From Pont des Sagnes, travel by public transportation back to St.-Martin-de-Vésubie. Check the bus service schedule between La Gordolasque and Roquebillière here. The nearest bus stop is at Pont du Countet.
Note: Verify bus schedules and operating days in advance, as the service is seasonal.
We will take care of arranging accommodation on the Mercantour for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead.
We will send you on your way with a digital travel guide that includes a route description for the Mercantour, interactive hiking maps, and the most important information applicable to your trek
Accommodation at the huts includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We will arrange this for you as well. This allows you to travel lighter and have one less thing to worry about.
During your Mercantour, you will spend your nights in mountain huts. You'll sleep here in dormitories, as the booked mountain huts don't have any private rooms.
You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport.
Should you need any form of (public) transport on location, this is not part of the trekking package. This includes the use of taxi, bus, cable cars, gondolas, ferries, etc.
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Personal expenses on such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.