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Mercantour - Including accommodation before and after
Duration: 8 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
Ascent per day: 500 - 1000 m ascent per day
> 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.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Saint-Martin-Vésubie
Welcome to France! Today you will arrive in Saint-Martin-Vésubie and be expected in a pleasant Hotel in the village. Your overnight stay includes breakfast if possible.
Pure Montagne Resort & Spa
Day
2
St.-Martin-de-Vésubie - Gîte d'Étape du Boréon
Duration: 04:00 h
Distance: 8.94 km
Ascent: 890 m
Descent: 340 m
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.
Gîte d’étape du Boréon
Day
3
Gîte d'Étape du Boreon - Chalet de La Madone de Fenestre
Duration: 05:25 h
Distance: 11.7 km
Ascent: 920 m
Descent: 550 m
After a good breakfast, day 2 of your adventure can begin. Head east towards Vacherie du Boreon, 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 Trecolpas. 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.
Chalet de La Madone de Fenestre
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