Mercantour National Park
Provence-Alpes-CĂ´te d'Azur
Mercantour National Park, established in 1979, is a vast protected area located in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes departments of southeastern France. Covering approximately 679 square kilometers, it encompasses seven main valleys including Roya, Bévéra, Vésubie, Tinée, Haut Var, Cians, Verdon, and Ubaye, along with a peripheral zone of 28 villages. The park is renowned for its dramatic alpine scenery, featuring peaks such as Cime du Gélas, the third highest mountain in the Maritime Alps at 3,143 meters. It boasts over 600 kilometers of marked hiking trails attracting around 800,000 visitors annually. A highlight is the Vallée des Merveilles, home to about 37,000 Bronze Age petroglyphs depicting weapons, cattle, and human figures, which are protected as a Historical Monument. The park's flora is diverse, with more than 2,000 species of flowering plants, including rare species like edelweiss and martagon lily. Its fauna includes chamois, marmots, ibex, mouflon, red and roe deer, golden eagles, and a notable population of about 50 Italian wolves that naturally recolonized the park in the early 1990s. The park is managed jointly with the adjacent Italian Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime, fostering cross-border conservation efforts. Visitors can also explore charming perched villages rich in architectural heritage and visit lakes such as Allos, Lauzanier, and Vens. The park combines Mediterranean and alpine influences, offering a unique wilderness experience close to the French Riviera.
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Tip: The best time to visit Mercantour National Park is from late spring to early autumn for hiking and wildlife observation. Advance booking is recommended for guided tours, especially to the Vallée des Merveilles and the Wolves Centre in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Visitors should prepare for varying mountain weather and bring suitable gear. Discounts may be available for groups, students, and seniors. Check the official park website for updates on events, trail conditions, and conservation projects.
Interesting facts
- •The Vallée des Merveilles contains approximately 37,000 petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age.
- •Mercantour is home to about 50 Italian wolves that naturally recolonized the area in the early 1990s.
- •The park hosts over 2,000 species of flowering plants, including rare species like edelweiss and martagon lily.
- •Cime du Gélas, at 3,143 meters, is the third highest peak in the Maritime Alps and lies within the park.
- •Mercantour National Park is part of a cross-border natural park with Italy's Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime, promoting international cooperation in conservation.
History
The core of Mercantour National Park was initially designated as a royal hunting reserve in 1859 by King Victor-Emmanuel II.
It later became a hunting reserve in 1946 and a nature reserve in 1953.
The park was officially created in 1979 to protect its unique biodiversity and landscapes.
Since 1987, it has been twinned with the Italian Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime, sharing a 33 km border and cooperative conservation programs.
The return of the wolf in 1992 marked a significant ecological milestone.
In 2013, the park and its Italian counterpart were placed on the UNESCO tentative list for World Heritage status, reflecting their outstanding natural value.
Place Guide
Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Marvels)Bronze Age (circa 3000–1200 BCE)
A protected valley known for its extensive collection of Bronze Age petroglyphs carved into granite and schist rock faces. These ancient engravings depict weapons, animals, and human figures, offering insight into prehistoric cultures.
Lakes of Mercantour
Several high-altitude lakes such as Lake Allos (the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe), Lake Lauzanier, and the Lakes of Vens and Morgon offer picturesque settings for hiking and nature observation.
Wolves Centre in Saint-Martin-VĂ©subie
An educational center dedicated to the conservation and study of the Italian wolf population in Mercantour. It offers exhibitions and guided visits to learn about wolf ecology and their role in the ecosystem.
Perched Villages and Architectural Heritage
The park includes 28 villages, many perched on hillsides, such as Belvédère, known for its churches decorated with murals and altar pieces by primitive Niçois painters, reflecting the region's cultural richness.
Contact
Phone: 04 93 16 78 88
