Walking holiday in France - Mercantour Reflections
| country: | France |
| location: | Mercantour, French Alps |
| trip type: | Moderate/strenuous walking holidays |
| departures: | Trip can be tailormade any time from end Apr to end Oct (min group size depends on accom). Group departure 31 May, 4 Jun, 23 Jun, 6 Sep 2008 |
| price: | From £365 (7 days) excluding flights and transfers, staying in gite accommodation. Hotel (B&B or H/B) option including transfer from Nice also available |
read 1 travellers review
the amazing things you'll be doing
This week is based in the southern end of the Mercantour Park where the Vésubie valley runs in a North Easterly direction from the coast.
Rich and varied, and equally as stunning as anywhere else in the whole of the Alpine chain, the area boasts a unique combination, that of rugged soaring peaks and ridges rising to over 3000 metres on the Italian border, and the valleys from which drop down and culminate in typical Provençal countryside – witness the change in eco-systems from Alpine to Mediterranean, all within a radius of 30km!This holiday in the Mercantour allows exploration of the diversity of the region.
The walks will allow you to explore the three main valleys in this corner of the National Park, Le Boréon, The Madone de la Fenestre, and the Gordolasque, plus the Salèse and Valdeblore to the west. Each of the valleys has a different atmosphere, but all of equal splendour.
The Mercantour is blessed with more than 100 lakes at high altitude. These glittering lakes are the remnants of glacial activity eons ago. The turquoise colour of the lakes and the reflection of the surrounding mountains are a sight to behold. In the spring when the high passes are clear of snow you can walk from valley to valley admiring the shimmering water, among carpets of alpine flowers. In the autumn the scenery changes its mantle as the larches turn to brown creating a mini New England in the South of France.
Chamois, ibex, and mouflon are a regular sight, as are the noisiest creatures in the Park, the marmottes, best enjoyed in the spring when they awaken from their winter slumbers. In the air golden eagles are regularly seen, and occasionally the magnificent lammagaia vulture.
Please note: Daily walks vary from 500 to 800 metres of climbing, and are 6-7 hours duration. Venues can be varied to take in terrain below and above the snow line, so that you have the opportunity to sample all the delights of the area. Some of the terrain can be steep, and in order for you to get the maximum enjoyment out of your week, you should have a reasonable level of fitness, and preferably take regular exercise.
All activities are lead by fully qualified mountain leader/specialist activity personnel. Accommodation is in comfortable self catering gite, B&B or hotel options. Weekend and short breaks also available.
Rich and varied, and equally as stunning as anywhere else in the whole of the Alpine chain, the area boasts a unique combination, that of rugged soaring peaks and ridges rising to over 3000 metres on the Italian border, and the valleys from which drop down and culminate in typical Provençal countryside – witness the change in eco-systems from Alpine to Mediterranean, all within a radius of 30km!This holiday in the Mercantour allows exploration of the diversity of the region.
The walks will allow you to explore the three main valleys in this corner of the National Park, Le Boréon, The Madone de la Fenestre, and the Gordolasque, plus the Salèse and Valdeblore to the west. Each of the valleys has a different atmosphere, but all of equal splendour.
The Mercantour is blessed with more than 100 lakes at high altitude. These glittering lakes are the remnants of glacial activity eons ago. The turquoise colour of the lakes and the reflection of the surrounding mountains are a sight to behold. In the spring when the high passes are clear of snow you can walk from valley to valley admiring the shimmering water, among carpets of alpine flowers. In the autumn the scenery changes its mantle as the larches turn to brown creating a mini New England in the South of France.
Chamois, ibex, and mouflon are a regular sight, as are the noisiest creatures in the Park, the marmottes, best enjoyed in the spring when they awaken from their winter slumbers. In the air golden eagles are regularly seen, and occasionally the magnificent lammagaia vulture.
Please note: Daily walks vary from 500 to 800 metres of climbing, and are 6-7 hours duration. Venues can be varied to take in terrain below and above the snow line, so that you have the opportunity to sample all the delights of the area. Some of the terrain can be steep, and in order for you to get the maximum enjoyment out of your week, you should have a reasonable level of fitness, and preferably take regular exercise.
All activities are lead by fully qualified mountain leader/specialist activity personnel. Accommodation is in comfortable self catering gite, B&B or hotel options. Weekend and short breaks also available.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Arrive Berthemont les Bains for gite accommodation or pick up in Nice. |
| Day 2: | La Madone de Fenestre. Cime de l’Agnelliere via Pas de Ladres. |
| Day 3: | Valdeblore - Lacs des Millefonts - Col du Barn and the Téte des Margés ridge. |
| Day 4: | Free day. Excursions to Nice can be arranged, or there are short day walks starting at St Martin Vésubie. |
| Day 5: | Salèse - Téte Sud des Bresses from the Salèse valley, with magnificent views of the Alpes to the North, including, on a clear day, Mont Blanc. |
| Day 6: | Le Boréon - Lacs Besson and the Haute Boréon. Cime Guilié if conditions allow. |
| Day 7: | La Gordolasque - Lac Autier, and the Baisse du Basto. |
| Day 8: | Depart from Berthemont les Bains gite, or drop off in Nice. |
travellers' tales
It was a brilliant holiday. The area is unspoilt and extremely beautiful. There is plenty of opportunity for walking and to try all sorts of activities including via ferrata. Liz and Mel were very welcoming, knowledgeable and helpful without being intrusive. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
 As permanent residents in the Mercantour, our business is fully integrated into the community in the Vésubie valley – using local qualified guides paid a living wage, and individually run hotels which ensures that all revenue generated is beneficial to the life of the area. In line with the published code of the National Park, our clients are encouraged to treat the region with respect and thus uphold the standards of conservation required in such a fragile area. Our gite As we await permission to fulfill our vision for our centuries old farm house and land, we are keen to implement as many environmentally sympathetic measures as possible. We encourage the preservation of our pure water which comes straight off the mountain and use our splendid climate for laundry drying outside. As much waste as possible is re-cycled, including pony manure which goes straight onto our vegetable patch. We aim to be as self sufficient as possible from your own garden. Gite guests are welcome to help themselves to fruit and vegetables. When meals are provided they are prepared with local produce only, often solely from the Vésubie valley. Vegetarians are willingly catered for. Energy efficient bulbs are used throughout the house. We try to minimise the use of paper in our office. Guests are encouraged to shop locally and of course to respect the integrity of the National Park. Working relationships We only work with qualified guides for all activities. These passionate locals create a genuine and rich experience for our visitors. They are paid the appropriate rate for professional guides. Our local accommodation partners are chosen for their warm welcome and a willingness to share their love for the region. Business development In the longer term we will use abundant natural resources (wood and sunshine) for heat and light as well as providing alternative accommodation on our land. A project for three bases in the Alpes-Maritimes is underway. This would provide an inspiring holiday venue for young and old alike. Access for the handicapped would be included. We are planning to use pack animals so our guests can share their adventures with a faithful companion, and leave directly from Berthemont. |
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