Self guided walking holiday in the Mercantour, France

The Mercantour
Immediately inland of Nice and the Côte d’Azur rise France’s southernmost Alps. Deep valleys cut northwards into the mountains, so the transition from Mediterranean to Alpine, from olive and cistus to pine and gentian, can often be made in a few hours of walking. Our Upland Escape is located towards the western end of the Mercantour massif, on the borders of the Mercantour National Park, where populations of protected species including wolf, bouquetin (ibex) and chamois are carefully monitored. High meadows and turquoise lakes lie at the foot of the 3050m peak of Mont Pelat, rolling Alpine pastures are dotted with ancient hamlets and traditional farms, and mountain streams tumble down pine-cloaked gorges towards the coast.

Explore the area on foot on an independent break, choose to travel whenever you like, and stay as long as you wish (minimum 3 nights). Holidays include comfortable single-centre accommodation in a traditional village, a hire car (carbon neutral of course!), breakfast and a lavish packed-lunch every day, a Handbook containing masses of local information as well as a wide range of self-guided walks suitable for all abilities and ages (including children), the option to join 3 organised walks per week, and the full support of a knowledgeable locally based manager. There are no fixed itineraries – you are free to walk as much or as little as you like.

Walking
Short walks include strolls through alpine meadows, spectacular view points above the Var, and the extraordinary red rock of the Daluis gorge. Medium length circuits take in aromatic woodland, tiny, traditional hamlets perched high on both sides of the valley, and the epic Barlatte gorge, complete with its water mill, still capable of grinding local flour. Full day walks reach the high grassland pass of Col des Champs, beneath the rock pinnacles of the Aiguilles (Needles) de Pelens; or a hidden valley deep in the National Park, often home to a herd of chamois. Also noted are the best opportunities for 'messing about in the river': pools and paddling places in the Var and its tributaries.

Organised walks may take you to the huge and isolated cirque of 'L'Encombrette', with its two blue lakes, and to the wild lavender meadows that cover the higher reaches of the Tête de la Colombière (2050m). You could also find yourself strolling gently in the alpine meadows of the high Var Valley or heading for the summit of Mont Pelat (3050m). Saint Martin d’Entraunes is set on a rise above the broad riverbed in the High Var Valley at 1018m altitude. The surrounding fields and meadows are bordered by wooded slopes which climb to high ledges of summer grazing, above which the rocky peaks of the mountains stand majestic. Behind the quiet façade of the village, narrow alleys reveal charming houses and the pretty 13th century church with its separate bell-tower contains a fine Renaissance altarpiece. The pretty, 10-roomed, 2 star Hotel La Vallière is set at the entrance of the village, with horses often grazing the meadows around the property. The simply furnished rooms are all en-suite, light and airy. There is a restaurant and bar, a terrace, and across the street is the village boules court.

Children under 2 years old free. Children aged 2-11 years old: 25% discount.
Family groups and parties of friends – book a group of 6 people or more on an independent break, and one of you will receive a completely FREE holiday! (conditions apply).

Solo traveller prices available. We can book train travel or help research flights.

Travel by train: From London there is a day train to Nice via Paris.