By
Jennifer, responsibletravel.com
If you're stuck for something to do over Easter, not sure what to occupy the kids with over the summer holidays, or just fancy some time away from your hectic schedule I would urge you to do what I did, escape the hustle and bustle and take some time out in the Mercantour National Park, a delightfully secluded corner of France.
Just one hour from the lively centre of Nice, Mercantour National Park lies in the north-east of the Côte d'Azur in the heart of the Alpes Maritimes alongside the Italian border.
Frequently described as France's best kept secret Mercantour National Park is a magnificent example of a mountainous area, with lakes and streams overlooked with peaks exceeding 3,000m. Virtually uninhabited the park extends across seven valleys, covers over 170,000 acres of mountain land and protects rich flora composed of some 2,000 plant species, hundreds of animal species and majestic scenery.
The park is well-known for its unique collection of 100,000 bronze age prehistoric rock engravings found in the Vallée des Merveilles, the result of a complex, and still unknown, ritual. However, the region has a lot more to offer and is well worth a visit for a relaxing break or active adventure.
Villages 
The valleys are dotted with small towns and villages, which as well as provide a respite from the stifling heat of the coast, provide a glimpse into this regions deep rooted history. Saint Martin de Vésubie is a small medieval village which, sitting amidst the mountains at the head of the Vesubie valley, is probably the most picturesque. As you spend happy days walking around the little alleyways, seeing the Baroque churches and exploring the nooks of the winding cobbled streets there is no denying the evidence and influence of the former Italian inhabitants.
The town came to prominence during the 19th century as an important stop off point on the salt route from Nice up to the Var and Vésubie valleys where salt was stored until the snow cleared from the passes into Italy and the buildings still hint of the areas prominent and grander past.
Local traditions and crafts are still celebrated and enjoyed throughout the region but they are diminishing and EU directives have had to be used strongly in the region to encourage and support traditional ways of life such as the seasonal production of cheese making in small mountain dairy farms.
Activities The proximity to Nice airport, fresh alpine air and quiet mountain villages undoubtedly makes the Mercantour a place to relax and unwind but for those who want a longer break or have a bit more energy can get involved in a range of activities throughout the year.
With hours of trails off the beaten track and amongst mountainous terrain the range of hiking opportunities is immense for both experience hikers and the relative novice like me! The landscape is serene, wild flowers beautiful and surrounded with peace and tranquillity I'm having a hard time believing that the bustling city of Nice is just one hour away.
Rafting, canyoning, cross country biking, walking and scrambling are also on offer and for those who really want to see the sights of the area Via Ferrata is also recommended! I preferred to spend a couple of hours horse riding, bumping along and dodging the cattle herds that were being moved up the mountain.
Wolf conservation As well as pottering around the small towns and villages, immersing yourself in the folklore and mythology of the region and getting the adrenaline going with a range of outdoor activities, a trip to the new Wolf Conservation centre shortly opening in Le Boreon would also be very worthwhile.
Wolf conservation in France has formed a regular point of contention between environmentalists, local communities and politicians in Paris. It was only in 1990 that wolves first came to the area over the Alps from France. Since then local farmers have brought to light the devastation that the wolves have had on their livestock. Although the Government has given subsidies to farmers so that they can take steps to protect their livestock, farmers are putting on the pressure to cull the wolfs.
Wolves have always been present in mediaeval folklore, ancient superstitions, local myths, rituals and legends and not in a positive way. Wolves were synonymous with witchcraft in the 18th and 19th centuries and were therefore hunted to extinction. Environmentalists have therefore suggested that with only 60 wolves in the area the local attitudes surrounding the myths and legends of the wolves may be the problem rather than wolves themselves.
The new wolf centre has therefore been established with the purpose to not only to conserve the wolf, but also to help change attitudes towards the wolf within the local communities.
I stayed in
this gite run by Mel Jones and Liz Lord when I visited the Mercantour and would recommend it as a great place to unwind for an Easter break. Liz and Mel, who also run a variety of
walking and activity holidays in the Mercantour, have been completely focused and instrumental in their dedication to help bring tourism to this region. With little opportunity for employment outside the French tourist season the number of employment opportunities have been dwindling together with the inhabitants of the region. As permanent residents in the Mercantour, they are fully integrated into the community in the Vésubie valley – using local guides and individually run hotels which ensures that all revenue generated is beneficial to the life of the area.
See all our
Mercantour holidays
