The 11 most beautiful hikes to do in the Mercantour

Want beautiful walks and rich and varied landscapes? And if you go hiking in the Mercantour National Park! Follow the guide!

Hiking in the Mercantour National Park promises beautiful walks in the heart of nature. It has a very dense network of marked trails, with 1,700 kilometers of hiking trails. The landscapes are as beautiful in summer as in winter. In the warm season, the snow melts and trays green while in winter they are covered with a thick white coat.

As you explore the park on foot, a sumptuous panorama of landscapes is offered to you like the valley of the Tinée, that of the Vésubie, that of the Gordolasque, or those of the high valleys of the Var and Cians.

So, what are you waiting to wear your crampons?

1. The lake path

To start this top, what better than a hike through the Mercantour National Park? This path, in fact, allows you to discover the riches of nature through a remarkable fauna (bouquetins and chamois) and a sumptuous flora. It reveals its beauty through the expedition and especially during the stops near the 4 glacial lakes: Lake Allos, Lac de la Petite Cayolle, Lac des Garrets and Pas du Lausson.

2. Col de la petite Cayolle – Lacs de la petite Cayolle et des Garrets

Different hikes in the Mercantour National Park, you don't know which one to choose? The Col de la Petite Cayolle is the ideal option because the level is not too high so you can go to your rhythm and enjoy the exceptional setting. Hiking is the best way to discover a region as you can see varied landscapes, crystalline lakes and small streams here and there.

3. Tour de la Tête du Lac Autier

This hike in the Mercantour National Park is in the heart of the beautiful Gordolasque Valley. In this place, almost magical, you will discover 5 beautiful lakes including those of Autier and Niré, but also sumptuous cascades like that of Estrech. To perfect this dream decor, it is not uncommon to cross a few chamois, marmots or bouquetins.

In this enchanting setting, we would almost forget the effort, wouldn’t we?

4. Mont Pépoiri (2674m) by the Millefonts lakes, Tinée-Valdeblore

A must-see trail of the Mercantour National Park, Mont Pépoiri is an 8-kilometre trail accessible at all levels (ideal for families). Without too much difficulty you get to a breathtaking panorama (to 360 degrees) worthy of more complex hikes.

From your small summit, you will see the Barn Valley and the Isola and Boréon sectors in Vésubie.

5. Lake Trécolpas and back by the Refuge de la Cougourde

Nestled in the Vésubie Valley, Trecolpas Lake is a great classic for hiking in the Mercantour National Park! From Boréon, you follow a marked, shady path along the water that leads you directly to the lake through the must-see Peïrastrèche waterfalls and its bridge of the same name.

Once you arrive at the lake, there are a few summits around you like the Lamblière Cime and Mount Pelago. This grandiose show will undoubtedly leave you coi, subjugated by the sumptuous landscapes! After having taken advantage of the view, you simply have to rewind the path and return to the starting point through the Refuge de la Cougourde.

6. Lake of Lauzanier

This pleasant hike in the Mercantour National Park is located in the heart of the Ubaye Valley. Ideal for families, this path alternates between grassy banks and impressive circus. You will therefore be subjugated by this extraordinary walk with its grandiose panoramas and its exceptional fauna.

Who knows, maybe you'll come across a marmot or a bunny?

7. Cime de la Valette et lacs des Prals

Are you looking for a dream destination to take your eyes full? This hike in the Mercantour National Park offers a magnificent view of the summits of Mercantour and the Cap d’Antibes.

At the start of Saint-Martin-Vésubie, you follow the steep trails that run along small streams. After having toured the 5 Prals lakes, you will enjoy an incredible view of the park and the Colmiane. Why don't you picnic here before you get back?

8. Lance Cascade

Do you want to go on a little hike in the Mercantour National Park? The Cascade Trail of the Lance is for you! Extremely fast, the circuit winds up in Colmars between the beautiful buildings dating from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Quietly, you walk along the stream of the Lance that leads you to the splendid cascade of the same name. Both enriching and surprising, this short walk is ideal for families.

9. Circuit in Mercantour

This hike in the Mercantour National Park is aimed at the most seasoned athletes because the hike lasts 4 days or 32.46km in the heart of the Massif du Mercantour. This circuit is steep enough with a strong height of +2 810 meters and -2 833 meters that is why you must be in good physical shape to realize it.

Even if the effort is intense, the surrounding landscape will make you forget! Indeed, stand before you the Mont Bego, Gélas and Neigliers, but also the splendid Valley of the Wonders and the Gordolasque.

To be expected: micropur watermelons to make water from streams safe.

10. Portes de l’Enfer et Cascade du Pissoun

Don’t rely on its rather disturbing name, this hike in the Mercantour National Park is easy to access. Along the way, you will see impressive cliffs, foret greens and on the Casacade crystalline of the Pissoun, which is a beautiful excursion!

11. Lac du Mercantour and Col de Cerise

Ultimate hiking in the Mercantour National Park of this top, but not least! This 6h circuit allows you to observe nature in all its splendor! The Wild Vallon of the Haute-Vésubie will undoubtedly leave you subjugated by the beauty of the landscape. Indeed, around you there is a rocky and steep landscape that contrasts with a splendid lake with turquoise waters.

The most : you have an unusual view of Monte Matto (3 088 meters).

Among these hikes in the Mercantour National Park, what is your favourite?