An escapade in the Mercantour massif? What to see by going to visit Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Switzerland niçoise?
Last. village perched north of the Vésubie valley, Saint-Martin-Vésubie is the main entrance gate of the famous Mercantour National Park. A common border with Italy, it is nestled on the heights of the Alpes-Maritimes department, and offers a mountain corner to all lovers of paradise. It is also known as Switzerland, because of the quality of its environment, as attested in the writings in 1864: clear and pure waters, a climate that is more clementary than on the coast, dream landscapes...
It is in the underground of this village of 1391 inhabitants, that Vésubie – a tributary of the Var – takes its source. One hour Nice , this charming village is simply an exceptional site to discover for your holidays. To visit Saint-Martin-Vésubie, explore the small mountain market in the village, Vesubia Mountain Park, Alpha Park or enjoy a guide to climb to the top of the Gélas, at 3000 meters above sea level.
1. The small mountain market
From the month of April every Thursday in the late afternoon, the best producers of the region – artisans, producers, artists and creators – open their stands on the Place du Général de Gaulle (the Place du village), to make you discover their best local products. Fresh, local and natural: the opportunity, in addition to enjoying local specialties, to exchange with the local population. To visit Saint-Martin-Vésubie, don’t miss the church of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption, built by the Templars in the 12th century, and the two chapels – White Pénitents and Black Pénitents – and the last vestige of the ramparts – including the Porte Sainte-Anne – dating from the 14th century.
2. Vesúbia Mountain Park
In an exceptional natural setting – in the middle of the mountains – explore a sports complex to discover mountain sports activities in a playful, open to all. Three objectives of the site: learning, perfection, professionalization. So much to say that the activities are all public! Swimming pool – a basin of 250 m2 and a solarium -, climbing – an acrobatic course in height of 10-12 meters -, canyoning – the first indoor canyoning space in Europe – : the temple of athletes! And that’s not all: discover mountaineering on the steep walls of the Mercantour , go hiking, fishing, fitness, tennis and even digital photo!
3. Alpha Park
Photo credit: Flickr – Claude Valette
Here is a park dedicated to the wolf, natural and sustainable in 1992 in France, and more specifically in the Mercantour National Park. This park has opened its doors to make you discover the universe of wolf and dormer guards, and to make the mountain traditions persist. You can watch packs of 23 wolves in semi-freedom (the spaces are fenced with vegetation to aim towards the conservation of a natural environment).
4. The Guide Escapades of Mercantour
Photo credit: Flickr – Rafał Żelazko
If you like high mountain and nature, don't look anymore: go visit Saint-Martin-Vésubie! Take a high mountain guide and go to the heart of the Mercantour National Park for an unforgettable trip. Canyoning, aquarando, hiking in the valley of the Merveilles, hiking skiing (of course only winter), but also our little favorite: the climb of the Gélas, the highest point of the Alpes-Maritimes. At 3143 meters above sea level, you will climb with highly qualified and experienced guides and guides. If you have already done your classes in the mountain hike, try the Dôme des Écrins, the highest point of the Mercantour, at 4015 meters above sea level!
How to get to Saint-Martin-Vésubie?
Saint-Martin-Vésubie is an hour's drive north of Nice on the border of the Mercantour National Park. To get there, you will need a car, unless you are a seasoned cyclist or a well-equipped hiker! To find cheap flights to Nice, you can search our partner's website Skyscanner .
Where to stay in Saint-Martin-Vésubie?
You can find a cheap hotel in Saint-Martin-Vésubie looking for this Compare hotels .
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