Mercantour National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the French Alps, near the Italian border. With its rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife, it’s no wonder that this stunning park attracts millions of visitors each year. From hiking and mountaineering to wildlife watching and cultural exploration, there’s something for everyone in Mercantour National Park.

In this blog, we’ll explore the many wonders of Mercantour National Park, from its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems to its rich cultural history and traditions. We’ll take you on a virtual journey through this incredible park, sharing fascinating facts, insider tips, and breathtaking photos that will inspire you to visit Mercantour National Park for yourself.

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor adventurer, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, this blog will provide you with all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Mercantour National Park. 

Mercantour National Park is a protected area located in the French Alps, near the Italian border. Here are some interesting facts about this beautiful park:

Mercantour National Park covers an area of approximately 685 square kilometers and is home to more than 2,000 plant species and over 2,000 animal species.

The park’s highest peak is the Gélas, which reaches a height of 3,143 meters.

Mercantour National Park is known for its diverse and unique landscapes, which range from high mountains and glaciers to forests and meadows.

The park is home to several rare and endangered animal species, including the Alpine ibex, the Eurasian lynx, and the golden eagle.

Mercantour National Park has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. There are also several historic sites and monuments within the park, including medieval villages and ancient Roman ruins.

The park is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering, with over 600 kilometers of trails and several mountain huts and refuges for overnight stays.

Mercantour National Park is also home to several cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including traditional music and dance festivals, food and wine festivals, and art exhibitions.

Overall, Mercantour National Park is a unique and fascinating destination that offers something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or outdoor enthusiast.

Things to do in Mercantour National Park

There are plenty of things to do in Mercantour National Park, whether you are a nature enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy the great outdoors. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Hiking: Mercantour National Park has over 600 kilometers of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging alpine hikes. The park offers a variety of landscapes, from forests and meadows to high-altitude peaks, so there’s something for every level of hiker.
• Wildlife watching: As we mentioned earlier, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red deer, ibex, chamois, and the rare Italian wolf. Bring your binoculars and look for these animals in their natural habitat.
• Alpine skiing: In the winter months, Mercantour National Park is a popular destination for skiing and other winter sports. There are several ski resorts in the area, including Valberg and Isola 2000.
• Mountain biking: The park has several mountain bike trails that offer a fun and challenging way to explore the park’s rugged terrain.
• Rock climbing: If you’re an experienced climber, you may want to try your hand at scaling some of the park’s rocky peaks. The park has several climbing routes, ranging from easy to very difficult.
• Cultural visits: The Mercantour area has a rich cultural heritage, with several charming villages and historic sites to explore. Be sure to visit the fortified town of Entrevaux and the picturesque village of Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
• Photography: With its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, Mercantour Park is a photographer’s paradise. Bring your camera and capture some memorable shots of the park’s natural beauty.

Overall, Mercantour National Park has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to connect with nature.

How many trails are in Mercantour National Park?

There are numerous hiking trails in Mercantour National Park, ranging from short walks to multi-day treks. The park has over 600 kilometers of marked trails, which are maintained by park rangers and volunteers.

Mercantour National Park has a vast network of 485 trails with an average 4.2-star rating based on 2,939 reviews from alltrails.

The trails vary in difficulty and offer a range of experiences, from easy strolls through scenic valleys to challenging climbs to high mountain passes. Some of the most popular trails in the park include the GR5, which passes through the park on its way from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, and the Vallée des Merveilles, which is famous for its ancient rock carvings.

How to travel to Mecantour National Park?

There are several ways to travel to Mercantour National Park, depending on your location and travel preferences. Here are some of the most common ways to reach the park:

By car – If you’re coming from France or Italy, driving is a popular option. The park is located about 1.5 hours from Nice, 2.5 hours from Marseille, and 2.5 hours from Turin. There are several major highways that lead to the park, including the A8 and A10 in France and the A6 and A21 in Italy.

By train – The closest train station to Mercantour National Park is located in Nice, which is about 1.5 hours away by car. From Nice, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach the park. There are also several smaller train stations located closer to the park, such as Tende and Breil-sur-Roya.

By bus – There are several bus companies that offer transportation to Mercantour National Park, including Lignes d’Azur and Zest Bus. These buses typically run from Nice and other nearby cities and towns, with several stops within the park.

By plane – The closest airport to Mercantour National Park is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is located about 1.5 hours away by car. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus or taxi to reach the park.

Once you’ve arrived at the park, there are several transportation options available to explore the area, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There are also several local tour operators that offer guided tours of the park and its surrounding areas.

How to enter Mecantour National Park?

There are several entrances to Mercantour National Park, depending on which area of the park you wish to visit. Here are some of the main entrances:

• The Roya Valley entrance – located in the eastern part of the park, near the village of Breil-sur-Roya.
• The Vésubie Valley entrance – located in the central part of the park, near the town of Saint-Martin-Vésubie.
• The Tinée Valley entrance – located in the western part of the park, near the village of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.
• The Ubaye Valley entrance – located in the southern part of the park, near the town of Barcelonnette.

Each entrance has its own visitor center, where you can find maps, information, and advice about the park and its trails. Some of the visitor centers also offer guided tours and educational programs. It’s important to note that there is an entrance fee to enter Mercantour National Park, which goes towards the maintenance and preservation of the park’s natural and cultural heritage. The fee varies depending on the season and the type of activity you plan to do in the park, so it’s best to check with the visitor center beforehand. Additionally, some areas of the park may have restricted access or require a permit, so be sure to check the park’s regulations before planning your visit.

At the entrance to the park you can check the map with routes and select the one that fits you best. All the routes are marked, so it should rather easy to find your way even without assistance of a guide.

You can choose easier route if you prefer to have a short walk for few hours in the mountains. This is a Paradise for hikers and those, who love active style of life will enjoy trips to the mountains.

The administration of Mercantour Park is taking care of the tourists and offer range of services including personal guides who speak other languages then French, and who can help interpreting during the trip.

Visitors of the park will learn about the history and life of the inhabitants of this amazing nature reserve.

Mercantour National park is a unique place in France. More than 2000 types of various plants grow here. During visit to this Nature Reserve you will see old large forests, some of the trees are more then 1 300 years old.

There are more than 200 types of rare plants here that are under the protection of the government of France. Among these are orchids, violets, tulips, edelweiss. Trees like oaks, larch trees, cedar, Swiss pines and olive trees also grow on the territory of the reserve.

Mercantour National park is very popular for visits with family, for short weekend breaks, mountaineering and extreme sports.

What is the best time to visit Mecantour National Park?

The best time to visit Mercantour National Park depends on your preferences and what activities you plan to do. Here is a breakdown of the different seasons in the park:

Summer (June-August): This is the most popular time to visit Mercantour National Park, as the weather is warm and sunny, and the trails are open and accessible. The summer months are ideal for hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. The park’s meadows and alpine flowers are in full bloom, creating a colorful and vibrant landscape.

Fall (September-November): The fall months offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter and more peaceful experience. The park’s forests are ablaze with autumn colors, and the wildlife is more active as they prepare for winter. The fall is also an excellent time for mushroom hunting and enjoying local culinary traditions.

Winter (December-February): Mercantour National Park transforms into a winter wonderland during the colder months, with snow-covered mountains and frozen lakes. The park offers opportunities for skiing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports. The park’s villages also come alive with traditional winter festivities and holiday markets.

Spring (March-May): The spring months are a beautiful time to visit Mercantour National Park, as the snow melts, and the wildflowers begin to bloom. The temperatures are mild, and the trails are less crowded, making it an ideal time for hiking and exploring the park’s cultural heritage sites.

Overall, the best time to visit Mercantour Park depends on your interests and what activities you plan to do. Each season offers unique experiences and opportunities to explore the park’s natural and cultural treasures.

How many days should be enough to visit Mercantour National Park

The amount of time needed to visit Mercantour National Park depends on your interests and what you would like to do while there. If you are planning on doing some serious hiking, climbing, or skiing, you may want to plan a longer visit to fully experience everything the park has to offer.

However, if you are just looking to explore the park’s natural beauty and take in some of the sights and wildlife, a shorter visit of 2-3 days could be enough. This would give you enough time to do some hiking, wildlife watching, and perhaps explore some of the nearby villages and cultural sites.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time you want to spend in Mercantour National Park based on your interests and what you want to get out of your visit.

Where to stay in Mercantour National Park

There are several accommodation options available for visitors to Mercantour National Park, depending on your preferences and budget.

Camping: The park has several campsites where visitors can pitch their tents or park their RVs. This is a great option for those who want to be immersed in nature and enjoy a rustic camping experience.

Refuges: There are several mountain refuges located within the park that offer basic accommodation for hikers and climbers. These refuges usually offer dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, as well as meals and other amenities.

Gîtes: Gîtes are small, family-run guesthouses that are common in the region. These are a great option for those who want to experience local hospitality and get a taste of the regional cuisine.

Hotels: If you prefer more luxurious accommodation, there are several hotels located in and around the park, ranging from simple lodges to high-end resorts.

Some popular areas to stay in and around Mercantour National Park include the villages of Saint-Martin-Vésubie and Valberg, as well as the towns of Barcelonnette and Gap, which are located just outside the park boundaries.

What is the climate in Mercantour National Park?

The climate in Mercantour National Park is primarily alpine and can vary depending on the altitude and location within the park. Generally, the park has cold winters and mild summers, with temperatures influenced by the Mediterranean climate.

In the valleys, the temperatures in the summer months can reach up to 25-30°C (77-86°F), while at higher altitudes, the temperatures can be much cooler. In the winter months, temperatures can drop to below freezing, with snow covering much of the park.

Rainfall in the park is highest in the autumn and spring months, with some precipitation throughout the year. The park’s highest peaks can receive significant snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports.

Overall, the climate in Mercantour National Park is diverse, with varying temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall patterns depending on the season and altitude. Visitors to the park should be prepared for these weather changes and plan accordingly, especially if engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking or skiing.

What animals are in Mercantour National Park?

In addition to red deer, roe deer, hares, and wild boars, Mercantour National Park is also home to other large mammals such as chamois, ibex, and mouflon. The park is also home to several species of small mammals, including foxes, badgers, and weasels.

Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting golden eagles, bearded vultures, and peregrine falcons, among other bird species. Reptiles such as the Hermann’s tortoise and the European viper can also be found in the park. The park’s streams and lakes are home to several species of fish, including the rare marble trout.

One of the most iconic animals of the park is the Italian wolf, which migrated to the region in the 1990s and has since established a small but stable population. The park also has a strong conservation program for protecting the wolf and its habitat.

Overall, Mercantour National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with a rich diversity of animal species to observe and enjoy.

What is allowed and what is prohibited in Mercantour National Park?

Mercantour National Park has rules and regulations in place to help protect its natural and cultural heritage. Some of the things that are allowed in the park include hiking, camping in designated areas, and fishing in some of the park’s lakes and rivers. However, there are also several things that are prohibited in the park, including:

1. Hunting: Hunting is strictly prohibited in Mercantour National Park.
2. Collecting: It is illegal to collect any plants, animals, or other natural resources in the park.
3. Littering: Visitors are required to dispose of their trash properly and keep the park clean.
4. Off-road driving: Off-road vehicles are not allowed in the park.
5. Lighting fires: Lighting fires is only permitted in designated areas and with the proper permits.
6. Camping outside designated areas: Visitors must camp in designated areas only.
7. Disturbing wildlife: Visitors are not allowed to disturb, feed or approach wildlife in the park.

It’s important to follow these rules and regulations to help preserve the park’s unique ecosystem and cultural heritage for future generations to enjoy.

Find out more about Biokovo National Park located in Croatia.