Star-shaped hike in the Valley of Wonders

A short transfer takes you to the start of the hike. This valley is a true sanctuary for marmots, chamois, and ibex, which accompany us throughout the route. We enjoy our meal on a small promontory or by the lake, where the panorama is spectacular, with the highest peaks in the area and the Lac Vert (Green Lake) as a backdrop. As an option, we can extend our hike to Lac Noir (Black Lake) and Lac du Basto (Basto Lake) before descending back into the valley via a little-known, unmarked route that your guide has planned for you, allowing you to discover some vestiges of the region's military history.

From the gîte, a beautiful climb towards a small lake, where anglers try their luck with trout, leads to a little path known only to shepherds and a few regulars! Your guide will take you to discover alpine pastures covered in edelweiss, where the region's typical Piedmontese cows graze peacefully. Chamois also frequently frequent these tranquil spots.

An unusual day of hiking where you'll encounter the Bull god and other goddesses... Discover this prehistoric site, a listed Historical Monument, featuring thousands of engraved rocks in a stunning landscape. Numerous lakes dot the landscape along your route, where the interplay of water, rock, and forest creates a truly paradisiacal atmosphere!

An early start to finish this tour of the Wonders with an exceptional hike between two rarely visited mountain passes. The trail is unmarked; very few hikers venture onto this wild route where the panorama is unique (sometimes you can even glimpse the sea!). We are still in chamois territory.

At the end of the hike, we will visit the Vallauria mine with a guide who specializes in underground galleries.

The "Site of Wonders" is a veritable open-air museum. You'll embark on a 2-day, 1-night escape to this exceptional site. Numerous lakes, high peaks, the discovery of rock engravings over 3,500 years old, a testament to the first Mediterranean civilizations, a feast for the eyes with contrasting colors, and a rich and ever-present flora and fauna (sometimes even close to the trail!).

Your guide holds a specific qualification for accessing and visiting restricted areas containing rock engravings. This qualification is awarded after passing an exam following training conducted by the Mercantour National Park and the Ministry of Culture. This certification authorizes them to accompany you in these regulated zones.

In the morning: Ascent to the Refuge des Merveilles (2,111 m) and visit to the engravings

After checking out of our rooms, we began the ascent to the refuge through the splendid larch forest that occupies the lower part of the Vallée des Merveilles. We enjoyed the beautiful setting and the lake during our picnic.

Elevation gain: +650 m, -0 m. Walking time: 3 hours.

In the afternoon: after lightening our packs at the refuge, we head to the site of the world-famous prehistoric engravings. With our guide, accredited by the Mercantour National Park, we will try to interpret these messages.

*Optional, following the visit, possible ascent to the Pas de l'Arpette (2,511 m).

Elevation gain/loss: +183 m, -183 m Walking and sightseeing time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Overnight stay and meals at the Refuge des Merveilles (2,111 m). No luggage transfer.

Very early in the morning and with light packs, we climb one of the peaks overlooking the Cirque des Merveilles, then return to the refuge where we collect our belongings before heading to the Lac des Mesches parking lot for 2:15 pm.

Transfer to Saint Dalmas de Tende train station according to your schedule for 2:45 pm in order to be on time for the train/bus to Nice at 3:00 pm