• Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
  • Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders
Mercantour National Park / Alpes-Maritimes

Trekking and rock carving in the Valley of Wonders

Réf : OIPTJF

In summary

  • Sports
    Hiking / Trekking
  • Duration
    5 days
  • Level
    Intermediate

    Levels

    Hiking / Trekking
    Beginner
    For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
    Intermediate
    For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
    Confirmed
    For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
    Advanced
    For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
    Expert
    For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
  • Destination
    Mercantour National Park / Alpes-Maritimes
  • Age
    From 10 - 90 years
  • CO₂-Emissions
    39.06 kg CO2
  • Type of stay
    This group trip is perfect for travelers who want to experience a sporting adventure with other enthusiasts and be guided.
    Type of stay
    In a group
  • Languages
    🇫🇷
    French

In a few words

Immerse yourself in a unique stay by exploring the sacred trails of the Mercantour National Park . This exclusive journey takes you in the footsteps of Bronze Age people, to discover the 30,000 rock engravings that adorn the foothills of the mythical Mont Bégo .

Designed to offer an uncompromising cultural and natural immersion, this trip features a condensed program with accessible hikes . Thanks to minimal carrying , you can fully enjoy the alpine landscapes and the mystical atmosphere of the Vallée des Merveilles . Your evenings will be spent in convivial mountain huts, close to the peaks, enjoying four nights of stays .

To conclude this adventure in style, a wealth of discoveries awaits you in the Roya Valley . You will explore gems of medieval architecture such as Tende , La Brigue , and the perched village of Saorge . This journey offers a unique perspective on the evolution of mountain societies, forging a powerful connection between the shores of the Mediterranean and the high altitudes. An authentic experience where human history meets the rugged beauty of the mountains.

The highlights

  • Accessible multi-day hikes with minimal carrying for optimal comfort
  • Four authentic nights in mountain refuges in the heart of the Mercantour National Park
  • Discover the medieval villages of the Roya Valley, including Tende, La Brigue and Saorge
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Photos

Sport

Level

Hiking / Trekking

Intermediate

Levels

Hiking / Trekking
Beginner
For those wishing to walk for up to 3 hours with minimal elevation gain (max. 300m) along roads, tracks, trails, or rolling terrain. Suitable for everyone.
Intermediate
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
Confirmed
For those wishing to hike for up to 6 hours a day and/or cover an elevation gain of 600 to 800 meters, both on and off-trail. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in a sporting activity once a week, hike regularly, and are in very good physical condition.
Advanced
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
Expert
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.

In figures

Hiking

  • Average duration/day: 5h
  • Average distance/day: 10 km
  • Average daily elevation gain: 518 m
  • Average daily descent: 508 m
  • Exposed Passages: Yes

Management

During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band : 1 supervisor for 6 to 10 people
Languages ​​spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor

The stay will be supervised by a mid-mountain guide.

Program

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
  • map

    Castérino Fontanalba Hike

    • Activity Hiking
    • Duration of the activity 5h
    • Distance 12 km
    • Positive elevation gain 600 m
    • Negative elevation 150 m
    • Accommodation Refuge
    • Breakfast not included
    • Lunch included
    • Dinner included

    Meet at Castérino (1545m altitude) at 9:00 AM in front of the Park Visitor Center. We will begin with a hike through a larch forest that will lead us to the Fontanalba refuge at 2018m altitude. For botanists, this is an interesting stop, especially in mid-July. Estimated arrival time is 1:00 PM. Picnic lunch at the refuge. Around 2:30 PM, we will set off on a leisurely hike to reach the green lake of Fontanalba (one of the most beautiful lakes in the National Park) (45-minute walk). A loop trail will allow us to discover the earliest Bronze Age engravings, in particular the sacred voice that overlooks the glacial valley of Fontanalba. Return to the refuge around 6:00 PM. Dinner and overnight stay.

    Day 1

Note

On day 2, the ascent of Mount Bégo follows a marked trail and does not require a rope; however, the view over the Valley of Wonders 700m below is reserved for those with a head for heights.

The last part of the hike remains optional.

Accommodation

During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.

Access

Departure
Casterino, Tende, France
Day 1 : 09h00
End of stay
Saorge, France
Day 5 - 16h00

Go to the starting point

Access by train
Take the train toGare de Tende

From the train station to Casterino:

  1. Shuttle / Bus: In the summer season, shuttles (Zest lines) often connect the village of Tende to Casterino.
  2. Taxi: Allow approximately 25 to 30 minutes to travel the 15 km mountain road (estimated fare between €40 and €60 depending on the time of day).
Access by car
Travel to the place of stay Find out about parking options nearby
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Price details

The price includes

  1. The stay will be supervised by a mountain guide.
  2. Accommodation in mountain huts and hostels
  3. Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to picnic lunch on Day 5

The price does not include

  1. Transportation to and from the meeting point.
  2. Luggage transport
  3. Drinks and personal expenses
  4. Anything not listed under "Price includes"

Options

  1. Flex fare and insurance

Practical information

Specific formalities
Equipment
A
Decathlon Travel Partner

Our partner team

• 16 stays
Spécialiste du canyonisme depuis 1982, le fondateur de notre partenaire local a exploré les spots du monde entier, de la Réunion à l'Éthiopie. Cette agence familiale s'appuie sur une équipe d'experts, dont son fils Dorian et plusieurs moniteurs diplômés. Ensemble, ils proposent un encadrement professionnel en canyoning et randonnée, fruit de nombreuses expéditions internationales. Une expertise historique pour une aventure en toute sécurité.
Discover their team and their trips
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