Guided tour of the Valley of Wonders
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationMercantour National Park / Alpes-Maritimes
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions36.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Embark on a multi-day adventure in the heart of the Mercantour National Park , a jewel of the Southern Alps . This trip immerses you in a world where history and nature meet, with the discovery of iconic sites such as the mythical Valley of Wonders and Fontanalbe, veritable open-air museums adorned with millennia-old rock engravings .
Between majestic peaks, high-altitude lakes and hanging valleys , each day offers its share of spectacular panoramas. You will traverse unspoiled areas, encountering iconic wildlife : chamois, ibex and marmots inhabiting a landscape sculpted by Quaternary glaciers .
Accompanied by an expert guide , this multi-day trek will take you from refuge to refuge, for total immersion in nature . A unique experience , combining exploration, contemplation, and disconnection, ideal for those passionate about wide-open spaces and ancestral heritage .
The highlights
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A stay in the heart of the Mercantour National Park
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Hikes offering opportunities to observe chamois and ibex
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A guided tour of the rock engravings
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average daily elevation gain: 829 m
- Average daily descent: 782 m
Management
French
A team of enthusiasts for a unique immersion in the Valley of Wonders
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of our team of expert guides, men and women driven by a deep passion for the mountains and nature of the Mercantour National Park. Each guide is certified, accredited by the Park, and an expert on the legendary Valley of Wonders. Their mission? To reveal the secrets of this exceptional region to you with professionalism and enthusiasm.
Your guide will not only lead you along marked trails. Thanks to their specific certification, they can take you to explore restricted areas, such as the rock engravings of the Valley of Wonders and Fontanalbe, and reveal the mysteries of the prehistoric civilizations that left their mark on these places.
Passionate about wildlife, flora, and geology, our guides know how to transform every hike into an immersive adventure. Observe chamois perched on the ridges with them, discover rare alpine plants, or listen to their captivating stories about the glaciers that shaped these landscapes.
Program
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Fontanalbe's engravings
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 865 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet at 9:00 am in Casterino to meet your guide. Departure is coordinated with the arrival of the shuttle from the train station.
On this first day, you'll explore the Fontanalbe site, famous for its rock engravings. An immersive day in the heart of history, retracing the lives of the valley's first inhabitants. Overnight stay in a mountain refuge.
Day 1 -
Between lakes and rock engravings: an exceptional crossing
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Explore the protected area of fascinating rock engravings while traversing exceptional landscapes under the imposing gaze of Mont Bégo. After crossing the Baisse de Fontanalbe pass, admire the vast lakes of the Valmasque valley. Join the GR52 trail for an ascent to the Baisse du Basto pass, before descending to the Refuge de Nice, nestled between two majestic lakes. Overnight stay in the refuge.
Day 2 -
Lakes and high peaks: between alpine pastures and the mineral world
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 865 m
- Negative elevation 1190 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Depending on the conditions, we'll start the day with a short out-and-back hike to Lac Long. Then, a technical but spectacular route leads you to the Pas du Mont Colomb. In a stark, rocky landscape surrounded by imposing peaks, enjoy breathtaking views before descending to the verdant alpine pastures around the Madone de Fenestre. A striking contrast between rock and greenery! Overnight stay in a mountain refuge.
Day 3 -
Hanging lakes and valleys: hidden treasures
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 978 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Venture off the beaten path to explore a hidden valley leading to the Baisse des Cinq Lacs (Five Lakes Pass). This secluded spot reveals its treasures: five shimmering lakes and ancient rock carvings. After a final traverse, begin your descent into the Gordolasque Valley. Overnight stay in a mountain refuge/holiday center.
Day 4 -
The Valley of Wonders: At the heart of the rock engravings
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Immerse yourself in the heart of the famous Valley of Wonders, a veritable open-air museum. Climb the Pas de l'Arpette to discover this unique site, where rock engravings, sparkling lakes, and breathtaking panoramas transport you through 3,500 years of history. Observe exceptional flora and fauna along the way. Overnight stay in a mountain refuge.
Day 5 -
Alpine Crossing: From the Wonders to Casterino
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 490 m
- Negative elevation 970 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For your final day, take an old trail that leads to the Baisse de Valauretta. If conditions permit, embark on a spectacular traverse between the Cime de la Chanvrairée and the Cime du Plan Tandasque. A final breathtaking panorama awaits before descending back to Casterino, the end point of this unforgettable adventure.
End of stay after the hike
Day 6
Note
Please consider this program a flexible itinerary! Due to variables such as weather, trail conditions, or other factors beyond our control, we may occasionally make adjustments. However, rest assured, our guide is an expert on the mountain range, knowing its every secret, and will strive to guarantee you an exceptional experience. For example, if certain routes are crowded, he will show you magnificent and unspoiled paths to ensure your stay is truly memorable. Get ready to explore enchanting places!
Accommodation
- 4 nights in a mountain refuge, and 1 night in a holiday center/refuge
- The shelters are an island of life in the midst of wild nature.
You will find the minimum comforts necessary for washing, eating, and sleeping. The shelters are self-sufficient in terms of energy; there are no electrical outlets available.
If you rely heavily on your tech, there are many ways to keep your battery in top condition: portable solar panels, portable power banks, battery chargers... Otherwise, switch to airplane mode, conserve your devices, or disconnect for two days.
Access
The hike ended around 5:00 PM in Casterino.
A shuttle to the train station is available around 5:30 PM, arriving at the station around 6:00 PM. The shuttle schedule is adjusted for the last train departing for Nice.
Go to the starting point
Stop at the station: St Dalmas de Tende
- Paris-Nice line then Nice/Breil sur Roya/Tende/Cunéo line.
- Paris-Turin line, then Turin/Cuneo and finally the Cuneo-Breil-sur-Roya line
For your information: trains departing from Nice, 4 departures per day, journey time 2 hours.
The line, which was partially damaged by the storm, has been restored since spring 2021.
Information and details: https://m.ter.sncf.com/sud-provence-alpes-cote-d-azur
Via France: you must go through the south
- Take the motorway to Ventimiglia (border crossing) then the RN 204/E74. St Dalmas de Tende is 30 km from Ventimiglia. This is the preferred option.
- Either via Menton, then Sospel, Col de Brouis to join the RN204 E74. This avoids crossing the border but the road is very winding.
From the north, Italian side
WARNING, MANY GPS SYSTEMS TAKE YOU THROUGH THE NORTH, BUT SINCE STORM ALEX, THE ROAD IS CUT OFF, THE ONLY ACCESSIBLE TRACK IS A 4X4 TRACK RESERVED FOR LOCALS.
The only option will be to leave your vehicle in Limone and take the train to Saint Dalmas de Tende.
Free parking in the hamlet of Casterino
Price details
The price includes
- Guided tours of the engravings by a certified mountain guide
- Full board accommodation from Monday lunchtime to Saturday lunchtime inclusive
- Transfer at the end of your stay to Saint Dalmas de Tende train station
- Luggage transport
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card and a European health insurance card.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Equipment to bring
- A 30/35 liter backpack with a flexible frame and a waist belt
- Telescopic poles and rubber tips (mandatory for the visit)
- Hiking boots with good ankle support and waterproof soles, such as Vibram soles, are recommended. Remember to test new shoes and those that haven't been worn for a long time beforehand.
- A large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
- Category 3 sunglasses
- A thermos for hot or cold drinks, a water bottle (at least 1.5L per person) or a CamelBak-type hydration bladder with a drinking tube
- Cup, knife and fork for picnics
- A small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold all your documents
- A survival blanket
- Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it
- A sleeping bag liner is mandatory.
Clothing to bring
- A sun hat or cap
- A multifunctional BUFF© type beanie or neck warmer and
- A pair of lightweight gloves to protect against the cold at altitude
- A short-sleeved t-shirt suitable for physical activity (synthetic or natural microfiber type)
- An insulating garment such as a fleece or down jacket
- A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket with a hood if possible (gore-tex type or equivalent)
- A rain poncho or a protective cover for the backpack in bad weather (often integrated into the bags)
- Loose-fitting trekking trousers
- Shorts or bermudas suitable for walking
- A pair of hiking socks
They traveled with us
