Hiking in the Mercantour and the Valley of Wonders

Specifics

Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).

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 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) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider 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.

1. A small flashlight (with spare batteries)
2. Telescopic walking poles (recommended)
3. A water bottle with a minimum capacity of one liter of water
4. A knife, a spoon, and a fork
5. An individual plastic Tupperware container, for lunchtime salads
6. Sunscreen cream (skin and lips)
7. Toilet paper + lighter (to burn it)
8. Optional: camera, binoculars...
9. 1 backpack of 30/35 liters
10. 2 telescopic poles (highly recommended)
11. 1 large plastic bag to protect the inside of the backpack
12. 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material
13. 1 fleece jacket or a warm sweater
14. 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket (Gore-tex type or equivalent)
15. 1 rain cape
16. 1 hat or cap for sun protection
17. A small, lightweight hat with small fleece gloves to protect against the cold or wind at altitude
18. 1 pair of loose-fitting trekking trousers
19. One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with Vibram-type soles. Remember to test new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand (low-cut shoes are not recommended).
20. 1 pair of excellent quality sunglasses
21. 1 sunscreen and protective lip balm
22. 1 thermos or a preferably insulated water bottle (minimum 1 liter)
23. 1 Opinel-type pocket knife
24. 1 small pouch (preferably waterproof) to hold your money, ID card, health insurance card and assistance contract
25. 1 airtight plastic container (minimum capacity 0.3 liters) + cup + cutlery
26. 1 survival blanket
27. 1 camera and/or binoculars (optional)

Specific regulations govern the use of walking poles during hikes in the Valley of Wonders and the Fontanalba Valley. To access the rock engraving sites and avoid causing damage, you must equip the tips of your poles with rubber caps (available in sporting goods stores) or you will be required to store them in your backpack. Please note that park rangers are particularly vigilant in enforcing these regulations!

For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:

1. A long-sleeved undershirt made of breathable material
2. A warm fleece fur jacket
3. A windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket, Gore-Tex type

When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rain, snow, or wind, simply add a waterproof jacket. In very cold conditions or during breaks, a fleece jacket is essential. These three layers should always be in your backpack, as mountain weather changes very quickly. Choose quick-drying clothing and avoid cotton. Opt for merino wool, silk, and synthetic fibers, which will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible. Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but more importantly, remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing, which quickly becomes icy during breaks.