Circular trek «Flânerie in Mercantour»
Far from it all spared from the extensive tourism : this area is still which tends to stay on the coast. As a result, our region is still exceptionally authentic and unspoilt, as we intend to keep it. With the red stones and blue skies, our mountains ofer a unique perspective in Europe.
On this tour donkeys are included on days 4 and 5, on other days it is possible to book a donkey for extra 60 eur per day (payment on spot).
Easy trails clearly marked. Suitable for: families with young children, couples looking for a romantic getaway.
Accommodation: 3 nights in Ecolodge with en suite bathroom, 1 night in a local hostel, 2 nights in Mongolian yurts (home comforts in the wilderness!)
Climate : due to the proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for summer hiking.
Destination: Europe, Mercantour National Park, France
Duration: 7 days
Departure: June 1 - September 30
Price: 676,00 eur p.p. adults / 599,00 eur child
- the advice of a local English speaking guide
- accommodation (6 nights) at Ecolodge, hostel or mongol yurt
- FB treatment – breakfasts, picnic lunches, dinners
- your own personal donkey for days 4 and 5
- a road book an IGN map of the paths a leafy booklet on the valley,leaflet published by the Mercantour National Park.
- the costs of transportation for getting to Mercantour National Park
- optional activities on day 3
- transfer to Entrevaux
- insurance
- anything not mentioned under “the price includes”
Itinerary
Welcome tout in the afternoon
Meet Jeremy, master of the house… or should we say master of the kitchen, as cooking is what is closest to his heart. Come enjoy some of the finest French cuisine in a place you might not have expected!
Walk to “le belvédère des gorges rouges”
| Km | Mt | Mt | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 350 | 350 | 4.5 |
A walk to the breathtaking Alpine red gorges along a wide panoramic view.
Free day for a leisure or a possibility to choose some activity
Our guides will help you choose your adventure according to the season and the weather – canyoning, water hiking, Via Ferrata…
For those who enjoy kayaking and canyoning, this is an ideal starting point, right above the famous Clue d’Amen.
For hikers, exceptionally clear signage gives you the opportunity to explore the upper valley, with only a 30 minute drive to the trailhead. Return to the Ecolodge.
Part 1 of a two-day hike : Sauze par Les Moulins
| Km | Mt | Mt | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | 425 | 290 | 4 |
This pleasant hike is filled with breathtaking views as you cross the flanks of Mount St. Honorat (2550m). You will eventually reach the charming village of Sauze, which was once the centre of a busy rural life, as witnessed by the large number of hamlets you will encounter near the end of the day. You may also choose to cross the magnificent panoramic plateau of La Lare (plan to add 1 hour to your hike). When you arrive in Sauze, your hospitable hosts, Bernadette and Gilbert will greet you for your overnight stay in a traditional inn.
Return to Villeplane, via the Cante mountain stream.
| Km | Mt | Mt | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 375 | 515 | 4 |
Hike down amongst the lavender and thyme bushes. Take a dip in the mountain pools of the Cante, then climb back up the shaded woods to arrive at the two yurts of Villeplane. Nestled in the greenery, these yurts were imported from Mongolia and are traditionally furnished. Built out of wood and felt, each yurt houses 4 beds (one full-size, and 2 or 3 singles), one chest, a cofee table, stools and a mini-fridge. Outside, you’ll find the water, showers, electrical outlets and dry toilets. This is an unforgettable opportunity to live close to nature.
Around « Le collet de la Cime» ( the Collet Peak)
| Km | Mt | Mt | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 300 | 300 | 2.5 |
The comfortable yurts tend to make travelers want to sleep in, so on day 6, we ofer a lovely, relaxing half-day hike, far from everything. The top of the Collet peak ofers a 360 degree view of all the peaks of the valley. A shaded picnic amongst the larch trees and a pit-stop along a mountain stream, which allows for some fun splashing around, usually motivates slower groups to keep moving. Renting a donkey is an option. Return to the yurt.
The Allos Lake
| Km | Mt | Mt | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 410 | 970 | 4 |
Morning departure by car (1hr drive) to explore the lakeside and drive up the valley. It would be out of the question to leave the valley without this excursion. Your weeks trek rounds of in a climax with an enchanted tour around the glacial lakes of Allos, Garrets and la petite Cayolle. You will lose yourself on this journey through nature, where the blue sky is reflected in the clear waters of the lakes and the endemic flora strewn with alpine pastures: Alonie bluebell, wooly Berardie, Koch gentians, acaulescent catchflies, vanilla orchids, pansies … In this geological battleground, where the emerging Alps have pushed back the sea, stone glacials and high altitude waters bring your journey to an end amidst the glittering blue expanse of the lake of Allos.
For those who have no personal car : Transfer to Entrevaux.
