Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park stretches in a narrow, mountainous ribbon 75 km long between Barcelonette in the Maritime Alps and Sospel, about 20 km north of Monte Carlo. The park is crisscrossed by hiking trails and paths, and there are also shelters for hikers.
General information
There are several peaks here, the highest of which is La Cime du Géla at 3143 meters, as well as the highest lake in Europe, Lac d’Allos. It is a beautiful area, not spoiled by civilization, with wonderful waterfalls and gorges, but the park is known primarily for its flora and fauna. In the park you can see unusual alpine plants, such as the rockweed, as well as unique types of orchids and lilies. Near the coast, the flora is more typical of the area, with the spicy aromatic herbs for which Provence is famous. There are many alpine mammals here – wild mountain goats, marmots, ermines, mouflons, and recently wolves have been introduced. Many birds can be seen here – golden eagles, peregrine falcons, hoopoes and white partridges.
.The town of Sospel at the southern border of the park is a lovely quiet town on the Bevera River. The Place Saint-Michel is classic Provence: peach facades, two chapels and a church, and the ruins of a castle looming above. It’s the perfect place to relax after hiking the high mountains.
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