Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park
A high-altitude treasure around Pra Loup
Nestled in the heart of the so-called “dry” Alps, at the crossroads of the Dauphiné, Provence and the Italian Piedmont, the Ubaye valley marks the northern end of the Mercantour National Park. This unique geographical location, between Alpine and Mediterranean influences, gives this territory an exceptional natural, heritage and climatic richness
Protected from the winds by a relief sculpted by time, the Bachelard valley benefits from generous sunshine and low rainfall : an invitation to explore, in summer and winter, the trails, belvederes and ridges of this luminous territory.
Protected from the winds by a relief sculpted by time, the Bachelard valley benefits from generous sunshine and low rainfall : an invitation to explore, in summer and winter, the trails, belvederes and ridges of this luminous territory.
Protected from the winds by a relief sculpted by time, the Bachelard valley benefits from generous sunshine and low rainfall : an invitation to explore, in summer and winter, the trails, belvederes and ridges of this luminous territory.
Protected from the winds by a relief sculpted by time, the Bachelard valley benefits from generous sunshine and low rainfall : an invitation to explore, in summer and winter, the trails, belvederes and ridges of this luminous territory.
A patchwork of wildlife
Rocky glaciers, tumultuous torrents, hanging valleys, peaceful mountain pastures… Every corner of the Mercantour National Park is home to a precious ecosystem:
- Bearded vulture, mythical raptor of the Alps
- Ibex of the summits, seigniorial and agile
- Discreet ptarmigan, real snow ghosts
- Ermines, elegant and stealthy
This exceptional biodiversity makes the Park a living sanctuary where nature has kept all its rights.
The municipality of Uvernet-Fours has committed itself with the Park to an inventory of its biodiversity.
A patchwork of wildlife
Rocky glaciers, tumultuous torrents, hanging valleys, peaceful mountain pastures… Every corner of the Mercantour National Park is home to a precious ecosystem:
- Bearded vulture, mythical raptor of the Alps
- Ibex of the summits, seigniorial and agile
- Discreet ptarmigan, real snow ghosts
- Ermines, elegant and stealthy
This exceptional biodiversity makes the Park a living sanctuary where nature has kept all its rights.
The municipality of Uvernet-Fours has committed itself with the Park to an inventory of its biodiversity.
Hiking in the Mercantour
Two areas to know:
The adhesion area : Barcelonnette, Uvernet-Fours, Val d’Oronaye, Jausiers… Here, there are no specific regulations, but a strong local commitment to preservation.
The heart of the Park : strict protected area. Walking a dog, picking flowers or bivouacking is allowed under certain conditions. The signage in green hexagons makes it easy to recognise the boundaries of the heart of the Park.
A valley of passage and memory
The passes of the Cayolle, the Bonette or the Allos were once pastoral roads, trade routes or strategic defence points. Forts, barracks and old roads still bear witness to these centuries of human watch. Today, these highlands have once again become kingdoms of silence, where only the footsteps of the hiker resonate in the immensity.
A valley of passage and memory
The passes of the Cayolle, the Bonette or the Allos were once pastoral roads, trade routes or strategic defence points. Forts, barracks and old roads still bear witness to these centuries of human watch. Today, these highlands have once again become kingdoms of silence, where only the footsteps of the hiker resonate in the immensity.
Hiking with a mountain pro
In the Mercantour, every detour can offer a unique encounter with wildlife. Take the time to observe, to blend into the background, to enjoy the silence.
Our advice? Call on a mountain guide or guide : an expert in the field and a discreet observer, he will help you better understand the living world, without ever disturbing it.
Hiking with a mountain pro
In the Mercantour, every detour can offer a unique encounter with wildlife. Take the time to observe, to blend into the background, to enjoy the silence.
Our advice? Call on a mountain guide or guide : an expert in the field and a discreet observer, he will help you better understand the living world, without ever disturbing it.
Mercantour Park To go further
Located in Barcelonnette, the Maison du Parc is the ideal place for a first immersion.
It includes:
- Practical information and detailed weather
- Hiking maps
- Exhibitions, conferences, nature workshops
- Supervised outings with Park agents
Coordinates
Villa la Sapinière (under the Valley Museum)
04400 Barcelonnette
Tel: 04 92 61 57 37
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