Mountain valley near Beuil with winding stream and grassy slopes in Mercantour National Park.

Tinée Valley – High Alps, Deep Gorges, and Mountain Passes

A high Alpine valley of steep mountains, narrow gorges, and upper river basins south of the main Alpine watershed

The Tinée Valley is a high Alpine valley in south-eastern France, centred on the River Tinée in the southern Alps. Walking routes cross Mercantour National Park, follow long-distance routes including the GR5, and use historic high-pass paths linking places such as Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Isola, Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, and the upper Tinée settlements across narrow gorges, valley floors, and steep mountain slopes.

Much of the terrain is steep and variable underfoot. Mountain paths, mule tracks, and high Alpine trails dominate, with frequent sustained climbs and descents. Lower sections follow valley tracks and minor roads, but routes often rise quickly onto exposed slopes and passes as they leave the river corridor.

The landscape shifts between distinct sub-areas. Upper sections near Isola and the Italian border are strongly Alpine, with high cirques, open slopes, and long views. Central sections around Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée include wider valley floors with pasture and woodland. Lower parts of the valley narrow into gorges, with steep sides and limited level ground.

Settlements are small and widely spaced, aligned mainly along the river corridor. These act as access points for linear routes and multi-day crossings, with long stretches of mountainous terrain between villages.

Trails and Routes Through the Tinée Valley

GR5

A major long-distance Alpine route crossing the upper Tinée via high passes and upland terrain within Mercantour National Park.

Mercantour high-level paths

A network of mountain routes and linking trails connecting side valleys, passes, and cirques within the national park.

Tinée valley paths

Local valley-floor tracks linking villages along the River Tinée and providing access to higher routes.

Historic mule tracks and passes

Older routes over cols connecting the Tinée with neighbouring valleys such as the Vésubie and Ubaye.

Walking Character

Steep Alpine mountains and passes
Narrow gorges and upper river valleys
Rocky paths, mule tracks, and open slopes
Sustained ascents and long descents
Sparse settlements with long gaps between
Predominantly high-altitude and inland

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Tinée Valley located?

The Tinée Valley lies in Alpes-Maritimes in the southern French Alps, north of Nice and close to the Italian border.

What defines walking here?

High-altitude Alpine walking with steep terrain, exposed routes, and long distances between settlements.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The GR5 passes through the upper Tinée, supported by a dense network of high-level Mercantour routes.

Is the terrain steep?

Often. Many routes involve sustained climbs to passes and traverse exposed mountain ground.

When is the best time to visit?

Late June to September offers the most reliable access to higher routes. Snow can persist on passes into early summer, and weather can change quickly at altitude.