Mercantour National Park

Alpine valleys, high passes, and mountains rising from the Mediterranean

Rugged peaks, glacial lakes, larch forests, and remote mountain valleys create a landscape shaped by altitude, geology, and the meeting of Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Located in south-eastern France near the Italian border, Mercantour National Park protects one of the most diverse mountain regions in Europe, where high alpine terrain sits surprisingly close to the Mediterranean coast.

Long-distance trails such as the GR5 and sections of the Via Alpina pass through the national park, linking places including Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Valdeblore, Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Isola, and the upper Tinée and Vésubie valleys. Mountain paths, high passes, forest trails, and alpine routes reveal changing views across rocky summits, glacial basins, wildflower meadows, and remote valleys, creating journeys closely connected to the character of the southern Alps.

Whether crossing high mountain passes, exploring the Valley of Wonders, or following the GR5 north through the Alps, Mercantour rewards time spent on foot. Dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and a remarkable sense of wilderness make it one of France's most rewarding destinations for self-guided travel.