Mercantour National Park, National park in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes, France.
The Mercantour National Park spans 68,500 hectares of alpine territory with peaks reaching over 3,000 meters in elevation between Mediterranean and Alpine influences.
Established on August 18, 1979, the area evolved from a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1859 to become one of France's eleven national parks.
The Valley of Wonders contains 40,000 Bronze Age rock engravings, representing one of the largest collections of prehistoric art in Europe.
The park offers marked hiking trails leading to high-altitude lakes, including Lake Allos at 2,200 meters, with options for both day trips and multi-day treks.
The territory hosts 2,400 plant species and various wildlife, including recently returned wolves from Italy, protected ibexes, and bearded vultures.
Location: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence
Location: Alpes-Maritimes
Inception: August 18, 1979
Address: 23 Rue d'Italie, 06000 Nice, France 06000 Nice
Phone: +33493167888
Website: http://mercantour-parcnational.fr
GPS coordinates: 44.16667,7.08333
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:36
The French Riviera contains numerous sites beyond the main tourist routes. From medieval hilltop villages to seaside forts, from art museums to natural parks - the region maintains many authentic locations. Walking trails lead through limestone cliffs and coastal paths with Mediterranean Sea views. Historic villas and castles display architecture from different periods, while museums protect the region's cultural heritage.
France contains protected areas with diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The national parks include alpine regions with peaks exceeding 3000 meters, glaciers and mountain lakes, Mediterranean coastlines with limestone cliffs and marine reserves, and island zones with underwater trails. Regional nature parks feature volcanic areas with 80 extinct volcanoes, extensive wetlands with thousands of ponds hosting over 200 bird species, moorland landscapes in the Ardennes, and coastal zones with lagoons and salt marshes. These protected areas shelter ibex, chamois, marmots, lynx and birds of prey. Visitors find marked hiking trails, historic villages and traditional farming operations.
French national parks feature natural landscapes with mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests. The parks are home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Visitors can hike, watch birds and explore nature. The parks extend from the Alps to the Mediterranean coast.
Vallée des Merveilles
30.1 km
Sant'Anna
7.5 km
Monte Argentera
17.8 km
Cime de la Bonette
28 km
Entracque Power Plant
19.9 km
Cime du Gélas
24.5 km
Shrine of St. Magnus
27 km
Pelat
32 km
Forte Albertino
17.2 km
Mont Bégo
31.1 km
Bridge of the Bride
21.7 km
Sanctuaire de la Madone d'Utelle
30.8 km
Rocca la Meja
25.8 km
Parco naturale delle Alpi Marittime
20.6 km
Mont Mounier
9 km
Château des Magnans
39 km
Ouvrage Restefond
28.5 km
Museo del Setificio Piemontese
39.7 km
Citadelle d'Entrevaux
32.2 km
Action Enchained
28.1 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Ménour
37.9 km
Ouvrage Rimplas
12.4 km
Santo Stefano Church
20.1 km
Corno Stella
17.6 km
Parc Alpha
18.1 km
Monte Matto
15.2 km
Rocca dell'Abisso
33.7 km
Blue Villa
41.9 kmReviews
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