Cime du Mercantour, Mountain summit in Alpes-Maritimes, France and Piedmont, Italy
Cime du Mercantour is a mountain summit at 2,772 meters where the border between France and Italy runs along its ridge. The peak has steep rocky faces and is surrounded by alpine meadows that slope down to forests and valleys.
The peak and surrounding area were inhabited thousands of years ago, as shown by ancient rock carvings etched into the stone throughout the region. These carvings tell of early people who lived and worked in this high mountain landscape.
The summit sits where France and Italy meet, shaping how mountain villages on both sides have developed their own traditions. Local communities have long used the alpine meadows for grazing animals and gathering herbs.
Several hiking trails approach the summit from both the French and Italian sides, with the most popular route starting from Boreon through the Cavalet meadows. Plan for a full day of walking and bring water and warm clothing, as conditions change quickly at this elevation.
On clear winter days, visitors can spot both the Mediterranean Sea and Mont-Blanc from the summit, a rare visual connection between two different mountain worlds. This view exists because of the peak's particular height and geographical position.
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