Enciastraia, Alpine summit in Mercantour National Park, France.
Enciastraia is an Alpine summit located in Mercantour National Park in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region on the French-Italian border. The peak features rocky eastern slopes and offers wide views across several Alpine valleys.
The mountain served for centuries as a natural border between France and Italy, guiding shepherds and travelers through the Alpine landscape. This boundary role shaped the use of the surrounding highlands over time.
The name reflects regional pastoral heritage and refers to traditional high-altitude enclosures where shepherds gathered livestock. Visitors today can still see traces of this ancient practice in the meadows surrounding the peak.
The hike to the summit requires several hours of walking with significant elevation gain and starts from the Camp des Fourches parking area on the Col de la Bonette road. Visitors should prepare for changeable mountain weather and wear sturdy footwear.
The peak marks a notable meeting point of three major river systems: the Durance, Var, and Po rivers. This hydrographic junction makes the location a rare geographical feature in the region.
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