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decouverte du parc du mercantour
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Exploring Mercantour National Park

The Mercantour National Park is known for its beauty and diversity.

On one side is the Ubaye Valley, which offers the chance to try whitewater sports—rafting, canoeing and kayaking, and hydrospeed—on this world-famous river. But it will also make you fall in love with the high mountains, with their marked trails accessible to the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest. You’re sure to spot marmots, and if you’re lucky, chamois or mouflons. The Lauzannier Valley is a must-see for exploring the high mountains (easy access even with a stroller or for people with limited mobility). On your way back down, you’ll be tempted to stop in Barcelonnette, nicknamed “La Mexicaine”—come and uncover its history during your stay.

At the heart of the park are iconic mountain passes: Col de la Cayolle, Col d’Allos… The park boasts the highest road in Europe, leading to its highest point: the Col de la Bonnette—a ONE-OF-A-KIND experience! You’ll be captivated every step of the way.

To the south, the Haut-Verdon is the other “gateway” to this natural wonder. Lake Allos, Europe’s largest natural high-altitude lake; Mont Pelat, rising over 3,000 meters; and Colmars-les-Alpes, with its fortified town and must-see forts!

To explore other wide-open spaces in the region, be sure to check out the Verdon Gorge and the Balcons d’Azur, along with their villages.

Our campgrounds near Mercantour National Park

Choosing a campground that’s a member of the FRHPA in the South Region near Mercantour National Park gives you the chance to stay right in the heart of the great Alpine landscapes. You’ll be just a short drive from the Vésubie, Tinée, andUbaye valleys, as well as picturesque mountain villages like Saint-Martin-Vésubie, Valdeblore, and Barcelonnette. From your accommodation in the Mercantour National Park, you can visit the high-altitude lakes, climb legendary mountain passes, and follow the marked trails that crisscross the region. To round out your stay in the Southern Alps, the Digne and Sisteron area and Lake Serre-Ponçon are also well worth a visit.

Activities for the whole family
Ubaye Valley
the whitewater of the Ubaye River for rafting
Barcelonnette
Panorama of the Col de la Cayolle
Cayolle Pass

Activities for the whole family: water sports, walks, and panoramic views

The Mercantour National Park is a destination perfect for enjoying a wide variety of activities. You can take easy hikes around Boréon or the Ubaye Lakes, which are ideal for families. Thrill-seekers can head to the white-water rapids of the Ubaye River for rafting or kayaking. For panoramic views, the Bonette, Cayolle, and Lombarde passes offer the clearest vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. Nearby, the Champsaur-Valgaudemar valleys and the Queyras-Écrins-Briançonnais valleys offer equally remarkable mountain experiences.

barcelonnette fetes mexicaines
championnat de france de descente de nage en eau vive
alpes aventure motofestival

Festivities around Mercantour National Park

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Several events take place throughout the year in and around Mercantour National Park. You can attend the cross-border Alpine Biodiversity Festival at the Col de Tende or the Regards d’Altitude Festival, dedicated to mountain films. In Barcelonnette, the Côte Race, the Mexican festivals, and the Ubayak Festival are among the most eagerly anticipated events. The region also hosts the French Whitewater Swimming Downriver Championship,the Alpes Aventure Motofestival, and the Bréolibrius Festival. To continue exploring the region, the coastal roads of the French Riviera and Monaco , as well as the Baie des Anges from Nice to Antibes, await you just a few kilometers to the south.

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