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Mercantour - Hut-to-Hut
6 days
T2 trails / no difficulty markings
Distance: 10 - 15 km per day
500 - 1000 ascent per day
> Enjoy the beautiful French Alps
> Spend your nights in local mountain huts
> Don't worry about arranging the accommodation, we got that covered!
At only a stone's throw from Nice and the Mediterranean coast, you can find a mountain range with the striking name Les Alpes Maritimes. In these mountains, you can find Mercantour National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks France has to offer. With peaks of over 3000m and valleys formed by ancient glacial streams, Mercantour provides the perfect backdrop for your next mountain adventure. It's in Mercantour where hikers of all ages and abilities will be able to find an unparalleled hiking experience. Are you ready to discover one of France's best-kept secrets?
In Mercantour National Park you can do parts of the GR5 and the GR52. The GR5 will basically take you halfway across Europe, and although the GR52 is doable for most people with enough off days, it is best to craft your own itinerary together. Especially if you don't want to hike for longer than a week. We have designed a 6-day itinerary that offers a great combination of nature, the most hospitable Mercantour refuges, and quaint little towns.
Itinerary
Day
1
St.-Martin-de-Vésubie - Chalet de La Madone de Fenestre
Duration: 04:20 h
Distance: 13.1 km
Ascent: 1430 m
Descent: 500 m
The beautiful little town of St.-Martin-de-Vésubie is the start of your hike in Mercantour National Park. In this little town, you can do your last purchases for the trails, you can find an outdoor shop, some restaurants, and numerous little grocery shops. Your hike starts with a steep ascent, bringing you out of the valley onto the higher trails. At Collet Cotignol you will find views over the pine forests and surrounding mountains. The goal for today is the cozy Refuge de la Madonna de Fenestre at 1903 meters. Although this refuge is also accessible by road, you won't regret the hike.
Chalet de La Madone de Fenestre
Day
2
Chalet de La Madone de Fenestre - Refuge de Nice
Duration: 02:35 h
Distance: 5.9 km
Ascent: 710 m
Descent: 370 m
After a lovely breakfast, it's time to get back onto the trail. A steep but well-maintained trail will take you over the GR52-route to Pas du Mont Colomb, the highest point for today. It's strenuous, but you can take your time. Depending on what time you started this morning, you are likely to arrive early at the stunning Refuge de Nice. In proper Mercantour style, the caretakers only cook with local and farm produced products.
Refuge de Nice
Day
3
Refuge de Nice - Refuge de Valmasque
Duration: 02:50 h
Distance: 8.3 km
Ascent: 420 m
Descent: 420 m
From the Refuge de Nice at 2,232 meters you hike in about 3 to 4 hours via the Baisse du Basto to the Refuge de Valmasque. At some point you will leave the GR route. As long as you follow the red and white markings, you will surely find the way. On your left you will see first Lac du Basto, then Le Lac Noir and finally Le Lac Vert. Right on the shore of Le Lac Vert you will find the Refuge de la Valmasque. There is an alternative trail between Refuge de Nice and Refuge de Valmasque, but this trail leaves the GR52 route completely. If you are interested, you can find more information in Refuge de Nice.
Refuge de Valmasque
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