Bivouac and Trekking in Mercantour National Park - Part 1
The untainted wilderness of the Mercantour National Park hides a plethora of hidden gems that await your discovery. Accompanied by a certified guide, you'll have the chance to fully experience the park's awe-inspiring natural beauty on an exciting trekking adventure in France. Along the way, you'll spend unforgettable bivouac nights under the stars, immersing yourself in the park's splendor.
Group
Alps
6 Days
Jul, Aug
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Trek across some of the most spectacular natural wonders of the French Alps.
- Uncover the extraordinary beauty of the Mercantour National Park.
- Relax under the mesmerizing French night sky.
Description
Come along on our 6-day journey as we trek across the vast range of wild landscapes that await in the Mercantour National Park****. Explore its vast high-altitude valleys with boundless mountain pastures that exhibit an immense variety of unique rock formations, extraordinary wildlife and stunning lakes. Join us and experience the freedom of disconnecting from the outside world as we set up camp under the mesmerizing French night sky after an extraordinary day of trekking adventure.
As we traverse through the Haut-Verdon valley, we'll be greeted by some of the most stunning wonders of the French Alps, such as the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe, Lac d'Allos, the highest village in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Haute-Tinée valley and many small and intimate lakes, along with the striking Sentinelles de grès.
Beyond these stunning landscapes, we'll embark on off-trail sections, including an intimate encounter with the immense valley of Salso Moreno. This path leads to the Lacs de Vens, often considered the most beautiful in Mercantour. To top it off, when we pitch our tents for the night, we will be treated to an enchanting view of the starry sky of the Southern Alps, adding to the magic of our outdoor adventure.
On this trek, we'll enjoy a leisurely pace and tackle the elevation gain in several uphill phases, allowing us to have the full day ahead of us. This approach allows us to savor the journey and immerse ourselves fully in the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to explore the unspoiled wilderness of the Mercantour National Park. Book your trip today and start planning your next great adventure!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Tents
- Sleeping pad
- Cooking utensils
- Sleeping bag
Price details
- The mummystyle sleeping bag, the ground mat, the tarp or alternatively the bivouac tent, cooking pots and stoves, are provided free of charge to those who do not have them.
Itinerary
Day 1: Meeting and 1st Trek Day
On day 1 we'll meet at the small public garden next to the town hall of Allos, located in the village of Allos at 10:00 am.
910m then positive elevation over a distance of 12 kms.
Day 2: 2nd Trek Day
990m of elevation gain over 18 kms of distance.
Day 3: 3rd Trek Day
870m of elevation gain over 18 kms of distance.
Day 4: 4th Trek Day
1000m of elevation gain over 18 kms of distance.
Day 5: 5th Trek Day
700m of elevation gain over 14 kms of distance.
Day 6: 6th Trek Day and End of Trip
620m of elevation gain over 17 kms of distance.
Equipment you will need to bring
Here is a list of items you will need for this trip: * Backpack (70 liters minimum) * Tarp or light bivouac tent * Mummy sleeping bag * Groundsheet * Therma tights * Warm sleeping clothing (merino wool is recommended) * Warm fleece jacket * Soft hiking pants * Waterproof overtrouser * Windproof and waterproof jacket * Two spare long sleeved t-shirts * Five spare pairs of ocks * Warm down jacket * Skull cap * Sunglasses * Sunscreen * Two water bottles (1 liter each) * Energy bars * Light cutlery * A cup * Stove with gas * Newspaper (in order to dry shoes) * Hiking sticks * Hiking shoes * Light undergloves * Foue packets of paper tissues * Five garbage bags (1 liter) * Small microfiber towel (20x20 cm) * Charged headlamp * Wipes * Toothbrush
FAQs
How can I prepare for this trip?
Preparing for a hiking trip requires physical fitness and endurance, so it's highly recommended to follow a consistent training routine beforehand. To prepare, incorporate cardiovascular and strength training exercises into your routine, such as running, jogging, and cycling. Additionally, taking short hikes in your local area can help build endurance and get you accustomed to hiking terrain.
How much distance will we cover on this trip?
On this trip, we'll be covering a total of 100 km and ascending 5,000 meters over the course of six days. This translates to an average of 850 meters of elevation gain per day, with a distance of 17 km to be covered in an effective walking time of 8 hours each day.
What would happen in the event of adverse weather conditions?
Regardless of the weather forecasts, the 6-day trek will proceed as scheduled and we will adapt accordingly. It's important to keep in mind that predicting weather in mountainous areas can be challenging, and often differs from the forecasted weather. Therefore, it's recommended to not solely rely on weather apps and remain open to changes in the weather conditions.
About the guide
Fabrice
5.0
(4)
Mountain Leader
My passion is hiking and it has been since I was a child. I am a Mountain Leader, ready to make you gain altitude!
My goal is to live adventures in a wild nature. And there are as many possibilities as varied landscapes and seasons!
Always looking for new spaces, privileged and authentic moments, a preserved and wild nature... It's above all about plenitude and contemplation, trying each time to understand the beauty of the sceneries.
I am a former lawyer, also ski patroller specialized in nivology and meteorology. I cross the massif ski touring during the winter for my own pleasure.
Languages
French | English
Certificates
UIMLA
What people are saying about Fabrice
I booked a tour with Fabrice on late May, definitely the highlight of my holiday, we went on a hike around Casterino It was a relaxed hike with great sights of mountain forests and lakes, I got to see some of the local fauna and flora of the park, ibex, marmots, chamois, although not as much as they would be in the area, possibly because of the wolfs (we saw some footprints). Overall it is a great way to see the surroundings. I would definitely recommend Fabrice as a guide for your next hike!
Sergey
Прекрасно проведенное время в компании отличного гида! Всего в 2 часах от Ниццы открывается совершенно другой мир . Огромное спасибо Фабрису за удивительные места и подробные объяснения !!!
Marc
100% trusted Services and no scams at all. They will find a way to meet your request and schedules. Guide was very friendly and I really had fantastic 1 day trip! Kudos to the team involved!
Julia
It was a fabulous day in the mountains with our guide Fabrice. He really loves his jobs. It much more a passion than a job for Fabrice. He has a patience wit h his hiking guests and a lot of knowledge about local flora and fauna. We will love to hike with Fabrice again and again. Julia, Niels and Josephine
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