Hiking from Mercantour to Menton

The journey begins with a train ride deep into Val Roya, which stretches from the blue Mediterranean to the ski slopes at Colle di Tenda pass on the border with Italy. From Tende or Saint-Dalmas, a transfer bus runs during season to Castérino. Outside the June–September period, private transfer is arranged when needed. The small village of Castérino sits at just over 1500 meters altitude and is a perfect base for the coming days in Mercantour. Here the few houses are surrounded by fresh alpine meadows, forest and promising peaks.

After breakfast you collect today's picnic and begin the ascent through the green Fontanalba valley, deep inside the national park. Via the fairy-tale beautiful Lac Vert you reach areas with several of the famous rock carvings – up to 100,000 pieces, some over 6000 years old. A longer variant continues towards the pristine lakes of the Valmasque valley. Return to Castérino. Possibility to book guided tour on site at the Lac Vert hut.

After breakfast you take the local shuttle bus to the starting point at Lac des Mèches. From here you follow the trail through Vallon de la Minière and into Mercantour's higher zones. Perhaps you'll see ibex, chamois or even traces of wolf. The landscape is open and barren: clear lakes, rocky peaks and flowering alpine meadows. At Refuge des Merveilles you can stop for a drink and possibly sign up for a guided tour among the rock carvings in Vallée des Merveilles, the valley of wonders. You return to Lac des Mèches and take the bus back. Then you and your luggage get transfer to Sospel.

Short transfer to Breil-sur-Roya which lies in the middle of Val Roya. The trail leaves the village with views over the valley and continues on an unpopulated path through old terraces with olive trees. You pass the abandoned mountain village Piène Haute and then cross the border to Italy to reach colorful Olivetta. From here you return to France and medieval Sospel with its characteristic stone bridge over the river Brévera. You can also today choose between a slightly longer and a slightly shorter alternative.

A short taxi ride takes you to today's start. The trail winds through beech forest before you reach Col de Castillon with majestic views over the Alps and the Mediterranean at the same time. Here it really feels like being in a particularly privileged place. The destination is the village Sainte-Agnès, Europe's highest coastal village 800 meters above sea level and with views that beat most things on the Riviera. Here we recommend the region's fresh lemon cake for afternoon coffee, for a first taste of the Mediterranean.

From Sainte-Agnès you hike towards Castellar and further down towards the sea on a clear mountain trail that takes you straight into Menton's old town. Pastel-colored facades, winding alleys and a strong mix of French and Italian influences become a fine finale to the week. Since you have now walked parts of the long-distance trail GR-52, you are entitled to participate in the tradition that the long-distance trail offers: a swim with your boots on!

Enjoy a morning dip in the mirror-smooth bay at Plage des Sablettes before you either go home or stay a few extra days in this beautiful environment. There is much to discover nearby, such as Monte Carlo, Villefranche-sur-mer, Nice and Sanremo. We can also warmly recommend the fine and easy coastal hikes on the peninsulas Cap Martin and Cap Ferrat, with mussels and wine afterwards.