Treks
Mercantour

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Cassandre Dufour

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Mercantour highlights in 2026

From the Col de Larche to within a few kilometres of the Mediterranean, the Mercantour National Park covers the southernmost part of the French Alps (with Argentera on the Italian side).

But do not expect to find only hills here! The entire central part of the park is firmly in mountain terrain, with many peaks approaching 3000m, or even exceeding it: Mont Ténibre (3031m), Mont Pelat (3051m), and Mont Gélas (3143m), to name just three. Argentera reaches 3297m, while the Col de la Bonette is Europe’s highest road pass, reaching 2800m at its highest point.

The massif is quite literally dotted with high-altitude lakes, hundreds of them: Lac d’Allos, the lakes of Vens, Rabuons and Les Merveilles… And all those you discover in a small valley around a bend in a hiking trail, or spread out below you from one of the massif’s peaks.

Another distinctive feature is its abundant wildlife: first and foremost the ibex, for which Argentera was one of the last refuges in Europe before its reintroduction throughout the Alps, but also chamois, mouflon and bearded vultures… which are easy to get close to. There are wolves too, although at best you will only see their tracks.

The heritage is equally remarkable. The famous rock carvings in the Merveilles area (dating from the Bronze Age) form an immense open-air museum, while the region, bridging Italian and Provençal cultures, has a distinctive architecture and culture all its own.

Whether you arrive from Briançon or the Vercors at the end of one of our long-distance crossings, come for a high-altitude trek to the mirror-like lakes or an easier hike in the Roya valley, guided or self-guided, you will return from the Mercantour with a little sunshine in your mind.

When should you hike in the Mercantour?

The best time to hike in Mercantour National Park generally runs from June to the end of September, when the weather conditions are most favourable and the trails most accessible.

🗓️ Recommended periods

Mid-June to mid-September: This is the ideal hiking season. Temperatures are pleasant, the days are long and sunny, and most mountain huts are open. However, early in the season, patches of snow can remain above 2 500 metres, sometimes making crampons and ice axes necessary.

May and October: These months bring cooler conditions and shorter days. In May, the average temperature is around 17°C, making daytime conditions pleasant for hiking. However, snow may still remain at high altitude, and most mountain huts are closed.

July and August: This is the peak tourist season. Weather conditions are generally excellent, but booking accommodation in advance is recommended.

⚠️ Things to watch out for

Lingering snow: Patches of snow can remain until July on north- or west-facing slopes above 2 500 metres. Crossing these areas requires caution and appropriate equipment.

Summer thunderstorms: Thunderstorms can occur in summer, particularly late in the day. An early morning start is recommended to avoid these conditions.

Autumn: Although the autumn colours are magnificent, precipitation is more frequent, accounting for nearly 50% of the annual total.