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Bivouac and Trekking in Mercantour National Park - Part 2

Grande Traversée du Mercantour
Haute Tinée Valley
Lake Rabuons
Mercantour National Park

Join an IFMGA certified guide and explore the spectacular Mercantour National Park, where a mesmerizing tapestry of diverse natural wonders awaits. Journey through high-altitude terrains along the border ridge with Italy, to witness the beauty of countless lakes and majestic peaks that grace the landscape at every turn.

Group

Alps, Southern Alps

5 Days

Jul, Aug

High

Intermediate


Highlights

  • Behold the spectacle of the Southern Alps' starry sky
  • Trek through the high-altitude border ridge with Italy.
  • Uncover the hidden gems that await in Mercantour National Park.

Description

Join us on an exhilarating 5-day adventure to explore Mercantour National Park and its captivating tapestry of diverse natural wonders.

On this second part of our trek (Bivouac and Trekking in Mercantour National Park - Part 1), we continue to traverse at high altitudes through the border ridge with Italy. Along the way, we will encounter a multitude of lakes and towering peaks, creating a majestic backdrop throughout the course.

This route occasionally diverges from the official GTM, allowing us to explore even more astonishing locations. We will have the privilege of discovering hidden gems and unexpected treasures along the way. As an added bonus, we are treated to the mesmerizing spectacle of the starry sky in the Southern Alps.

Explore the entire border ridge of the Haute Tinée Valley, where remarkable highlights await. Immerse yourself in the enchanting Chemin de l'Energie and marvel at the breathtaking Lake Rabuons. Discover a multitude of other charming small lakes that dot the landscape. Venture into the Italian valleys for a captivating detour, where you'll encounter the revered Santa Ana di Vinadio sanctuary.

Embark on a scenic crossing of the most stunning Italian lakes in Mercantour. Nestled in the heart of the Alpi Marittime Natural Park, these lakes provide a beautiful backdrop, with the majestic Argentera, the highest peak of the massif, standing tall in the distance.

To maximize our progress and make the most of the day, the elevation gain during the ascent is strategically divided into multiple phases. By pacing ourselves, we will optimize our efforts and approach the heights with a carefully planned and measured approach that will ensure a steady, comfortable rhythm.

Seize this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the pristine wilderness of Mercantour National Park. Don't wait any longer— reserve your trip today!

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

1,380 m then positive elevation over a distance of 9 km.

Day 2: 2nd Trek Day

700 m of elevation gain over 13 km of distance.

Day 3: 3rd Trek Day

960 m of elevation gain over 14 km of distance.

Day 4: 4th Trek Day

985 m of elevation gain over 17 km of distance.

Day 5: 5th Trek Day and End of Trip

730 m of elevation gain over 20 km distance.

Dispersal will take place on this day at around 3 p.m. in the hamlet of Boréon in Saint-Martin Vésubie. At that location, a shuttle service to the village of Saint-Martin Vésubie followed by bus number 90 can provide transportation to Nice.

 

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 an average of 950 meters of elevation gain per day for 15 km of distance in 7 hours of effective walking to complete a total crossing of 5 days of 4,700 meters of elevation gain and 73 km.

What would happen in the event of adverse weather conditions?

Regardless of the weather forecasts, the 5-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.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration
Hotel Le Chabichou Courchevel France
See rooms
Hotel Les Grandes Rousses Alpe d'Huez France
See rooms
Hotel Le Val Thorens Val Thorens France
See rooms

About the guide

Guide profile image

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

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What people are saying about Fabrice

5

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

5

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

5

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

5

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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