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Valley of Marvels - Cime des Lacs hike

Gargaia, Belvédère, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Valley of Wonders - Cime des Lacs loop hike takes place in the Mercantour National Park, in France's South Eastern Alps, near the Italian border. Known as the "Vallée des Merveilles", the area holds some 37,000 petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age (there is a museum in Tende). The Mercantour is very scenic on account of its lakes, flora (rhododendrons, firs, Spruces, Swiss pines and larches), and fauna (chamois, deer and marmots). The 18km trail has a cumulative ascent of about 1300m, making it suitable for fit hikers. The estimated completion time is 5-6h depending on fitness and duration of breaks. The start is in the Gordolasque Valley, using the "Nouveau Chemin des Merveilles" paths up to the Refuge des Merveilles hut and goes past several lakes (Lac Long Superieur, Fourca, Trem, Muta, Diable) and heads back down using the "Ancien Chemin des Merveilles" trail.

Access & Transport

The starting point is from the Belvédère village in the Gordolasque valley, where the road ends (M171). Nice is the closest city, 55-60km to the south.

Instructions & Recommendations

Make sure to bring proper footwear, some snacks (and possibly a picnic), plenty of water, sun protection and rain/wind coat depending on the weather forecast. Cloudy doesn't mean the UVs won't get to you and the weather changes quickly in the high mountains.

Meta review

The valley and the trail get very good online feedback with reviewers noting the wildlife and number of lakes that make for beautiful scenery. Some sections are described as a little technical and demand a good fitness level. For those thinking of an overnight stay, there are some mixed comments relating to the hut.

Environmental & Social

Eco-friendly activity. Tourism brings some revenues to the villages in the valley and the people running the refuge.

Conclusion

Hiking through the Vallée des Merveilles doesn't come easy logistically, but it is extremely rewarding. The Mercantour is known for its landscapes, flora, and wildlife and the Cime des Lacs loop is one of the better ways to experience it.

Key positive

Amazing views

Presence of petroglyphs

Key negative

Time consuming to get to the trailhead from most cities except Nice

Suitability

An above-average fitness level is required (best for children > 10-12yrs old). Not accessible for anybody with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:5h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningOk

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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