Valley of Marvels - Cime des Lacs hike
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Vallee des Merveilles - by Etienne Ruggeri on Alltrails
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.
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
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:5h 30m
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo