Walks and Treks in the Maritime Alps : The Mercantour and Alpi Marittime Parks

Straddling the border of France and Italy and easily reached from Nice, this lesser-known Alpine corner offers a rewarding blend of accessible day walks and more adventurous treks. Explore the protected landscapes of the Parc National du Mercantour and Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime through a rich landscape of glacial lakes, jagged granite peaks, forested valleys, and historic transalpine passes once used by traders, pilgrims, and shepherds. This guidebook presents 18 graded day walks and 6 multi-day treks exploring the best of the range. Day walks of 6–20km (4–12 miles) can be completed in 3–7 hours and suit reasonably fit walkers, while longer treks of 22–67km (14–42 miles) take 2–7 days and are designed for hikers with some alpine experience. Standout routes include a 5-day traverse of the Mercantour National Park and a 7-day journey across the Italian Alpi Marittime. Sketch maps accompany every walk and trek, supported by detailed notes on accommodation, facilities, access, and route variants. Practical guidance covers preparation, equipment, navigation, and seasonal considerations, with the main walking season running from June to late September when high paths are typically snow-free. Easy access from Nice and plentiful mountain refuges, inns, and valley accommodation make the Maritime Alps an approachable destination for both novice walkers and experienced trekkers. Wildlife-rich protected landscapes offer opportunities to encounter ibex, chamois, and alpine flora while walking through extensive waymarked trails. Suggestions for bases on both sides of the border, together with travel advice and logistical tips, help you make the most of this quieter corner of the Alps—far removed from the busy Mediterranean coast.