GR®52 · Tour du Mercantour (Saint-Martin-Vésubie)
The place
The Tour Panoramique du Mercantour is an 8-to-10-stage circuit of about 140 km at the heart of the Mercantour National Park (Alpes-Maritimes), France's southernmost alpine park. Starting from Saint-Martin-Vésubie, it runs through deep valleys (Vésubie, Tinée, Roya), panoramic passes (Col de Salèse, 2,031 m, Col de la Lombarde) and colourful alpine pastures overlooking the Mediterranean. The Mercantour's Mediterranean-alpine flora is unique in Europe, with a remarkable transition from a Provençal atmosphere below to high mountains at altitude. Suitable for hikers in good physical condition.
Why go
The Vallée des Merveilles and its 40,000 protected Bronze Age rock carvings. Lac d'Allos (the largest natural high-mountain lake in the French Alps). The perched village of Saorge (a listed heritage village). Frequent sightings of wolves, ibex and mouflon. Views of the Mediterranean from the border ridges.
A bit of history
The Mercantour National Park, created in 1979, waymarked the Tour Panoramique to showcase valleys that are often overlooked despite their scenic and cultural richness (Bronze Age rock carvings in the Vallée des Merveilles, perched villages, pastoral traditions). The route is co-managed with the Parco Naturale Alpi Marittime on the Italian side.
Getting there
Saint-Martin-Vésubie: reachable by bus from Nice (LiO 740, 1h30) or by car from Nice via the D2565 (1h). Nice–Côte d'Azur Airport is 60 km away.
Recommended gear
High hiking boots. Very high-protection sunscreen (intense UV at Mediterranean altitude). Plenty of water (springs are scarce on some ridges). Waterproof clothing. Trekking poles.
Best season
Mid-June to mid-October. Winter snow lingers on the passes until June. Summers are hot and dry. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July–August. Autumn is often excellent (colours, stable weather).