
Tour du Mercantour
Photo © Gilles FRANCOIS (CC BY 2.0) · CC BY
6-9 days
117.9 km
7534 m
2707 m
The Tour of Mercantour is a major alpine crossing in the Alpes-Maritimes, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This 117.9 km trek unfolds over 6 to 9 days through varied and unspoiled landscapes. You will hike among rocky summits reaching 2,707 meters in altitude, dense forests and glacial lakes, also discovering underground caves and spectacular cliffs that shape the relief of the massif. With a total elevation gain of 7,534 meters, this circuit trek offers complete immersion in the Mediterranean mountain world. The route traverses the heart of the Mercantour National Park, a sanctuary of alpine biodiversity where wild fauna and endemic flora intersect. Accessible by public transportation from Nice or Barcelonnette, this circuit allows for genuine disconnection in high mountains without requiring a personal vehicle. The Tour of Mercantour will appeal to hikers seeking authenticity and varied landscapes, away from overcrowded trails.
Stages
| Departure | Arrival | Accommodation on arrival | Profile | Duration | Distance | +Elev. | −Elev. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Le BataclanRefuge | Chambres d'hôtes "Chez Martine et Serge"Refuge | 2h00 | 6.6 km | +255 m | −711 m | ||
2 Saint-Étienne-de-TinéeVillage | Refuge de RabuonsRefuge | 7h30 | 16.5 km | +1,770 m | −406 m | ||
3 Refuge de RabuonsRefuge | Rifugio TalloneRefuge | RefugeRifugio Tallone RefugePosto Tappa RefugeRifugio Alpino Casa San Gioachino | 9h15 | 24.8 km | +1,684 m | −1,868 m | |
4 Rifugio TalloneRefuge | Rifugio BucaneveRefuge | RefugeRifugio Bucaneve | 1h45 | 5.2 km | +265 m | −237 m | |
5 Rifugio BucaneveRefuge | Pas Du LoupRefuge | 1h30 | 6.3 km | +75 m | −387 m | ||
6 Le DivaRefuge | Au café d'IsolaRefuge | RefugeAu café d'Isola RefugeHôtel de France | 6h30 | 21 km | +813 m | −1,997 m | |
7 IsolaVillage | Refuge de LongonRefuge | RefugeRefuge de Longon | 5h00 | 10.2 km | +1,285 m | −252 m | |
8 Refuge de LongonRefuge | Le CuberselCamping | CampingLe Cubersel | 9h30 | 27.3 km | +1,541 m | −1,737 m |
Elevation profile
How to get there
By car
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