Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)
Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)
The 19 Most Amazing Peaks around Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)
Best mountain peaks around Parc national du Mercantour (cœur) offer diverse experiences within the Maritime Alps, a protected central zone emphasizing natural heritage. This region is known for its high-altitude landscapes, historical sites, and panoramic viewpoints. The park's core provides opportunities for exploring untamed alpine environments and connecting with nature and history.
Best mountain peaks around Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)
- The most popular mountain peaks is Bonette Summit, a summit known for its high-altitude road and panoramic views. It is considered the highest paved road in the Alps due to a scenic loop.
- Another must-see spot is Cime du Diable, a summit offering excellent all-round visibility. The ascent is rewarding for its stunning views, especially on clear mornings.
- Visitors also love Ascent of the Cime de la Bonette from Jausiers, a challenging mountain pass and summit. This route provides grandiose views and is a significant climb in the Haute Provence region.
- Parc national du Mercantour (cœur) is known for its summits, mountain passes, and historical sites located at high elevations. The region offers a variety of mountain peaks to see and explore, from challenging climbs to historically significant locations.
- The mountain peaks around Parc national du Mercantour (cœur) are appreciated by the komoot community, with 52 upvotes and 42 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
Bonette Summit
Highlight • Summit
Even if you are up there with the bike ...
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Cime du Diable
Highlight • Summit
Note that trekking poles are not allowed in this area unless equipped with rubber stoppers. It is also not allowed to move off the paths. Corresponding small signs give precise information from place to place about what is allowed and what is not.
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Ascent of the Cime de la Bonette from Jausiers
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
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Camp des Fourches military camp
Highlight • Historical Site
The department wished to preserve and enhance this work, in memory of the mountain troops who fought during the First and Second World Wars. On the site, a set of explanatory panels recounts the history of this place.
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Ouvrage de la Forca Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
They come to replace an old Sardinian redoubt. The two buildings are located at the southern summit of the Massif de L'Authion at 2,078 meters above sea level. Besides this historic site, the climb to the top is worth doing just for the magnificent views.
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Tips from the Community
The ring road around the mountain comes into view once more at the end. Steep sections lead to the highest point, the Cime de la Bonette. Accessible in one direction only!
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abandoned building without water
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Intriguing ghost town which actually includes the barracks of a former military camp
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Going up the Col de la Bonette on its southern side, just over 7 km from the top of the pass, and once you have passed the most spectacular section with several hairpin bends, you reach this ghost town. It is a military complex built in 1888 and used as an army operations barracks during World Wars I and II. It is very well preserved thanks to the reconstruction work carried out in 2016 and 2018. It is worth stopping to take a look.
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Col de la Bonette (2715 meters above sea level) is a mountain pass in the French Alps, near the border with Italy. It is located in the Mercantour National Park on the border of the departments of Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The road over the col is the seventh highest paved road in the Alps.
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Camp des Fourches was part of a set of fortifications protecting the Ubaye valley from potential Italian attacks. This barracks in particular was used by Alpine hunters whose mission was to defend the Col des Fourches. The department wanted to preserve and highlight this work, in memory of the mountain troops who fought during the First and Second World Wars. On the site, a set of explanatory panels recount the history of this place.
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It doesn't matter which vehicle you used to get to the ring road, you shouldn't skip the last 60 meters of altitude on foot!
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The work and the barracks of La Forca are now ruins. They were built between January 1887 and November 1891 at a time of border tension. Its purpose was to monitor the Roya valley in order to control a possible invasion of troops from Italy. They come to replace an old Sardinian redoubt. The two buildings are located at the southern summit of the Massif de L'Authion at 2,078 meters above sea level. Besides this historic site, the climb to the top is worth doing just for the magnificent views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which mountain peaks in Parc national du Mercantour (cœur) offer the most impressive panoramic views?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider Bonette Summit, known for its high-altitude road and expansive vistas. Mont Pelat also offers spectacular views across the Mercantour and Provence landscapes, and Mont Mounier is celebrated as one of the finest belvederes in the Southern Alps, providing a unique 360-degree viewpoint. The Cime du Diable is highly recommended for its excellent all-round visibility, especially on clear mornings.
Are there any mountain peaks in the Mercantour National Park with significant historical importance?
Yes, Mont Bego is renowned for its profound historical significance. Located in the famous Vallée des Merveilles, its slopes are adorned with approximately 37,000 petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age, offering a unique blend of outdoor adventure and archaeological intrigue. Additionally, near the Col de la Bonette, you can explore the historical Camp des Fourches military camp, which was part of fortifications protecting the Ubaye valley.
What are some challenging mountain climbs in Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)?
For experienced hikers seeking a challenging ascent, the Cime du Gélas (Monte Gelàs) is a prime destination. Standing at 3,143 meters, it's the highest peak in the heart of the park, rewarding climbers with expansive views. The Ascent of the Cime de la Bonette from Jausiers is also a significant and challenging climb in the Haute Provence region.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the mountain peaks of Mercantour?
The Parc national du Mercantour (cœur) is a protected zone, making it ideal for wildlife spotting. While specific peaks aren't singled out for particular animals, hikers on routes like the one to Cime du Diable have reported seeing chamois and golden eagles. The park's untamed alpine environment supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
What are the best months to hike the mountain peaks in Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)?
The best time to hike the mountain peaks in Mercantour National Park is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. July is particularly recommended for excellent all-round visibility on peaks like the Cime du Diable. However, some routes may still be accessible in early October, depending on snow conditions.
Are there any mountain peaks suitable for botanists or those interested in unique flora?
Mont Mounier is considered a botanist's paradise, boasting exceptional flora due to its unique chalky composition. The Sommets des Garrets also features beautiful larch forests, grassy meadows, and a variety of rare plants, making it an excellent choice for those interested in the region's botanical diversity.
What outdoor activities can I do near the mountain peaks in Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)?
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, including routes like the 'Lac de la Fous – Lacs du Mont Clapier loop' or the 'Lac d'Allos Refuge – Lake Allos loop.' For cycling enthusiasts, there are challenging routes such as the 'Authion Loop Trail' or the 'The Waterfall - Torrent de Vens – Camp des Fourches loop.' Mountain biking is also popular, with trails like 'The Transubayenne by MTB' available. You can explore more options in the Mountain Hikes, MTB Trails, and Cycling guides for the area.
Which mountain peaks are known for their geological features?
The Cime du Gélas, part of the Maritime Alps, is geologically composed of granitoid gneiss and is notable for the glaciers on its northern slopes, though these have receded. The Sommets des Garrets also features dramatic limestone rock formations, adding to its unique geological appeal.
What should I wear when hiking the Mercantour peaks in summer?
When hiking the Mercantour peaks in summer, it's essential to dress in layers. Even in summer, high-altitude weather can change rapidly. Pack moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a waterproof/windproof outer shell. Sturdy hiking boots, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and plenty of water are also crucial.
Are there any mountain peaks that can be combined with a visit to a high-mountain lake?
Yes, a hike to Mont Pelat can be combined with a visit to Lac d'Allos, one of Europe's largest high-mountain lakes. This offers a well-rounded experience of the park's natural grandeur, blending a challenging ascent with the serene beauty of an alpine lake.
What makes Mont Ténibre a notable peak in the region?
Mont Ténibre, towering majestically at 3,031 meters, is the highest point of the Haute Tinée region. It offers impressive views of the entire Tinée valley from the northern slope of the Cime d'Anelle, making it a significant landmark and a rewarding climb for those seeking expansive vistas.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain peaks in Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment after reaching the summits. For instance, the Cime du Diable is highly valued for its 'good all-round visibility' and 'worth seeing' views. The challenging yet rewarding nature of climbs like the Ascent of the Cime de la Bonette from Jausiers also receives high acclaim for its 'grandiose view'.
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Most popular attractions around Parc national du Mercantour (cœur)
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