Ecotourism stay in Vésubie

This guided tour offers you the opportunity to discover the many facets of the Mercantour National Park by following various trails in the Vésubie and Roya areas.

Above all, this ecotourism trip will take place at the hotel "Le Grand Capelet", a hotel-restaurant overlooking the Gordolasque valley. Its privileged location offers a panorama inviting to relaxation and wonder.

The hosts, Marion and Gabriel, source their fresh, seasonal produce from local shopkeepers in the village of Belvédère. Their commitment to the environment has earned them the Clef Verte label. You can even relax in the sauna after a mountain excursion. All in all, it's a true haven of peace far from urban disturbance and pollution.

Finally, head to the heart of this singular open-air museum, right in the middle of nature. It's in the Vallée des Merveilles restricted archaeological zone in the Mercantour that you'll follow in the footsteps of archaeologists. In this context, it's in the company of your certified guide that you'll discover these enigmatic rock engravings dating back to the Bronze Age.

Detailed program:

*Day 1: The Terres Rouges plateau

We start with a welcome at the hotel at around 10:30 am. After collecting our packed lunch designed by Marion, we'll set off on foot from the hotel for our first hike to the Terres Rouges plateau and the Serre de Clapeiruole. Here you can admire the peaks of the border range between the Mercantour National Park and the Italian Alpi Maritime Park.

Finally, we'll finish with a culinary workshop to concoct a surprisingly original wild plant dinner. For the culinary workshop: 2 groups in rotation - 1h30: Wild plant picking - 1h30: Culinary workshop

* Day 2: The Nice refuge

Start with a 10-minute transfer. On the program: water, glaciation and mountain refuges. Then, on your return to the hotel, our hosts will welcome you on their sunny terrace with panoramic views. You'll be treated to a home-brewed beer and a blueberry tart or other homemade pastry.

* Day 3: Valley of Wonders

The day begins with a short transfer to the Gordolasque valley parking lot. You'll then head for the Pas de l'Arpette (2511 m) to enter the fascinating cirque of the Vallée des Merveilles. Then, under the guidance of your certified rock engravings guide, you'll discover the finest creations of our Bronze Age ancestors. You'll learn why the first farmers in the history of mankind decided to turn this part of the mountain into a veritable sanctuary..

Afterwards, if you wish, you can end the day by relaxing in the hotel sauna..

* Day 4: The Prals drop

After breakfast, we'll set off for a beautiful ascent to the glacial cirque of Prals, a jewel in the Mercantour National Park. We may also be lucky enough to observe the rare flowering of the famous saxifrage florulenta, an endemic plant of the Mercantour.

What's more, during the picnic around the Prals lakes, we'll have plenty of time to watch chamois frolicking on the surrounding slopes.

* Day 5 : Permaculture Discovery Workshop: Planting for the future "Everybody talks about it, but nobody really knows what it is"

Following breakfast, your host Gabriel will introduce you to the concept of "permaculture". He'll talk about the aims and principles, before showing you his own permaculture garden.

We'll then visit Belvédère, a village overlooking the Vésubie valley, whose narrow streets, squares and gardens have retained their charm of yesteryear. We'll continue with a hike around the village.

Finally, we'll round off our stay with a visit to the Musée du Lait, a former dairy cooperative featuring many of the traditional artefacts used in milk production.

Tour detailsvISIT http://www.argos-rando.com/sejours/sejour-ecotouristique/

Highlights:

The comfort of the hotel and the friendliness of the owners - The landscapes of the Mercantour - The richly themed days - Wildlife observation - The "eco-responsible" workshops - The short transfers from the hotel to the starting point of the hikes.

This service provider is a member of the Mercantour Écotourisme association, find out more here!