Mysterious Valley of Wonders

Between sports tourism, cultural discovery, history, heritage and nature, CAIRN Expe offers you customized expeditions and stays with a private accompaniment of exemplary quality...

The protected and regulated site of Les Merveilles, classified as a "historical monument", is home to numerous rock engravings, testimonies dating back some 5000 years. Let's share unforgettable moments in one of the largest open-air museum in Europe.

Detailed program of the stay :

* Day 1: Meeting at 6:30 am at the exit of the village of Belvedere (roundabout at the exit of the village and bus stop).

Climb to the Pas de l'Arpette (2511m) then visit the rock engravings (including the most emblematic). Descent towards the Merveilles refuge and the visit of the engravings continues. We will then go to the Merveilles refuge to eat and spend the night there.

About 900m of positive difference in altitude and about 400m of negative difference in altitude. Walking time between 5h30 and 6h.

* Day 2: Departure from the refuge and climb towards the Pas du Trem (2480). Optional: ascent of the Cime du Diable. Add 2015m of positive difference in altitude from the Pas de Trem.

Descent through the beautiful Verrairiers valley to reach the "Relais des Merveilles" gite. About 350m (+205m if you climb the Cime du Diable) of positive difference in altitude and about 900m of negative difference in altitude. Walking time between 5h30 and 6h.

End of the stay around 5pm at the "Relais des Merveilles" lodge and recovery of the vehicles at the Countet bridge.

Strong points of the stay :

The discovery of the rock engravings of the Mont Bégo

The grandiose landscapes

The wild fauna

The high altitude lakes

A total change of scenery

Level 2 : Rather regular practice of mountain hiking. Marked trails that can include off-trail passages with relatively uneven terrain. The pace is slow and regular, your guide will focus on the discovery aspect rather than the sporty aspect.