Stay "The Mercantour in wolf's steps

Level 3: Itinerary for walkers in good physical shape, on generally maintained and well-marked paths, with a programmed difference in altitude of 700 m / 800 m on average, uphill and 5 hours of walking on average.

Pastoralism, transhumance, so many memories of the past still present thanks to the tenacity of our shepherds. It is here an incursion in our roots which is proposed through the discovery of the small forgotten villages of the High Var.

Villages of character such as Péone and its "demoiselles coiffées", Châteauneuf and its small water mill, Barels, inviting to meditation, Villeplane, a hamlet clinging to the slopes of lavender and thyme of St Honorat, this is the country we invite you to discover for the first time, without forgetting the small resort of Valberg and its alpine meadows

This loop tour can be done in two ways: on medium mountain routes or on more alpine paths with the ascent of several magnificent and little frequented summits. Whatever option you choose, you will be lodged in a comfortable room in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

Detailed program of the stay :

* Day 1: Welcome at 9am in Villeplane at the Itinerance headquarters and presentation of the trip by a guide.

You will have 3 choices of itineraries to reach Sauze, the next village, from the easiest to the most difficult (from 3 to 8 hours of walking). Night at the inn.

* Day 2 : Sauze/Les Tourres

Old transhumance paths or ridge routes lead you to the hamlet of Les Tourres. You will have 3 choices of itinerary from 6 to 8h30 of walking. Night at the inhabitant's, Guylaine, in a magnificent hamlet lost and inaccessible 5 months a year.

* Day 3 : Variation around the Tourres

There is something for everyone: either the summit of the astronomical observatory or a hike in the countryside at the pass of thirty stumps. 2nd night at Guylaine's.

* Day 4 : Les Tourres/Barels/Péone.

A 2.5 hour hike to Barels, an enchanted place of great beauty, and the crossing of three abandoned hamlets, hidden in the hollow of wild mountains. Climb to the Séglière pass to enjoy the circular view of the valley's peaks and then descend to the magnificent village of Péone nestled under the "demoiselles coiffées" (5 hr walk). Night at the hotel at the Col de Crous.

* Day 5 : Péone/Valberg

Visit of the beautiful medieval village of Péone and ascent to Valberg : mount Mounier (2817m) 6h30 walk. Great high altitude hike. Or itinerary by the Charvin : 4 hours walk. Night in a guest house.

* Day 6 : Valberg/Villeplane

After a long descent, picnic and swimming, before going back up to Villeplane. Breathtaking view on the Terres Rouges. End of the stay. Possibility to book an extra night at the Villeplane ecogîte or in a yurt.

Detail of the circuit : http://itinerance.net/rando_liberte_alpes.html

Highlights of the trip :

Exceptional setting with a great variety of landscapes, lakes and fauna

The carrying of luggage

Villages of character

Little frequented valleys which keep a lot of charm

Program of the stay : From May 01 to September 30 or on request only.

This provider is a member of the Mercantour Ecotourism association; discover it here!