Stay "The Mercantour in wolf's steps

Level 3: Itinerary for walkers in good physical condition, on generally well-maintained and well-marked paths, with an average ascent of 700 m / 800 m and an average walking time of 5 hours.

Pastoralism, transhumance - all memories of days gone by, thanks to the tenacity of our shepherds. This is a journey back to our roots, through the small, forgotten villages of the Haut Var.

Villages with character such as Péone and its "demoiselles coiffées", Châteauneuf and its small water mill, Barels, an invitation to meditation, Villeplane, a hamlet clinging to the lavender and thyme slopes of St Honorat, this is the land we invite you to discover for the first time, not forgetting the small resort of Valberg and its alpine meadows.

This loop tour can be done in two different ways: on mid-mountain trails, or on more alpine paths, with climbs to several magnificent, seldom-visited peaks. Whichever option you choose, you'll be accommodated in comfortable rooms in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

Detailed program:

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

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

* Day 2: Sauze/Les Tourres

Old transhumance trails or ridge paths take you to the hamlet of Les Tourres. You'll have a choice of 3 itineraries, ranging from 6 to 8h30. Overnight stay with local resident Guylaine, in a magnificent hamlet inaccessible for 5 months of the year.

* Day 3: Variations around Les Tourres

There's something for everyone: either the summit of the astronomical observatory or a country hike to the Col de trente souches. 2nd night at Guylaine's.

* Day 4: Les Tourres/Barels/Péone.

2h30 hike to Barels, a place of enchanted beauty, passing through three abandoned hamlets hidden away in the wild mountains. Climb to the Col de Séglière to savor the circular view over the valley peaks, then descend to the magnificent village of Péone nestled beneath "les demoiselles coiffées" (5 h walk). Overnight at the Col de Crous hotel.

* Day 5: Péone/Valberg

Visit of the beautiful medieval village of Péone and ascent to Valberg: Mont Mounier (2817m) (6h30 walk). Great high-altitude hike. Or route via Charvin: 4-hour walk. Overnight in a B&B.

* Day 6: Valberg/Villeplane

After a long descent, picnic and swim, before heading back up to Villeplane. Breathtaking view of the Terres Rouges. End of your stay. Possibility of booking an extra night at L'écogîte de Villeplane or in a yurt.

Tour details : http://itinerance.net/rando_liberte_alpes.html

Highlights of the tour :

Exceptional setting with a wide variety of landscapes, lakes and wildlife

Luggage transport

Characterful villages

Little-visited valleys that retain much of their charm

Tour schedule : May 01 to September 30 or on request only.

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