Walks and Treks in the Maritime Alps : The Mercantour and Alpi Marittime Parks (2ND)

Discover a striking meeting of mountains and sea in the Maritime Alps, where rugged 3000m summits rise dramatically above the Mediterranean Riviera and quiet valleys shelter picture-book villages, glacial lakes and wildlife-rich national parks. Straddling the border of France and Italy and easily reached from Nice, this lesser-known Alpine corner offers a rewarding blend of accessible day walks and more adventurous treks, with highlights including the protected landscapes of the Parc National du Mercantour and Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime. This guidebook presents 18 graded day walks and 6 multi-day treks exploring the best of the range. Day walks of 6–20km (4–12 miles) can be completed in 3–7 hours and suit reasonably fit walkers, while the longer treks of 22–67km (14–42 miles) take 2–7 days and are designed for hikers with some alpine experience, occasionally involving exposed terrain or navigational challenges. Graded day walks and multi-day treks explore a rich landscape of glacial lakes, jagged granite peaks, forested valleys and historic transalpine passes once used by traders, pilgrims and shepherds crossing the Maritime Alps. Among the standout routes are a 5-day traverse of the Mercantour National Park and a 7-day journey across the Italian Alpi Marittime. Sketch maps accompany every walk and trek, supported by detailed notes on accommodation, facilities, access and route variants to help walkers plan flexible itineraries across the Maritime Alps. Practical guidance covers preparation, equipment, navigation and seasonal considerations, with the main walking season running from June to late September when high paths are typically snow-free. Easy access from Nice and plentiful mountain refuges, inns and valley accommodation make the Maritime Alps an approachable destination for both novice walkers and experienced trekkers. Wildlife-rich protected landscapes shared by France and Italy provide opportunities to encounter ibex, chamois and alpine flora whil