The Mercantour National Park

The link between the southern Alps and the Mediterranean, the Parc National du Mercantour (External link) is one of the richest natural spaces in this metropolitan area, thanks to its biodiversity. The varied splendour of its landscapes, wild nature and cultural and historic wealth contributed to its acquisition of ‘National Park’ status in 1979, acknowledged worldwide as offering the highest level of quality and protection for outstanding natural spaces. From olive groves to Alpine pastures and from larch forests to snowy peaks, Mercantour is home to a rare variety of fauna, flora and landscapes, unique even on a global scale. Just an hour’s drive from the sea, you can get up close and personal with wildlife near the glacial lakes or follow the winding course of a stream on a mountain bike. The Ubaye river is ideal for rafting and kayaking – and its tributaries for canyoning. The Serre-Ponçon lake is devoted to family bathing and watersports (windsurfing, sailing, etc) and going paragliding will allow you to admire the entire beautiful landscape from the air.