Our mid-mountain region In the country of the " Clues ".
Situated on the edge of the Alpes Maritimes, in the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d'Azur, our campsite is the ideal base for discovering famous sites such as the Gorges du Verdon, the great passes of the Alps, or the charm of the small Provençal villages perched on the edge of the mountains and their markets.
Here are some suggestions of sites to see or visit in our region. Muriel, at the reception desk, is at your disposal to tell you more, to complete this selection or to give you ideas for sporting and cultural outings.
Around our campsite, three geocaching circuits propose you to discover the small hidden corners of our territory in a playful way.
Small riddles related to the history of the place allow you to go from one point to another.
It is in the park of Mercantour that the wolf made he's natural come back in the early 1990s. Alpha Park in Saint-Martin Vésubie, was created to introduce you to this fascinating animal in its natural environment and understand their relationships with men and pastoral universe. It is as well possible to observe 3 packs in semi-freedom from wooden shelters.
On a natural area of 700 hectares, the nature reserve of Monts d'Azur includes a mosaic of natural environments where live free major European herbivores such as bison, deers, wild boars and horses of Prezwalski. In this park without fences or barriers, it is possible to approach these animals in the company of guides.
Connecting the Alpes-Maritimes to the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and valleys of Ubaye and the Var, the Col de la Cayolle rises to over 2300 meters. This very popular Col with cyclists Pass is also the starting point for hiking destinations, including Lake of the small Cayolle and Mercantour Park, a paradise for marmots or ibex.
The Col d'Allos culminates at 2247 meters and connects the valleys of Ubaye and Verdon, it also takes its source near the town of Allos. It established itself as an ideal starting point for scenic hikes, particularly to get to Allos Lake, the largest natural lake of altitude in Europe (54 ha), nestled in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. A perfectly preserved natural area (to respect) that will delight hikers.
Ranked among the most beautiful villages of France, the city of Entrevaux stands on the top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Var river and the landscape of olive groves and terraced gardens. This village of Haute-Provence has preserved its character throughout the centuries. Fortified by Vauban in the 17th century, it has preserved from this time its tall and narrow houses, small squares and fountains.
Straddling the Alpes de Haute Provence and the Alpes Maritimes, the village of Daluis is located at the entrance of the gorges of Daluis. These deep gorges (over 300 meters) carved by the river Var in the red shale will delight wild landscapers and water sports enthusiastic persons. Marked trails make them easily accessible for hikers.
The village of St Vallier de Thiey, located on the Napoleon Road, holds in his basement a real treasure: Souterroscope, Baume Obscure Caves. This cave, of 700 meters galleries invites to an unforgettable sound and light along an underground river that ends up in waterfall and meandering between stalagmites and stalactites.
Sheltered from the ramparts, on top of its hill, Saint Paul de Vence has undoubtedly among the most beautiful villages of Provence. During your walks in the maze of narrow streets that lead to small squares refreshed by fountains, you will not be surprised to learn that this small town seduced so many artists. As a token of the link between Saint Paul de Vence and painters, the Maeght museum offers a fantastic collection of paintings and sculptures by some of the biggest names of the art of the 20th century.
The small town of Biot is a true compendium of Provence with its narrow cobbled streets leading to small squares, sundials on the wall of old buildings or its arched doorways. However, if the city is now popular it is thanks to its rich crafts (50 artists are providing 15 different trades: jewelers, leather workers, painters, etc.) including its glassware. It is also possible to discover the Biot glass tradition in the eco Museum of Glass and in the ceramics history museum.
These gorges which link the small town of Castellane and the Lake of Sainte Croix are a masterpiece of nature. The deep cut made by the Verdon river in the rock of the hinterland of the Var and the Alpes de Haute Provence belongs indeed to those sites in front of which one remains in admiration so much its dimensions are spectacular and its beauty breathtaking. In order to discover this place, which is among the most beautiful in Europe, it is possible to follow the paths that lead to the belvederes that dominate the canyon or choose to descend the waters of the Verdon in a canoe.
Wouldn’t the signs be in French and one could believe he is in Italy during a walk among the maze of narrow streets in Old Nice, where Socca is eaten and other specialties of this city that seems constantly torn between two countries. The historic center, with its colorful building stuctures and baroque churches is an invitation to linger. Especially in the morning when the Cours Saleya hosts a flower market with many colors and scents. It is hardly surprising that painters such as Matisse and Chagall have been seduced by the Alpes-Maritimes capital. Nice also makes tribute to "its" painters with many museums: Museum of Modern Art, Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum, etc.
Still on the French Riviera, which offers stunning views, and already in Provence, Grasse is a city while scents. This city perched in the reliefs of the hinterland of the Alpes-Maritimes is indeed considered the world capital of perfume. The most famous fragrances designers such as Gallimard, Molinard and Fragonard, suppliers of major brands, began to settle in this city surrounded by flower fields in the 17th century during the rise of perfumery. Since then, this activity has continued to make the wealth of Grasse. Perfumeries are must-visit places during a visit to Grasse. Free guided tours are offered in each of them and if you wish, you can even create your own cologne along with a "nose".