The National Park of Mercantour in South Alps is a jewel that you should not miss.
Sightseeing of old villages, hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata adventure… a lot of fun!
On your way, you pass St Jeannet and its Baou (means peak in Provencal), the hanging villages of old Carros and Boson and Colomars
It is worth to go to Madona of Utelle. It is a sanctuary which was founded by Spanish sailors in 850 for having been saved by the Virgin. They prayed her amidst a terrible storm and a lightning hit the Mountain to show them the way to safe land. It is also an amazing panorama that you will discover from there.
You will cross Lantosque, Roquebilliere, Belvedere, St Grat, the Cascade of Ray enjoying an imposing panorama, St Martin de Vesubie.
On the way back before Levens you pass the Saut des Français. The view from the Saut is impressive. In 1793, there was a war between the French Republicans and the Royalists from Nice, the Nice soldiers forced their French prisoners to jump from this spot to their death. Levens has a medieval center, a baroque church and a great chocolate factory where you can see how chocolates are made and taste them, very interesting and tasty!
In Bevera valley, you will like Sospel, Peillon, l’Escarene along Paillon canyon, Luceram which has 3 chapels with very beautiful frescoes, Col de Turini, Peira-Cava, Bollene…
For more day tours, refer to www.rivieraapt-villages.blogspot.com
For self catering accommodations in the area , refer to www.rivieraapt-accommodations.blogspot.com
