Trekking the French Riviera’s Alps Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Nice

After you arrive at the Nice Airport, you’ll transfer to Casterino, where you’ll spend a night in your hotel. During the afternoon, embark on a quaint walk around Casterino, a charming hamlet nestled in lush mountain scenery! Enjoy a delicious dinner after.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Casterino
Distance: 2 hours, 6 km, 100 m ascent, 100 m descent
Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Hike into Merveilles Valley

Get ready to start your trekking adventure, which will have you following a knowledgeable guide to an abundance of Neolithic engravings and staggering views. After a delicious breakfast, you’ll take a brief transfer to the trailhead. Start by walking along the river, meandering pastures and larch wood until you reach the Merveilles Valley. Eventually, you’ll reach the mountain refuge for the night. If you have some energy left, you can opt to join your group for a short walk around the lake, where you’ll find your first prehistoric carvings etched into the scenery.
Overnight Location: Refuge in Merveilles Valley
Distance: 6 hours, 13 km, 830 m ascent, 250 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Day hike to Arpetta Pass

Enjoy breakfast before hiking to more prehistoric art carved into rocks. After, you’ll continue hiking to Arpetta Pass, where Mont Bego’s peak and Vesubie Valley will emerge into view. But it doesn’t end there. The next spot will unveil the “man with zig-zag arms” and weapons harking back to the Bronze Age. Return to the refuge in Merveilles Valley and consume a fulfilling, rewarding dinner.
Overnight Location: Refuge in Merveilles Valley
Distance: 5 hours, 8 km, 450 m ascent, 450 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Hike to Valmasque Refuge

Except to encounter a potpourri of scenery today! First, you’ll come across iconic carvings of the Tribal Chief, Christ, and the Wizard. The trail will soon carry you to Lake Merveilles, a glistening lake cradled in an amphitheatre of jagged hills. Continue to Baisse de Valmasque and eat lunch between the Grand Capelet Peaks and Mont Bego. Once you’re full and ready to go on, you will hike along three more lakes: Basto, Black and Green Lakes. Enjoy a relaxing evening at your mountain hut!
Overnight Location: Refuge in Valmasque
Distance: 6 hours, 11 km, 500 m ascent, 500 m descent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Hike back to Casterino

Enjoy a tasty breakfast before following the trail to Casterino. Today’s route takes you super close to the Italian border! Look out for chamois and marmots as you walk along this military track. Toast your tour mates to a wonderful outdoor adventure in Casterino, where cold beer awaits! Head back to Nice in the afternoon. Your tour ends here.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 4 hours, 10 km, 100 m ascent, 600 m descent
Meals: Breakfast