Vallée-des-Merveilles
The Marvellous Valley
This valley at the foot of Mont Bégo above Tende really does live up to its name!
Surrounded by the dramatic landscape of the Mercantour National Park, well away from any roads, the Vallée-des-Merveilles was formed during the Quaternary Era and is justifiably famous for its fabulous prehistoric rock carvings.
Not for the faint-hearted!
However, you can’t just pitch up in your car and expect to see anything. There are two routes in and both involve a good trek to get there!
Route 1: From St-Dalmas-de-Tende on the N 204 and then take the D 91 to Casterino. There are three footpaths from here Allow at least 4-5 hours each way.
Route 2: From Belvédère on the D 171 to beyond St Grat. See schematic diagram here Allow at least 4-5 hours each way.