This tour in Mercantour National Parc (65000 ha) is particularly recommended to people who are fond of baroque architecture and/or beautiful mountain scenery. You can go by car or with the little Merveilles train.
You should visit Santa Maria in Breil/Roya, Notre Dame de la Visitation in Fontan, Franciscan convent, ND des Miracles, Saint Sauveur in Saorge; all are baroque churches.
Saorge is a very spectacular village hanging on the side of the mountain.
In “vallée des Merveilles” valley, you can discover up to 36 000 of these hundred thousands 4500 years old prehistoric drawings at over 2000 meters high; you can hike or go by four wheels car. They represent either animals or men or mysterious symbols. It is believed that they were a tribute to the Mount Bego god. It required a lot of courage from our ancestors to get there since the way was quite difficult and the area was subject to terrible thunder storms (Mount Bego contains mainly iron). You can see freely only the ones along the GR52, for the other ones you must hire a guide. This is a day tour by itself but to get the most of it, it is recommended to spend a night in a mountain shelter where you can sleep and have diner for a very moderate rate (30€ half board).
La Brigue has a renowned medieval festival in July. In the city you can visit an excellent local traditions museum, Saint Martin and Annonciade chapel. There are funny beehive houses, made to protect them from predators and thieves!
A MUST is the nearby N.D des Fontaines which is a little Sixtine-like chapel. On your way you will see an incredible Roman bridge. The chapel itself is all decorated with XVth century paintings describing the passion of the Christ. The painter has represented the characters with costumes and attitudes of his time. It is very moving. It is one of the masterpieces of South of France. If you are lucky you will assist to an amazing natural phenomenon: there are 12 springs in the river, they can resurge all the sudden and the waters come to a high point in a few minutes.
In Tende, stroll along the steep vaulted streets. Visit the gorgeous cathedral, the chapels of Misericorde and Annonciade. On your way, if you are thirsty you can drink at the medieval fountains. The view from the cemetery is impressive; it is the path to Via Ferrata for rock climbing fans.
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
