A one-week road trip

We’re off for a first stage steeped in relaxation and awe-inspiring discoveries in Saint-Martin Vésubie, an authentic village typical of MercantourNational Parkand the Nice highlands. Nicknamed the “Little Switzerland of Nice”, this marvel is perched at an altitude of 1,000 metres and located just 1 hour from Nice by car. It is also at the gateway to Mercantour National Park! The river Boréon, which crosses the village, offers a lake and waterfalls ideal for idyllic strolls. Don’t miss a visit to the Parc Alpha for an unforgettable encounter with the region’s wolves. Simply book ahead for a guided tour and two exciting “animal environmental adaptation” and “tracking” workshops. And because rest and relaxation are important too, the four-star Pure Montagne Resort & Spa hotel offers a top-of-the-range welcome, plus a choice of magnificent duplex apartments with South-facing terraces. Nestling at the heart of Vésubie Valley, this charming resort complete with cosy and luxurious mountain lounges is an ode to wellbeing and travel… “La Treille” restaurant promises a delightful dining experience, topped with a terrace overlooking Vallon de la Madone de Fenestre. Their tasty and generous fish and meat tartares are to die for!

The fun continues on Day 2 in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. If you’re an adrenalin freak and/or fancy a spot of pampering, head to the fabulous Vesubia Mountain Park, offering an exciting range of mountain activities, plus a pool and wellness space. This is THE top spot in the Alpes-Maritimes if you fancy bathing, climbing, jumping, canyoning, practising your balance or even caving! After an energetic day out, you’ll be pleased to head to the Hôtel La Bonne Auberge – a charming and tastefully-decorated traditional hotel steeped in a quiet and restful atmosphere, set inside a splendid stone building. Just nearby, the restaurant “Le Vieux Four” promises plenty of gourmet pleasures with its delicious range of typical Nice specialities and excellent homemade pizzas cooked in an old wood-fired oven. And by the way, their tiramisu is “delizioso!”.

Less than 10 km down the road lies the ski resort of La Colmiane in Valdeblore, a paradise for hiking, mountain biking and adrenalin fans. Dare yourself to the heart-stopping, 2,663-metre zipline – France’s longest – whizzing over the resort and its lakes at speeds of up to 130 km/hr. Who’s first in line?! The thrills and spills continue with the 4-seasons toboggan run, measuring an impressive 1,670 metres in length, with 400 metres of uphill and downhill slopes and 22 hair-raising bends at speeds of up to 42km/hr. Did you know? You can enjoy indulging in snow sports on the 1,800-metre Mercantour peaks even at the height of summer. And when your batteries run out, treat yourself to a well-earned rest in one of the cosy, delightfully-decorated and original rooms on offer at the Green Ecolodge, where wood and other natural materials promise a warm, back-to-nature welcome. The on-site restaurant gives pride of place to fresh, locally-sourced produce, promising a farandole of flavours. On the menu: simple but efficient recipes, with a great choice of meats exalted with rosemary, savory and wild thyme.

Featuring five courses with something for every age and level, the treetop adventure park in Colmiane forest promises plenty of hysterical laughter topped with a few palpitations! Adults will definitely want to try their hand at the “Parcours Adrénaline”, chock-a-block with perilous acrobatic challenges including wobbly walkways, rope bridges, giant steps, treetop nets and balancing acts… Do your best to impress the kids admiring you from below… Once you’ve finished playing Tarzan, it’s time to make your way to Auberge de la Roche, a haven of peace at Roche de Valdeblore offering vast, light-filled, comfortable and fuss-free rooms ideal for lying back and resting your sore muscles. You’ll love eating at the restaurant set around a magnificent stone fireplace. This astonishing auberge also harbours a smokehouse for its cured meats, hen coop and three permaculture vegetable gardens, producing the many treats you’ll find on the menu. Just nearby, “Le Relais des Millefonts” also promises a smiling welcome, topped with delicious, lovingly-curated fare concocted with fresh produce by the chef.

Today you’ll be driving to the resort of Turini Camp d’Argent along one of France’s Top 10 most picturesque roads, lined with captivating scenery. Its hairpin bends are a favourite challenge for rally drivers too and the Monte Carlo Rally schedules a special event here every year. The hiking routes leading up the ancient military fort on Massif de l’Authion boast breathtaking panoramic views embracing the border between Italy and Mercantour National Park, and stretching all the way to the Med. Not to be missed: a heart-stopping “Luge Tubing” downhill ride for the kids on an inflatable raft. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe! A Zen, romantic interlude awaits you courtesy of the tree houses at Les Écrins de Belvédère in the village of Belvédère. And if you’d rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, opt for a comfortable “shepherd’s room” in an ancient, converted barn decorated in mountain style. Feeling peckish? The “Café des Tilleuls” serves fabulous gourmet snacks including homemade “panisses” (fried chickpea pancake, a speciality of Nice). Simply divine! What’s more, the shaded terraces promises a welcome breath of fresh air in the hot summer months…