Top 3 100%-natural adventures in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve

If you’re standing at the Verdon Canyon you can see its mounts in the distance, across the way from the Mercantour summits… What we love most about the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve is its alchemy of mountain scenery and Mediterranean influences. You’re sure to love roaming this beautiful adventure playground by day and gazing at its starry skies by night. Because yes, it’s also an official “International Dark Sky Reserve”!

Climb to La Cime du Cheiron in Gréolières

Breathe in the pure mountain air on the heights of Gréolières with this extraordinary hike crossing the mountain passes of Cheiron in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve. If you’re feeling extra-sporty, you can prolong the 5-hour return trip with a detour to the picturesque village of Coursegoules, at the foot of the Cheiron chain. A limestone mount topped with ragged peaks, “La Cime du Cheiron” forms a spectacular separation between the Estéron and Loup basins. It has also lent its name to the hiking trail leading to the Préalpes d’Azur’s highest summit, boasting breathtaking vistas over the Côte d’Azur, from Cap Camarat to Saint-Tropez, Mont Agel in Monaco and the dreamy Lérins islands. Gaze northwards to admire the summits lining the Italian border, from Menton to Haute Tinée. Further West, Arc de Castellane and the Tanneron mountains announce the imminent arrival of Provence. On clear days, you can even see the mountains of Corsica off the coast of the Med. Adventurers are bound to adore the Geocoaching trail, resembling a modern-day treasure hunt. And if you’d rather put yourself in expert hands, the local mountain guides, proud bearers of the Valeurs Parc Régional label, will be delighted to show you the way!

Let off steam at the ski resorts of Gréolières and Audibergue-La Moulière

Situated in the highlands of Grasse, just 22 km from the Mediterranean Sea as the crow flies, Gréolières Les Neiges is the nearest ski resort to the Côte d’Azur and offers a host of four-seasons activities for all the family. Perched on the highest summit of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve, at an altitude of 1,400 to 1,800 metres, it is THE place to visit if you’re a nature-loving thrills & spills fan, with a palette of exciting summer activities including mountain biking in Cheiron forest and tandem paragliding. And when the resorts dons its thick white winter coat, it’s time to savour some downhill skiing, dog sledding and even a husky sledding safari at the Monts d’Azur Bison Reserve in the company of elands, Przewalski’s horses, European bison and stags. Located in Andon Caille, the ski resort of Audibergue-La Moulière stands slightly further to the West of the reserve in the hinterland of Cannes. Its summit offers stunning views embracing the Côte d’Azur, Lérins islands, Var area and Mercantour mountains in the Southern Alps. This is also a genuine adventure playground for caving aficionados, complete with grottos, chasms, underground galleries and its very own Via Souterrata subterranean route. You’ll love discovering the reserve’s truly magnificent plant and wildlife in every season here too, thanks to a vast array of outdoor activities including hikes and geocaching on Audibergue pass, mountain biking and treetop adventure courses.

Try your hand at something new at the Saint-Auban Nature Centre

Panning out in terraces at the foot of the vast Tracastel rock, the charming village of Saint-Auban offers a seductive array of little lakes with shaded banks and verdant surrounding plains. In the Middle Ages, it was home to a keep and ramparts; a few remains of this ancient legacy still remain today, such as the ancient grotto-oratory tucked away inside the impressive “Clue de Saint-Auban”, with its cliffs and rocks carved out by the river – definitely worth a visit. Coveted by canyoning and fishing fans, this idyllic escape and haven of tranquillity is also a popular meeting place for walkers and cyclists, and is the departure point for the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve’s “La Maralpine” long-distance trail. Head over to the Terres des Lacs ecotourism park to try your hand at trout fishing or ruffle the silence of the Saint-Auban lakes with some Tarzan-style antics. Insider’s tip: the “Sentier du Tracastel” offers absolutely magnificent views over the village of Saint-Auban and Esteron valley. And if you’re touring by bike, you’ll definitely want to hop onto the “Route des Clues” cycle path!