The Tinée Valley

Between the Alps and the Mediterranean

Between the Alps and the Mediterranean, the Tinée Valley offers two distinct faces. From the snowy peaks in the north to the typically southern landscapes in the south, this diverse valley is home to charming villages and offers a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers.

An Alpine and Mediterranean valley in the Mercantour massif

The Tinée river originates at an altitude of 2,650 meters, at the foot of the Col de la Bonette, known for being accessible via one of Europe’s highest roads.

The landscapes are spectacular, with numerous peaks reaching close to 3,000 meters. The lakes and low meadows, vibrant with color in spring, create a magnificent scene. This is the territory of eagles, marmots, chamois, and ibex. Following the course of the Tinée, you wind through a steep valley covered in conifer forests, which provide shelter for many animals: marmots, roe deer, stags…

As you continue southward, the firs, spruces, and larches give way to deciduous trees: the vegetation adapts to a lower altitude and a closer proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The river carves its path through the steep hills, having formed over millennia the vertiginous gorges of the Mescla. The Tinée Valley then meets the Var Valley upstream from the village of Tournefort.

Bonette Pass – Col de la Bonette

Tourism in Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée

Explore the valley from village to hamlet

Several charming villages line the Tinée Valley, from the high mountains in the north to the more varied landscapes in the south. Each place has its own unique charm, offering an experience rooted in both mountain and Mediterranean influences.
Starting point for many hikes, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage is located at the source of the Tinée. This picturesque village, surrounded by forests and pastures, has a lot of character with its tightly clustered houses and a solitary church across the road. You can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée boasts a rich architectural heritage. Partially rebuilt in the 1930s, this village features Italian-inspired architecture, as seen in the town hall with its warm red façade. The town has beautiful chapels and churches, as well as several charming hamlets. The Auron ski resort, located within its area, offers a wide range of leisure activities.

Perched on a hillside, Isola offers a breathtaking view of the Tinée Valley. This vibrant village hosts many shops, restaurants, and accommodations, making it a popular stop for tourists. Its lively and colorful local market is a true feast for the senses. Away from the Tinée Valley, Isola 2000 is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the Southern Alps, known for its high altitude and exceptional snow coverage.

Nestled in lush greenery, Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée is surrounded by preserved natural landscapes. The village offers a variety of activities such as mountain biking, climbing, and paragliding, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. A 16th-century church and old stone buildings add to the charm of this authentic place.

Roure clings to the mountainside, providing a panoramic view of the lower Tinée Valley. Off the main tourist routes, this characterful village invites leisurely exploration. You can set off to explore nearby hamlets and hiking trails.

Ilonse, a small medieval village perched at 1,250 meters above sea level, overlooks the Tinée Valley. With its stone houses and church, it offers a peaceful atmosphere. It is also an ideal starting point for many hikes.

Another perched village, Rimplas, overlooks the Bramafam valley, where the stream is a tributary of the Tinée. Time here seems to stand still. Surrounded by majestic mountains, this village offers exceptional opportunities for hiking and observing wildlife and flora. Its old church and shaded squares invite relaxation and wandering.

Known for its ski area, Valdeblore is a popular winter destination for snow sports enthusiasts. In summer, the village becomes a starting point for numerous outdoor activities, such as canyoning and hiking. The views from the heights offer breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.

Marie is a small, authentic village with stone houses and picturesque alleys. The village regularly hosts festivals and cultural events, strengthening the bond between residents and visitors. The Saint-Pons church at the top of the village houses a beautiful 18th-century polychrome statue of the Virgin Mary.

Clans overlooks the Monar valley, which flows into the Tinée Valley. Surrounded by forests and meadows, it offers an ideal setting for nature lovers. Hiking trails and cycling paths allow visitors to discover the varied landscapes of the Tinée Valley.

Bairols clings to the mountainside. This small, peaceful village creates a postcard-perfect scene with its stone-walled houses and narrow alleys. It’s a must-see stop during your exploration of the Tinée Valley!

La Tour, sometimes called La Tour-sur-Tinée, has exceptional religious heritage with the churches of Saint-Martin and Roussillon, along with numerous chapels. The Chapel of the White Penitents has a magnificent painted decor with beautiful frescoes. A stroll through the village reveals lovely old houses and an olive oil mill.

Utelle is famous for the Sanctuary of the Madonna of Utelle and its church, true architectural gems. The village, with its chapels, elegant stone homes, and the former Sainte Christine hospital, reflects a rich historical past. Heritage enthusiasts will enjoy the many cultural events and local exhibitions.

Located at the confluence of the Tinée and another river, Tournefort benefits from a strategic location at the entrance to the valley. The old village church, chapels, and fortifications around the village are places to discover during your hikes.

Many outdoor activities in summer

Hiking trails cross the entire Tinée Valley. In the north, you can venture into high mountain landscapes, aiming to conquer some of the highest (and most beautiful) peaks in Mercantour National Park.

Cyclists can tackle the Col de la Bonette by bike. The road climbs to 2,715 meters in altitude, covering a 25-kilometer route from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. Take the time to pause once you reach the top—the view is spectacular, stretching for hundreds of kilometers! The Col de la Lombarde, featured in several editions of the Tour de France, also offers a challenge to meet the expectations of the most seasoned cyclists.

Many trails can also be explored by mountain bike. You can follow marked routes or enjoy the facilities at the various mountain resorts in the Tinée Valley. Auron (Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée), for example, offers 30 km of trails with 14 downhill tracks and 4 circuits dedicated to electric bikes.

The Tinée Valley also attracts canyoning enthusiasts, with a wide range of canyons suitable for beginners, intermediates, or advanced adventurers. Specialized providers guide you for safe descents under optimal conditions.

The via ferrata of Baus de la Frema, above the Valdeblore/La Colmiane resort, offers an airy, challenging, and fun route to experience the thrill of heights. The resort is also known for hosting one of the most beautiful zip lines in France.

Horseback or donkey rides, DevalKart descents, paragliding flights, mini-golf… The activities are countless. In summer, the Tinée Valley is indeed a paradise for nature lovers, offering relaxation and thrilling experiences!

Snow and skiing in winter in the Tinée Valley

In winter, the northern part of the Tinée Valley is blanketed in snow. The high altitude ensures quality snow for ski touring and snowshoeing. Winter sports enthusiasts can visit the various resorts in the valley.
La Colmiane (Valdeblore) is a cozy, family-friendly resort with slopes ranging from 1,500 to 1,800 meters in altitude. It’s the perfect destination for learning to ski without breaking the budget!

Auron (Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée) offers 135 kilometers of slopes between 1,600 and 2,450 meters. The Nordic ski area of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, just 20 minutes from the resort, provides beautiful trails amid the trees.

Isola 2000 reaches for the sky with a ski area that peaks at 2,603 meters. The view is spectacular, and skiers can pause at the summit of Sistron for a souvenir photo before hitting the slopes.

These resorts also offer fun or relaxing winter activities such as sledding, zip-lining, and spa treatments.

Practical information

The Tinée Valley is accessible from Nice, following the Var Valley towards Digne and Grenoble and by following the directional signs.
We encourage you to prepare for your visit to the Tinée Valley, whatever the season:

In summer, bring hiking shoes, a backpack, a snack, plenty of water, sunglasses, and a hat for safe hiking.
In winter, plan the necessary equipment to reach the mountain resorts and villages (chains, winter tires, snow socks, etc.).

We recommend visiting the local tourist offices and guide offices for quality guidance if you plan to engage in riskier sports such as ski touring, climbing, via ferrata, or canyoning.