Top 7 nature hikes in the first snowfall

Snowshoeing in the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Nature Reserve

Head to the pretty ski resort of Gréolières-Les-Neiges – southeastern France’s largest Nordic domain – in the Grasse hinterland. Whether you’re a snowshoeing pro or just getting your bearings, you’ll love the resort’s three trails measuring 6 to 8 kilometres, unveiling the reserve’s winter magnificence and untamed, untouched natural beauty. Don’t miss a stop-off at the viewpoint located at the highest point of “La Brasque”, offering 180° sweeping views over the Mercantour area and Southern Alps. Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of the Croisette and fancy swapping out your tuxedo for a ski suit, the Audibergue de la Moulière ski resort in the highlands above Cannes boasts a 4-km trail with stunning vistas over the Mediterranean coast, Lérins islands and Var area – a magnificent mountain adventure promising forever memories to take back home…

Winter hike in the Mont-Ventoux Regional Nature Reserve

Welcome to Mont-Ventoux, aka the Giant of Provence, worshipped by cyclists and coveted by snowshoeing fans. Your kids will love whooshing down the slopes on their sledges here – and what better way for you to get back in touch with your inner child! Slip into your snowshoes and head out from Chalet Reynard or the Ventoux fauna discovery trail (RD164 road towards Sault) for a 3 or 6-hour trapper’s adventure under the frosty gaze of the surrounding snow-cloaked mountains. Observe and track the local animals while hunting for clues into their everyday life and the techniques they use to survive the winter weather. You’ll discover a host of other forest and mountain walks and hikes here too, promising enchanting mosaics of scenery. If you simply want to admire the view without worrying about planning an itinerary, opt for a delightful walk with mountain guide Daniel Villanova, who will be delighted to introduce you to his favourite local treasures.

Family nature walk in Mercantour National Park

A rejuvenating family break in the beautiful mountains of Mercantour National Park… Estenc – the Park’s only remaining inhabited locality – is perched at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the Vallée du Haut-Var, along Col de la Cayolle pass. Don’t miss a night at the extraordinary Refuge de la Coquille, a holder of the “Esprit Parc National” quality label, set in wild, virgin countryside. This is also the departure point for a delightful 2.6-km family walk on Plateau d’Estenc, winding up at the Refuge de la Cantonnière at the gateway to the Var area. We’re sure you’ll want to linger longer in this peaceful mountain haven, just two hours from Nice.

Observation and contemplation in the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Reserve

Set between the Alps and Mont Ventoux, the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Reserve offers breathtaking views over the Southern Alps. Opt for the 5½-hour “Duffre” hike (round trip) from Col d’Arron to La Piarre, crossing L’Épine, Valdoule and the ski resort of Valdrôme, dotted with magnificent vistas and scintillating scenery. You can also opt for a shorter hike (4½ hours) starting out from L’Épine and crossing woodland, passes and peaks gazing over Vallée de la Blème and the highest summits of the Buëch mountains. Don’t miss a visit to the charming hilltop village of L’Épine while you’re there – you can even opt for a novel night in a tree house at Pas de la Louve in Serroise forest: a unique address boasting the “Valeurs Parc Naturel Régional” quality label.

 

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

 

Une publication partagée par Les Cabanes Du Pas De La Louve (@lescabanesdupasdelalouve)