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Alpha Park

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The wolf belongs to our collective imagination. For a long time confined to legends and stories in children’s books, these mythical animals have been making a comeback in France in recent years and are making headlines. But what do we really know about the distant ancestor of our best friend the dog? Far from myths and preconceived ideas, the Alpha Park invites every visitor, adult or child, to discover the true face of the wolf in the large wooded areas of the Boréon valley.

Encountering the wolf in the heart of unspoiled nature

Alpha Park is not just any animal park. In this unique space in France, everything has been thought out so that wolves can live in conditions as close as possible to those encountered in the wild. Between 1500 and 1800 meters above sea level, the Park offers blinds that allow visitors to observe wolves going about their business in all discretion.

Three packs coexist in this grandiose and preserved natural area. They bear witness to the behavior of an animal that is both sociable and complex, capable of showing cohesion and solidarity. The mountain landscapes of the Mercantour National Nature Park are also a real invitation to discover the region.

Take the time to observe the evolution of the wolves and try to understand the place each one occupies within the group. Will you fall under the spell of the pack of Erps? Will you succumb to the Pelago pack? Or will you be tempted by the Boreon pack? Each visitor leaves the park with a small preference, which can be discussed with the whole family!

Between pedagogy and wonder

Here, the park’s animal keepers and owners share with you their visions of the wolf: as a trainer, an ethologist or a shepherd, they all have a different, very lucid view of this remarkably intelligent animal. The animal keepers explain to the visitors the life of the packs and present the specific behaviors of each wolf during feeding.

The three “scénovisions” tell you three captivating stories about the relationship between men and wolves: Bastien the wolfcatcher, Jean the ethologist and father of Marie, Auguste the shepherd and his little daughter Marie wanting to take over the herd will each bring you their own insights.

The Alpha Park also allows you to become a keeper for a day. This activity is a unique opportunity to step into the shoes of an animal keeper and get up close and personal with the wolves for a day.

Alpha Park: Beyond the Wolf

The Alpha Park also offers other animations, attractions, and activities next to the wolf. You will be able to see in semi-liberty a typical fauna of the Mercantour, with chamois and mountain hares.

Marie’s educational farm will seduce children, who will be able to interact with the animals. As for the parents, they will inevitably fall under the charm of the touching scenes and will enjoy these privileged moments spent with the family.

In the summer, a falconry show offers an exceptional spectacle: the birds of prey evolve in a graceful aerial ballet, rushing at full speed and sometimes brushing past the spectators.

Accommodation and restauration

There is a snack bar waiting for you in the Alpha Park. You can also take advantage of the tables at your disposal for a picnic.

Would you like to spend a quiet stay in the wide-open spaces of the Mercantour? Several accommodations welcome you nearby: you can choose the hotel restaurant le Boréon, rent a chalet or stay in a gite.

Places to visit in the area

The Alpes-Maritimes department offers many nature activities throughout the year such as hiking, via ferrata or climbing in the summer, but also skiing, dog-sled rides or snowshoeing in the winter. Saint-Martin de Vésubie is one hour-and-a-half’s drive away from the city of Nice and the beaches of the French Riviera.

Informations pratiques

  • Visiting time: Plan half a day or a full day depending on how long it takes to observe the wolves.
  • Opening days: open all year round, only on weekends in winter, every day from April to early November
  • Schedule: opening at 10:00 a.m., closing at 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. (in July / August). The ticket office closes at 3:00 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in summer).
  • Access from Nice: take the road to Grenoble (M6202), then the M2565 up the Vésubie valley. After the village of Saint-Martin-de-Vésubie, take the M89 on the right which will lead you to the Alpha Park.
  • Address: Chalet d’accueil du Boréon, secondary road 89, 06450 Saint-Martin-Vésubie

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