This guidebook describes 18 day walks and 6 long distance routes. The treks include a 5-day traverse of the French Mercantour National Park and a 7-day traverse of the Alpi Maritime Park, and the walks range from 6 to 20km in length. The routes are suitable for novices and experienced trekkers alike. Cicerone says Guidebook to walking and trekking in the Maritime Alps on the border of Italy and France, just north of Nice. It includes 18 graded day walks, on both the French and the Italian sides, ranging from 6km to 20km in length and suitable for a range of abilities. There are also 6 long treks, including a 5-day traverse of the Parc National du Mercantour and a 7-day traverse of the Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime.Detailed route descriptions sit alongside colour maps, and there is full information about accommodation options down in the valleys and up in the mountains. Useful French-English and Italian-English glossaries of walking terminology are included, too. Rising to over 3000m above the sun-drenched French Riviera, the Maritime Alps form the western edge of the mighty Alpine chain. Wildflower lovers will also appreciate the remarkable range of flowers, including many unique to the area. Worlds away from the hustle and bustle and crowds of the coast this is a marvellous area for novice walkers and seasoned long-distance trekkers alike Our Verdict For nearly 50 years Cicerone have been producing guidebooks on recognised treks, regions, areas and general tips for hikers. We have used them countless times and they’ve always provided excellent insight and knowledge that you only get through experience, giving you the edge to make your trip a success and more enjoyable too. If you’re a gram counter you can easily remove sections of the book to take with you making your own ultra-lightweight guidebook with only the essential sections that you require. – Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear Features Seasons: Mid-June to late September is guaranteed for snow-free paths and open huts; July and August spell wildflowers galore; October means crystal-clear visibility and having the whole place to yourself Centres: France – Tende, Castrino, St-Martin-Vsubie, Le Boron Italy – Terme di Valdieri, Entracque, Vernante Difficulty: From easy strolls along mountain streams on broad tracks, through to multi-day treks across arduous passes with elementary rock passages Must See: Wildlife (magnficent ibex, chamois and marmots) and wildflowers; high-altitude lakes (Fremamorta, Lac Ngre); Argentera, Gelas and Clapier all over 3000m; prehistoric rock engravings are visitable from Castrino; old-style spa resort Terme di Valdieri with paved tracks dating back to the 19th-century royal game reserve; Col de Tende and Col de Fenestre Specifications Edition: Second Number of pages: 224 Size: 17.2 x 11.6 x 1.3cm Weighs 250g Contents Introduction The Maritime Alps Walking Wildflowers Wildlife Exploring the Maritime Alps Local information Access When to go Camping Dos and don’ts What to take Maps Emergencies Using this guideThe WalksWalk 1 Fontanalba rock engravings circuitWalk 2 Mont Bgo loopWalk 3 Valle de la Roya to Valle de VsubieWalk 4 Upper Valle de la GordolasqueWalk 5 Lacs de Prals circuitWalk 6 Ancient passes above Madone de FenestreWalk 7 Vallon du Haut Boron circuitWalk 8 Lacs BessonsWalk 9 Around the ArgenteraWalk 10 Lac des Adus loopWalk 11 The Great Lakes tourWalk 12 The Alpi Marittime trekWalk 13 The Valasco tourWalk 14 The Fremamorta loopWalk 15 Rifugio BozanoWalk 16 Rifugio Remondino and Lago di NastaWalk 17 Vallone di LourousaWalk 18 Traversing Colle di FenestrelleWalk 19 Rifugio Pagari loopWalk 20 Vallon del Vei del BoucWalk 21 Gorge della ReinaWalk 22 Vallone degli AlberghiWalk 23 Costa di PlanardWalk 24 The border fortsAppendix A Route summary tableAppendix B Useful contactsAppendix C FrenchEnglish and Italian&ndash

This guidebook describes 18 day walks and 6 long distance routes. The treks include a 5-day traverse of the French Mercantour National Park and a 7-day traverse of the Alpi Maritime Park, and the walks range from 6 to 20