walking & adventure holidays
wolf watching
On the trail of the wolf
An extremely rare sight anywhere in Europe these days, but especially so this side of the Italian border. This magnificent animal had been hunted out of the region prior to the formation of the National Park.
Gradually, les loups have returned, first seen by a local man in the early 1990s.
Wild wolves live in the Park, albeit in very small numbers, and so one will be very lucky to spot this shy, elusive creature, but it is possible! Your local guide is passionate about this, his home ground, and the wolves.
Throughout the year with the high peaks are still covered in snow, and the human element very seldom seen we'll combine five fantastic days walking with searching out for signs of wolf activity and of course all the other fauna and flora with which the area abounds.
Alpha – The time of the wolf – Alpha Scénoparc in Le Boréon near St Martin Vésubie opened in 2005 – and gives you the chance to discover more about the myth of the wolf and come face to face with the centre’s semi wild inhabitants.
There have already been two litters of cubs born in Alpha which is testament to their contentment in their new home.
Testimonials
Thanks a lot for the hospitality and showing us the wonderful valleys during fantastic walks. It was a fantastic week.
Ingrid and Ludo - May 2007
Season
All year except between mid November and mid December
Departures to date
2010 : Sep 4; Oct 2/10/23; Nov 7.
Pricing
Standard weekly package :
Gite based - £455
Hotel or Chambre d'Hote B&B - £615
Hotel or Chambre d'Hote half board - £825
For non-standard periods and programmes, contact us to discuss the options. Read about our flexible way of working.
How to book...
Walking Grades
grade
| attributes | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| physical fitness | x | x | x |
| confidence with heights | x | x | x |
| technical ability | x | x | x |
| mountain experience | x | x | x |
Our grades are explained in "essential info"
Your Accommodation - On all our Mercantour based trips you will either stay in our gîte at La Zourcière, or if you choose our B&B or half board options we are very pleased to work with local hotels or chambres d'hôte in the area.
Gîte
Enjoy the beautifully secluded situation of La Zourcière in the small hamlet of Berthemont les Bains in the Vésubie valley. The gîte sits on the ground floor of the house and is fully self contained. There are shops about 10 minutes drive from the hamlet, and an organic farm just 200m down the road from the house. Follow this link for more details.
Hotel or Chambre d'Hôte
Le Grand Chalet is a homely chambre d'hôte run by Christine and Luc and is situated overlooking the small village of St Dalmas Valdeblore. A good week of outdoor activity is well fuelled by Christine's great cooking, crafted from home made (mainly organic and local) ingredients. Vegetarians are welcomed.
Hotel Saint Sébastien is situated in just outside the small town of Roquebilliere. Again, family run, with large airy rooms, and has a restaurant and outdoor pool.
Le Chalet or La Bonne Auberge are situated in the town of St Martin Vésubie, a thriving small community that has been the centre of life in the valley since the 12th century. There are plenty of local shops and restaurants to choose from, and the Bonne Auberge has its own restaurant.
What's included
Gîte Based : self catering, no transport, meals or drinks included.
Hotel/Chambre d'Hôte B&B : Breakfasts only - evening meals can be taken at local restaurants, and packed lunches can be purchased at local food stores.
Hotel/Chambre d'Hôte Half Board : All meals, inclusive of packed lunches. Drinks at own cost.
Transport : To and from all venues. To and from Nice airport, aside from gite guests who decide to hire a car during their stay in Berthemont. We offer supermarket visits for self catering guests who do not wish to hire a car.
Activities : Five days guided walking with qualified International Mountain Leaders.
Itinerary
- Day 1 Arrive Berthemont les Bains for gite accommodation or pick up in Nice.
- Day 2 Join Christian on two discovery days out. From le Haute Boréon via the Vallon des Erps to the Salèse, and return to your accommodation.
- Day 3 as day 2, but from the Salèse to the Vallon de Mollières and back to les Adus.
- Day 4 Visit the Alpha wolf sanctuary in Le Boréon. Afternoon free.
- Day 5 Join Mel and Liz for three stunning day walks in other areas of the park. Lac Autier in the Gordolasque.
- Day 6 Lacs des Millefont, Col du Barn and the Téte des Margés ridge.
- Day 7 Baisse de Cinq Lacs and Cime du Paranova.
- Day 8 Depart from Berthemont les Bains gite, or drop off in Nice.
Suitable for
Adults and families.
Your welfare & protection
As a small enterprise, it's very important to us that our guests are professionally looked after during their stay with us.
Your protection : our operational base is in France, and our company in France is registered as a tour operator (habilitation touristique) and holds business failure cover and public liability cover.
Your welfare : all our activities are led by fully qualified local Mountain Guides and International Mountain Leaders (Accompagnateurs), thus ensuring that you receive not only top professional care, but that you will also benefit from their in-depth local knowledge of the regions that we operate in.
Copyright : Spacebetween Alpine Adventures Ltd registered in England, company No : 5154532.
SARL Spacebetween registered in France, siret No : 47784956600013 Habilitation Touristique No : H.A. 006.06.0007