Fresh Mountain Air - Lac Negre / Mercantour National Parc

Weather forecast looks good for next weekend thus I suggest a royal hike in the fresh mountain air with temperatures 10-20°C lower than on the coast.

The hike is accessible by public transport

On the menu: Lake Negre in Mercantour National Parc - deep in the high Boréon area, Lake Nègre spreads its dark waters at the foot of ochre granite cliffs that shelter several climbing routes.

Untouched by civilization, the high Salèse valley, with its vast meadows, rhododendrons, and blueberry bushes, is home to a prestigious wildlife: large ungulates (chamois, mouflon, ibex), predators (wolf, eagle, marten, weasel), and birds (black grouse, black woodcock).

Above Lake Nègre, the Pas du Préfouns, a favorite hunting spot of King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, shelters the remains of a small enclosure surrounding a horizontal slab: seated on this noble seat, the king would wait for the passage of chamois.

Along the way, you will encounter lively streams, fast torrents, and clear springs, like the Chardole spring, whose water, believed to have countless healing properties, was once carried by mule down to Saint-Martin-Vésubie.

This is a flexible hike, you can choose to stay at the lake for an extended picnic or go up to the Pas du Préfouns.

Pace: medium, social hiking - you need to have a base fitness
Start-time: 10h00
Elevation gain: 700m - 900m when going to Pas du Prefous
Duration: about 4-6h00 plus time for lunch
Meeting point: Parking Salese Boreon

The usual: proper shoes, water, a rain coat, wind breaker, warm pullover and something to eat for your lunch. Plus sun glasses and sun screen. Maybe a swim suit if you want to swim in the lake (cold!!)

Public transport: 7h30 from Nice Grand Arenas with a shuttle for hikers in Saint Martin Vésubie. You can and should reserve this bus - see the two flyers for more info:
https://www.lignesdazur.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/fh-ligne-ete-vesubie_2025_4.pdf
https://www.lignesdazur.com/sites/default/files/2025-06/ete-vesubie-2025-en-compresse.pdf

If you need a car share or you can offer one, please leave a comment.
My phone number in case you are late or can't find us: 06.70.69.98.49 SMS or WhatsApp