Région
Mercantour

The climate in the Mercantour is shaped by both the high mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, leading to a unique combination of alpine and Mediterranean influences. The region experiences hot and dry conditions due to its proximity to the Mediterranean, but at higher altitudes, the weather is more temperate and cool. The contrasting weather patterns help create the region's diverse ecosystems, where both alpine and Mediterranean flora and fauna thrive. Despite the absence of glaciers, which disappeared in the early 20th century, the mountains and valleys were heavily shaped by glacial activity in the past.

The Mercantour region's proximity to both Italy and the Mediterranean gives it a culinary influence blending French and Italian flavors. Traditional alpine dishes are likely to feature alongside Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oil, vegetables, and herbs. In the perched villages of the Roya Bévéra region, one can expect hearty meals suitable for mountain living, infused with the local agricultural produce.  

Geographically, the Mercantour region is characterized by dramatic mountain landscapes, shaped by ancient glaciers and rivers. The valleys and mountains feature a complex terrain with deep gorges, rugged peaks, and rocky summits. The diverse geography ranges from high-altitude alpine environments to more temperate zones closer to the Mediterranean, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. The region's perched villages, such as Tende, Saorge, and Piène Haute, cling to steep mountainsides, strategically placed for defense and trade. These villages, with their dense traditional housing and medieval architecture, are important landmarks of the Mercantour's geographical and historical landscape.  

Historically, the Mercantour region has been shaped by its strategic position on the border of France and Italy. The area once served as hunting grounds for Italian kings, and after 1861, the borders between France and Italy were redefined. The Mercantour National Park became twinned with Italy's Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime in 1987, sharing a 33-kilometer boundary. The villages in the region, such as Tende and Saorge, have a rich history, often changing hands between France and Italy. Tende, for example, was a critical part of the royal salt route between Nice and Turin. The Valle?e des Merveilles, within the Mercantour Park, is one of the most important prehistoric sites in France, with over 40,500 engravings dating from the Bronze Age. These engravings likely had religious or pagan significance, adding to the area's historical importance. The region's villages, castles, and churches further reflect the cultural blend of French and Italian influences over the centuries.