Top 20 Natural Monuments around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage
Best natural monuments around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage are found within the Mercantour National Park, a protected area in the French Alps. This region features towering mountains, ancient forests, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. These natural features Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage offer diverse outdoor experiences, including extensive hiking trails Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage.
Best natural monuments around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage
- The most popular natural monuments is Cayolle Pass, a mountain pass that offers a remarkable panorama and quiet roads. This pass, part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, provides varied scenery including gorges, streams, and impressive waterfalls.
- Another must-see spot is Lou Merze Gros (Ancient Larch Tree), an ancient larch tree. This tree is estimated to be over 600 years old, with a trunk circumference of 6.6 meters and a height of 23 meters.
- Visitors also love Refuge de Vens, a hut located near a lake. This spot is appreciated for its magical setting and views, offering a friendly place to stay or visit.
- Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage is known for mountain passes, ancient trees, and natural lakes. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from high-altitude vistas to serene forest settings.
- The natural monuments around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage are appreciated by the komoot community, with 252 upvotes and 159 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
Cayolle Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
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Refuge de Vens
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Moutière Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
More information: quaeldich.de/paesse/col-de-la-moutiere and de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Col_de_la_Mouti%C3%A8re
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Col de la Bonette
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Col de la Bonette is part of our Montagnes à la Carte series, head over to bit.ly/2Utf27L and claim your badge if you rode this classic.
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Lac des Sagnes
Highlight • Lake
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Tips from the Community
I rode up to the Col de Moutiere from Saint Etienne via Saint Dalmas, and then took the 3km of gravel road link to the Col de la Bonette. I returned to Saint Etienne via the more classic D64. It makes for a much quieter, wilder and steeper ascent, with a better (but busier) road surface and more gradual decline for the D64 descent. Also this way it's a loop and you see more of the incredible scenery. The 3km gravel section is very doable with my moutain bike (i would rate it as a 'blue'). I didnt need to carry or push the bike even though some parts were boken up by small water crossings. I was overtaken by a motorbike at one point. Be careful of the weather here, especially the potentially violent afternoon thunderstorms. There is no shelter nearby
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If there were a ranking of the most beautiful, undiscovered Alpine passes in the cycling world, the Moutière would certainly be a contender. Starting from Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, the climb through the valleys of Sestrière and Sagnas is simply sublime.
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Beautiful plateau where you can stop for a picnic
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The Col de la Moutière is located in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur. This climb is part of the Alps. From Saint Etienne de Tinée, the Col de la Moutière is 18.3 km long. Over this distance 1300 altimeters are bridged. The average slope of the rise is, therefore, 7.1%. You can check the current traffic and winter situation on the Col de la Moutière in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur on Bison futé.
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In the town of Saint-Etienne de Tinée, in the heart of the Mercantour National Park, the Vens Lakes refuge offers a mountain setting typical of the Maritime Alps. The Vens refuge is located in one of the most prestigious places in the Mercantour Park. It is located in an environment of natural lakes, waterfalls in an old glacial cirque, rich alpine meadows and varied fauna (mountain sheep, chamois, eagles, etc.).
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Beautiful wild and spectacular place
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Prices a bit above average, but that's how it is in refuges, the views are top top
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I expect to see around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage?
The region, nestled within the Mercantour National Park, is characterized by towering mountains, ancient forests, pristine lakes, and cascading waterfalls. You'll find high mountain passes like Cayolle Pass and Col de la Bonette, serene tarns such as Lacs de Gialorgues and Lac du Lauzanier, and unique ancient trees like Lou Merze Gros (Ancient Larch Tree).
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The area offers diverse outdoor experiences. You can explore extensive hiking trails, enjoy challenging MTB routes, or cycle scenic mountain passes. For detailed routes, check out the guides for Mountain Hikes around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage, MTB Trails around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage, and Cycling around Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage.
Are there any family-friendly natural monuments or activities?
Yes, Lac du Lauzanier is a popular and easily accessible destination for families, especially in summer when marmots roam freely. The Sestrière Plateau also offers picturesque spots for family picnics, with marmots often seen in the high-altitude meadows.
When is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments?
The Mercantour National Park offers diverse experiences year-round. Summer is ideal for hiking to lakes like Lacs de Gialorgues and Lacs de Vens, and for cycling high passes. In winter, the park is suitable for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the natural waterfalls attract ice climbers.
Where can I find the best panoramic views?
The Col de la Bonette, known as Europe's highest road, offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Cayolle Pass also provides a remarkable panorama, and the Moutière Pass offers spectacular views of peaks and valleys.
Can I spot wildlife near the natural monuments?
Yes, the Mercantour National Park is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Visitors can often spot chamois, ibex, and marmots, especially in high-altitude meadows like the Sestrière Plateau and around Lac du Lauzanier. The Lacs de Vens area is also home to mountain sheep, chamois, and eagles.
Are there any unique natural curiosities like waterfalls?
The wild countryside of Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage is home to magnificent natural waterfalls, which are described as magical playgrounds. These icefalls also attract ice climbers during winter, offering thrilling adventure opportunities.
What are the difficulty levels of trails to these natural monuments?
Difficulty levels vary. Some mountain passes like Moutière Pass are challenging, especially by bike, while others like Cayolle Pass offer pleasant slopes. Hikes to lakes like Lac du Lauzanier are generally more accessible, making them suitable for families.
Are there places to stay or rest near the natural monuments?
Yes, Refuge de Vens is a hut located near a lake, appreciated for its magical setting and friendly atmosphere. It is guarded during summer months but accessible year-round, offering a place to stay or visit.
What makes the forests in this region special?
The region is home to ancient forests, notably the Sestrière Woods, which are distinguished by centuries-old larch trees. These woods offer discovery walks where visitors can track alpine fauna and observe the unique ecosystem of the Mercantour National Park.
Are there any significant lakes to visit?
Yes, the region boasts several pristine lakes. The Lacs de Gialorgues are a significant natural heritage site, offering spectacular scenery. Lac du Lauzanier is easily accessible and popular, while the Lacs de Vens area features stunning natural lakes within an old glacial cirque, rich in alpine meadows and diverse fauna.
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