Natural Sites


An exceptional environment


Mercantour National Park

Mercantour National Park

The Mercantour National Park is one of 11 national parks in France. It is particularly well known for being one of the wildest and most varied in terms of landscapes, with marked contrasts between its various terrains. Due to its very particular geographical situation, at only an hour from the French Riviera, Mediterranean influences are visible in these alpine mountains.

The Park is represented on its territory by five "Houses", one of which is situated in the Maison Valbergane, located in the centre of the resort (1 rue Saint Jean). Open all year round, the Maison du Parc welcomes the public and relays information about the park (hikes, accommodation, restaurants, weather conditions, etc.). It also offers educational activities encouraging guests to discover the region's natural and cultural heritage.

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Natural Reserve of the Gorges de Daluis

Natural Reserve of the Gorges de Daluis

Located only 30 minutes from Valberg, the Regional Nature Reserve of the Daluis gorges is a spectacular site, as illustrated by the canyons carved into a type of red rock, called pelite, which colourfully contrasts with a vegetation and fauna both Mediterranean and Alpine.

The Nature Reserve is the only one in the Alpes Maritimes, it was created in 2012 thanks to an unique partnership between the Communauté de Communes Alpes d'Azur and the LPO PACA (League for the Protection of Birds). It is particularly well known for its geology and its remarkable mineralogy. Dating back more than 250 million years, these rocks contain mineral treasures such as native copper, but also 9 new species of minerals discovered at this very site.

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Natura 2000

Natura 2000

Covering more than 40,000 hectares, several Natura 2000 sites are located in the direct vicinity of the resort of Valberg. The Natura 2000 network is a collection of the most remarkable natural sites in the European Union. The main objective of its creation is to contribute to the preservation of the biological diversity of the 27 countries of the EU.

The sites of "Entraunes and Castellet-lès-Sausses/Gorges de Daluis" and "Massif du Lauvet d'Ilonse et des Quatre Cantons - Dôme de Barrot - Gorges du Cians" have been designated as Natura 2000 locations, as they constitute one of the most remarkable areas in the Southern Alps massif. These areas represent an incredible wealth of heritage as evidenced by the diversity of habitats and species present. The challenges for these natural areas are significant and involve reconciling the protection of the environment with the development of a profitable tourism economy while guaranteeing quality of life for the inhabitants. A large diversity of vegetation levels is represented, from sub-Mediterranean to Alpine. The variety of topographical conditions present at both sites gives rise to a feeling of remoteness, but this is the very reason for the incredible wealth of flora and fauna in the area. 

The three Natura 2000 sites in the area are managed by the Communauté de Communes Alpes d'Azur. Several major actions are carried out: impact assessment, scientifc monitoring; awareness and communication; contractualization. 

Contact : natura2000@alpesdazur.fr ; 04.93.02.23.94