France

Les Alpes de la Méditerranée (France)

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Les Alpes de la Méditerranée are a region south of the Alpine chain that was formed 30 million years ago by a special tectonic phenomenon. The Mediterranean Alps represent an example of an active mountain range, still under construction, that was transversely ruptured by the opening of an ocean basin (the western Mediterranean). This process resulted in a unique topography and an altitude difference of almost 6000 metres from the peaks of the Argentera-Mercantour at 3300 metres to the sea ground at -2500 metres, with no coastal plain or continental shelf. This example contributes to the understanding of global tectonics and Earth history. The property includes both terrestrial locations and a maritime area in France, Italy and Monaco.

Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Les Alpes de la Méditerranée (France) (ID: 6178)
Country
France
Status
On tentative list 2017 Site history
History of Les Alpes de la Méditerranée (France)
2019: Requested by State Party to not be examined
.
2017: Added to Tentative List
Added to tentative list
Criteria
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org

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First published: 18/03/21.

Jarek Pokrzywnicki

Les Alpes de la Méditerranée (France)

Les Alpes de la Méditerranée (France) (On tentative list)

Les Alpes de la Méditerranée (France) by Jarek Pokrzywnicki

Visited in August, 2018. It is quite strange that nobody has ever described the places so far as all they look as very popular tourist destinations. From UNESCO heritage point of view it is an idea to put together the efforts of France, Italy and Monaco and inscribe part of Mediterranean Alps in those countries. Initially I intended to see the area in Monaco but since on our map it is placed in the middle of the ocean I opt for something more conventional and decided for French Mercantour National Park.

Stayed overnight in small village of Fontan (Chambres d'Hôtes Le Terminus, 63 Avenue Bottone, family owned with restaurant, budget / midrange accommodation). If you have your own transport it may be a good starting point to start exploration of the area (at least the eastern part of Mercantour National Park, around Mount Bego) but you can choose any other place around Tende. As the Park is accessible by foot only you can leave a car in numerous parkings around local road D91. Main idea was to visit Vallée des Merveilles (alpine valley with prehistoric rock art). I start from the side road –exact google location 44°06'49.8"N 7°29'42.3"E. The place is within park borders, there are also tables with maps of the area and basic information about the park

From this point there is also a hiking path towards Valmasque river and via Lac Vert to Vallée des Merveilles. The path is well marked and at the beginning …

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