discovering the Mercantour park

In the extreme south-east of France is the Mercantour park (Alpes-Maritimes). This year, it has been forgotten by the snow so enthusiasts are training on an ice structure, 18 meters high. “Even when it’s a little milder elsewhere, it’s cold enough here to put it on ice”, assures Mathieu Stéphan, mountain guide. Every winter weekend, he initiates climbers in the handling of ice axes.

A little further on, a group tries to see the five wolves of a pack that has been living in the park for six months. After 1 kilometer of walking, the wolves are already approaching. Whatever their age, visitors are amazed. “What impresses me is seeing them up close”, said a little girl. A few cows in the pasture sunbathe while the ewes stay in the barn for a few months, an essential period to obtain milk. “There are not enough resources outside for them to be fed properly”explains Manuel Rogeri, from La Prairia cheese factories.