Nestled in the heart of the Mercantour, between the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée offers a true mountain experience, subtly infused with a hint of Mediterranean charm.
Perched nearly 1,200 meters above sea level in a deep valley, the village is distinguished by an exceptional natural setting, dominated by alpine summits rising above 3,000 meters. The atmosphere, reminiscent of Mediterranean gentleness, can be felt in the layout of the houses, their vibrant colors, and the elegant baroque church that stands proudly on the central square.
Accessible year-round by the road that follows the Tinée Valley and then the capricious course of the Var River, Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée lies less than 90 kilometers from Nice and the glittering Côte d’Azur. This close bond — an umbilical cord to the Mediterranean — recalls that this mountain region, once part of the County of Provence and later the Duchy of Savoy, was annexed to France in 1860, along with the rest of the County of Nice. Today, though 90 kilometers away, the village is still part of the Nice metropolitan area.
Long a near-autonomous enclave, Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée has benefited from 20th-century road networks, railways, and automobiles to break out of its isolation and thrive. The creation in 1937 of the Auron ski resort — a hamlet that overlooks the village — marks this evolution. Today, this dynamic, family-friendly resort boasts 135 kilometers of slopes, the largest ski area in the Alpes-Maritimes, and is accessible directly from the village via the Pinatelle cable car, both in summer and winter.
Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée also lies at the foot of the road to the Cime de la Bonette, an irresistible challenge for cyclists seeking to conquer the highest paved road in Europe, which rises to 2,802 meters — the source of the Tinée River. The village is also a favorite stopover for hikers, drawn by the high-altitude lakes, such as the renowned lakes of Vens and Rabuons. However, these demanding trails require proper equipment and solid physical condition.
Find a Guesthouse near the Mercantour
Despite its growing appeal to visitors, Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée has preserved its character. It remains a lively and welcoming village, where the charm of yesteryear blends harmoniously with a vibrant present.