SaintMartinVésubie

Saint-Martin-Vésubie is a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It is the main settlement of the Vésubie valley and lies in the Mercantour region, near the border with Italy. The village and surrounding hills are part of the Mercantour National Park area, and the Vésubie River runs through the valley.

Geography: The commune covers a mountainous landscape with forests, pastures and rocky slopes. It is characterized by a mountain climate with cold winters and warm summers. The area serves as a gateway for hikers and visitors to Mercantour.

History: The site has medieval origins and was historically tied to the Counts of Nice before becoming part of France in 1860 during the annexation of the County of Nice. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries it relied on agriculture, forestry and, increasingly, tourism.

Economy and population: Today the local economy is driven largely by tourism and services that support visitors, including lodging, taverns and craft shops. The population is small and fluctuates with seasonal activity, centering on local families and those employed in tourism.

Culture and sights: Saint-Martin-Vésubie retains traditional Provençal and Alpine architectural features, with a compact historic center that includes the parish church named after Saint Martin and several chapels. The village serves as a base for outdoor recreation in the Mercantour area, including hiking, snow sports in winter and nature excursions.

Transport: The commune is accessed by regional roads from Nice and via routes through the Vésubie valley. It is commonly used as a starting point for trips into Mercantour National Park.