Isola 2000 (Southern Alps) - Just 1h30 from the Côte d'AzurAs its name suggests, the resort welcomes you at an altitude of 2,000 metres, at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park on the border with Italy. A natural and sporting world awaits you, ideal for young and old alike, who will be delighted to enjoy the daily entertainment, not forgetting the concerts and other events that punctuate the summer season.
What's new
On foot or by bike, sport is a religion at Isola and this year the resort is proud to be hosting a stage of the Tour de France. "It's historic and a real recognition of the quality of our playing field".commented Virginie Tumorticchi, Director of Isola Tourist Office.
This is the 19th stage of the Tour de France 2024, which will start in Embrun in the Hautes-Alpes and finish in Isola 2000 in the Alpes-Maritimes on Friday 19 July.
Outdoor activities
Climbing to excel
Try your hand at climbing around Isola 2000, on the hundred or so equipped routes ranging from 4 to 7b, including the Belvedere, one of the resort's most popular climbing sites.
There are 10 climbing routes here, ranging from level 3 to 6A/6B, and a mountain guide is on hand to offer introductory or advanced sessions.
- Rates Not communicated
A family outing
Among the many walks on offer, we suggest the Sentier des Isoliens, a family hike starting at the Mercantour cable car, where you can search for clues to answer the corresponding riddle. Allow between 2h and 2h30 for this walk.
- Rates free of charge
Escape game
Discover the mysteries of Isola and in particular the forgotten bunker.
During the activity, your mission is to guess who is hiding behind the mysterious ghost that haunts the area, by deciphering the messages on the high altitude trail littered with intriguing objects. It's a chance to enjoy the Mercantour mountains in a different way, and to remember the history of the Second World War.
- Rates Not communicated
Events not to be missed
The Duo trail
On 29 June, an unusual duo race awaits you: the Duo Trail. There are two routes to choose from. A 9-kilometre discovery trail open to runners and hikers, and a 22-kilometre trail open to trail runners.
There are three categories: men's, women's and mixed. With a friend or family member, you can experience running as a team and rediscover the values of sharing, mutual aid and solidarity.
- Rates Price : 21 euros
Ball and fireworks
Isola will be celebrating 14 July in style! The resort is organising an evening with a "Nostalgie Dance Collector 80' and 90'" ball, starting at 8.30pm on the chapel stage. Get ready to step back in time with a DJ set specially designed to take you back to the disco, funk and hits of the 80s and 90s. And that's not all. To top off this 14 July celebration, fireworks will light up the sky over Isola 2000. A show not to be missed.
- Rates Not communicated
Olympic Games week
From 3 to 9 August, the sports of the Olympic Games will be in the spotlight at Isola 2000. Beach volleyball tournament, football, badminton, swimming, baseball, basketball, handball, golf, table tennis, water polo... Prizes will be awarded at the end of the week for the best performances.
- Rates Not communicated
There's also a giant barbecue every Monday during the summer. Every Wednesday during the summer season, you can also enjoy a show or concert, and every Saturday during this period, a "Covers au sommet" concert is on offer.
Our favourites
If you want to improve your skills or learn a new activity, sign up for a summer course! The commune of Isola and its Tourist Office offer courses for all ages (even adults) and all tastes. Dance, mountain biking, canyoning, pony trekking, climbing, tennis, yoga... These courses are also the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
- Rates For example, the dance course costs 125 euros per week. All prices and information can be found on the website isola2000.com
Where to stay in Isola 2000?
Chalet Marano
This intimate 4-star family hotel is located in the heart of the Isola 2000 resort. A place of plenitude, it combines the strength of natural elements such as wood, stone and metal with the wisdom of soft materials to create a cocooning atmosphere.
Facing due south towards the surrounding mountains, every room is bursting with sunshine, as is the superb panoramic terrace of the "Le 2'25" restaurant. Bonus: the spa is open every day, with a hammam and sauna.
- Rates 175 euros for a first-rate room for two adults
- Address Le Hameau, Lieu-dit La Clairière, 06420 Isola 2000
- Contact : 04 93 02 74 13
Residence Capfun Isola 2000
This accommodation is ideally located in the heart of the resort and close to the shops.
The accommodation, ranging from studios to flats for up to nine people, is comfortable, well-equipped and south-facing, with balconies to make the most of the resort's exceptional sunshine.
- Rates around 150 euros per night
- Address Shopping centre, Isola 2000
- Contact : 04 93 23 20 00
Le Pas du Loup (Sowell Hotels)
It is THE place to be for nature lovers, not least because of its central location.
During the summer season, it offers direct access to numerous hiking trails and Isola's municipal outdoor swimming pool, which is open in July and August. Bonus: this 3-star hotel offers an all-inclusive package.
- Rates Not communicated
- Address Shopping centre, Isola 2000
- Contact : 04 93 23 27 00
Where to eat in Isola 2000?
Of the 18 restaurants in the resort, here are three you're sure to love!
Le Lounge
The restaurant welcomes you all day long: for coffee in the morning, for lunch on a sun lounger or in the cosy indoor dining room, for a snack of crêpes, waffles and Italian-style hot chocolates, and finally in the evening for an aperitif with friends over a board to share.
- Prices : not disclosed
- Address: Isola 2000 Station cable car building, 06420 Isola
- Contact: 06 60 27 66 26
The Avalanche
If you love authentic flavours, you've come to the right place! Here, a rigorous selection of local and seasonal products is made every day. One of the must-tries on the menu is the mega burger.
With its home-made bread and chips, it promises an unforgettable taste experience. At the end of the meal, you'll also appreciate the certified farmhouse cheeses, sourced directly from the Chastillon cow farm. All to be enjoyed in a friendly atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after a long day on the road.
- Prices : not disclosed
- Address: Shopping centre, Isola 2000
- Contact: 09 83 73 27 13
Dos Hermanos
In this chic brasserie, the team warmly welcomes you every day, at lunchtime and in the evening, to help you discover mountain specialities and tasty cocktails.
This establishment is the ideal place to spend evenings with friends, accompanied by live music. Good to know: some areas can be made private for special occasions.
- Prices : not disclosed
- Address: Galerie Marchande, Passage La Valette, 06420 Isola 2000
- Contact: 06 66 99 51 62 / 07 67 10 69 37
How do I get to Isola 2000?
- By car
The resort is 70 km (1h10) from Nice. You can get there via the A8 Provençale motorway from Aix-en-Provence or Monaco. Then take exit 52 Carros / Nice Saint Isidore then RM6202 bis, direction Digne/Grenoble. After 30 km, take the junction for Saint-Sauveur and follow the signs for Isola.
From Barcelonnette (if the Col de la Bonette is open): take the CD 2205 towards Nice-St-Étienne de Tinée and follow the picturesque road to the Col de la Bonette, at an altitude of 2,802 m. On leaving the village of St-Étienne de Tinée, go straight on at the roundabout towards the village of Isola. In the village, at the second roundabout, take the left-hand road leading to Isola 2000.
Coming from Italy, if the Col de la Lombarde is open, take the Col de la Lombarde and the station is 4 km after the top of the pass.
- By plane
Take a flight to Nice airport (from 114 direct destinations operated by 57 regular airlines serving 43 countries). Then either take the L2 tram from the Jean-Médecin stop (15-minute walk to get there) to the Grand Arenas stop or a TER train to the Saint Augustin station. You can then take the Ligne d'Azur bus (see below) to Isola.
- By bus
Depending on the time of year, you can take the 92 "Grand Arenas - Isola 2000" or the 91 "Grand Arenas - Auron" and stop at Isola village. For more information, there is also a shuttle service on request.
- By train
If you arrive by TGV at Nice Ville station, take the Tram L2 from Jean-Médecin stop (15-minute walk to get there) to Grand Arenas stop or either a TER to Saint Augustin station. Then take a bus (see above) to Isola.
Isola 2000, in brief
A family destination close to Nice, Isola 2000 has everything to satisfy young and old alike: sport, culture, gastronomy, wildlife, games... From toddlers to teenagers, not forgetting parents and grandparents.
So think of the mountains for your next summer holiday - the fresh air is sure to convince you, especially during the heatwave. Indeed, at Isola 2000, the air conditioning is natural, making for some very pleasant days and nights.
A little tip if you're planning to stay in Isola: remember to download Isolife, this application should make your stay more convenient than ever. No need to thank us!
Find out more, visit the official resort website.