Auron (Southern Alps) - A haven of peace in the heart of the Mercantour mountains, Auron is the perfect place to recharge your batteries. It offers a wide range of sporting activities, as well as a vast array of cultural events. Here's a sneak preview of what's on offer for the 2024 summer season.
What's new
Dive into the world of the circus with the Eklabul company. This summer, Auron is offering introductory workshops for children aged 5 and over, as well as for older children. Artists will be organising juggling, balancing and acrobatics sessions.
Price : 10 € for a one-hour session. Included in the Activity Pass
Timetable : Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 12pm and 4pm to 6pm
Register on www.auron.com
Outdoor activities
Le Petit bois des lutins
Located near the lake, the Petit Bois des lutins is a magical place for children aged 2 and over. With its three huts with slides, two zip lines and its "Gnome Cylinders" play area, there's no doubt they'll be delighted!
Location: Saint-Étienne de Tinée
Timetable : 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price : 5 €
Vertige d'Auron
If you're not afraid of heights, this is the activity for you. The high footbridge at Vertige d'AuronThe panoramic viewpoint, set up on the fitness trail, offers a unique panorama of the Haute Tinée valley and the Mercantour mountains. There are also orientation tables on site to help you locate the peaks.
Price : free of charge
Contact: 04 93 23 02 66
Plan d'eau leisure centre
If the sun's beating down a little too hard, a cool break is just what you need! The lake's leisure area is ideal for all the family, with a wide range of activities on offer. These include swimming, kayaking, a waterslide, table tennis, table football, an artificial rock climbing wall and mini-golf!
Location: Saint-Étienne de Tinée
Timetable : from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price : free of charge
Events not to be missed
Wellness Week
From now until 12 July, the resort of Auron will be welcoming well-being specialists for a dedicated week. From sophro-walking to emotion management workshops for children and a sensory hike based on land art, take time to contemplate the surrounding nature and enjoy the serenity of the high altitude.
Practical information : bookings directly at the tourist office
Contact: 04 93 23 02 66
Saturdays with music
From 20 July to 24 August, Auron will be rocking. Every Saturday evening, from 6.45pm, the central square will be alive with the rhythms of the musicians. On the programme: Mustang (rock, soul, groove) on 20 July, Sultan of Strings (tribute to Dire Straits) on 27 July, Spoon (international variety) on 3 August, Ophélie & Gobies (jazz) on 10 August and Vivies Group (pop rock) on 24 August.
Mini trail
Every Sunday from 21 July to 25 August, little sports enthusiasts can meet up in the Place Centrale to take part in the Foulées d'Auron. These mini trails of 1 to 2 kilometres are dedicated to children aged 6 to 12, with the aim of introducing them to the sport and turning them into future champions.
Practical information : See you at 6.30pm. Free event. On-site registration from 4pm.
Our favourites
On Wednesday 17 July, 7 and 14 August, come along to the Saint-Étienne de Tinée media library for a children's cinema. The free 3.30pm screening is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to the 7th art.
Contact: 06 31 58 41 48
Where to stay in Auron?
The Squirrel
Right in the centre of Auron, this 3-star hotel has 19 rooms ranging from doubles to family suites, all decorated in a chic, rustic style. It has its own restaurant, Les Pivotes, in a mountain chalet atmosphere, with a warm and welcoming menu and a fine selection of wines.
Address: Boulevard Georges Pompidou, 06660 Auron
Contact: 04 93 23 02 72
Le Chalet d'Auron
This 4-star hotel will leave you breathless. Nestling at an altitude of 1,600 metres, it guarantees moments of pure relaxation. It boasts its own spa and charming rooms with star-studded bathrooms, as well as a terrace offering one of the most breathtaking views in the resort.
Address: La Voie du Berger, 06660 Auron
Contact: 04 93 23 00 21
Le Chastellares
At the foot of the Southern Alps, the 3-star Chastellarès is just 20 metres from the ski lifts. The decor is cosy and chic, and there are plenty of cultural and sporting activities on offer. Little bonus: pets are welcome.
Address: Place centrale, 06660 Saint-Étienne de Tinée
Contact: 04 93 23 02 58
Where to eat in Auron?
La Bergerie
A former sheepfold transformed into a restaurant, this establishment is located on the Chastellarès snow front. Here you can enjoy traditional Provençal cuisine, as well as mountain specialities, fine cuts of meat and quality produce, all served on a sunny terrace facing the mountains.
Address: Quartier Nabinas, 06660 Auron
Contact: 04 93 23 06 81
Le Galion
With its lounge area, the Galion is a popular spot for its atmosphere and gourmet cuisine. Here you can enjoy tapas with a glass of wine, or mountain specialities, before celebrating with a DJ dinner dance on Sundays.
Address: Avenue de Malhira, 06660 Auron
Contact: 04 93 23 01 56
La Table
Whether you're staying at the Chalet d'Auron or not, don't miss the cuisine at its restaurant, La Table. With its mix of traditional and semi-gastronomic dishes, this restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide and Gault & Millau.
Address: Voie du Berge, 06660 Auron
Contact: 04 93 23 00 21
How do I get to Auron?
By car
From Nice, leave the A8 at exit 51.1 Carros-Mercantour. Take the RM6 202 bis, then the RM6 202 towards Digne-Grenoble. Head for Saint-Sauveur on the RM2 205.
By plane
The nearest airport is Nice Côte d'Azur.
By train
The nearest station is Nice SNCF.
By bus
Take line 91 from Nice. 1.70 per journey. More info on www.lignesdazur.com
Auron in brief
Less than an hour and a half from Nice, Auron is a pretty resort perched at an altitude of 1,600 metres at the gateway to the Mercantour National Park. With its "Famille Plus" label, it is listed as being committed to its youngest customers, providing them with an appropriate welcome for a successful holiday.