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Drive and hiking in regional parks north of Nice

My husband and I are planning a 4 week trip to southeastern France next April May. Planning to start with 2 weeks in Provence and then work our way east to Ville Franche and then north to do some scenic driving and some hiking. Finally ending in Geneva.

We are still very early in this planning and very loose. But we would like to get at least the outbound flights booked.

We want to be early enough to have fewer crowds. Yes, aware of Mistrel and possible some rain. However, we don’t want to hit the mountains too early and find too much snow. We aren’t thinking really high altitude hikes, just nice scenic ones.

Obviously, it’s difficult to know what the winter snowfall will bring, but would mid May still give us many options? Charming villages and lovely hikes. We are fit, late 60’s.

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Mid May would be a perfect time to hike in the Verdon Gorge area. Stunning scenery, no snow. The village of Moustiers is especially attractive (while touristy), so is the old ruined village of Bargeme.

If you prefer higher Alpine areas, be aware that on the high alpine route from Nice to Geneva, the Bonnette, Cayolle, Izoard, Galibier, Iseran passes are likely to still be closed in mid May, and possible a few others, so you would have to detour accordingly.