Alpes Azur Mercantour

Located at the South–West end of the Alps, where the mountains plunge to the Mediterranean Sea, the Alpes Azur Mercantour – Mont Mounier 2,817m IDSR/RICE is characterized by exceptional natural heritage. It has grand landscapes, shaped by a long geological history still visible today, a great richness of biodiversity thanks to the mix of Alpine and Mediterranean influences, and a climate which has made it a favored tourist destination since the 19th century. The presence of a natural frontier made up of 3,000–meter peaks close to the coast favored the development of unique cultural, military, religious, and linguistic heritage.

Astronomy occupies a singular place in the character of the region. The geographical location interested astronomers at the end of the 19th century, and Mont Mounier (2,817m) was one of the first mountain observatories. This interest continued throughout the 20th century, and the Calern plateau observatory is still active. The reserve is equally good for amateur astronomers to observe the unspoiled night sky.