The summer season was very positive in terms of tourist numbers in the town of Tende. While the return to school has been completed for many, and the memories of summer, rest, relaxation, adventures, allow them to face daily and professional realities, briefly forgotten, the Tende Tourist Office takes stock of the 2023 season. “And it’s not finished!”exclaims Carole Tosello, representative of the Menton Riviera Merveilles Tourist Office at the Tende office.
In June, attendance at the town and the Parc du Mercantour increased by 20% compared to last year. In July and August, 15% more tourists oscillated the barometer, or rather the thermometer! The scorching temperatures of the coastline have in fact pushed visitors towards the more refreshing mountains, lakes and shady villages.
The mountain facing the heatwave
“In Casterino, there were a lot of people over the weekend. The road now open and completely finalized, has encouraged frequentation of the hamlet, the refuges, the tree climbing, the equestrian club and the Vallauria mine, at Mesches”explains Carole.
In the village of Tende itself, attendance was up and down with intensity during the week thanks to the festivals: Saint Roch, Saint Éloi, Vieux Tende, the Festival of Wonders, the Route des Organs. The summer evenings offered by Department 06 and the town hall, the discovery routes (the Salt Route, the fortified apiary) and the sports races, have opened up new perspectives. There were fewer Italian tourists as the pass tunnel was still not open. But that didn’t stop the brave on mountain bikes from coming via the Haute Route du Sel, from Limone to Casterino.
“We always have good late-season attendance”, welcomes Carole. Couples without or with young children, solo hikers, retirees, foreigners, still come to Haute Roya, especially as the Tende trail and the Brigasque sheep festival approach (October 15).
Since last January, more than 12,400 visitors – including 9,600 from France – have passed through the town’s Tourist Office office.
The number
12.400. Since last January, more than 12,400 visitors – including 9,600 from France – have passed through the town’s Tourist Office office.