The mountains of the Mercantour lie to the east of the parcours and are said have better soaring conditions than the ridges that we are used to. It is a bit of a pity that there is only one decent landable field available (at La Mure, near the lac de Castillon), but, when cloudbases are high, these mountains work a treat. This is the lac d'Allos, close to the highest peak in the area, Mont Pelat. For those fixed to terra firma, the lake is reached by driving to Allos village and then on to the car park further up the mountain, from where only a short walk is required to reach the small hotel/restaurant beautifully position on its northern shore. It is one of my favourite places to visit, whether on the ground or in the air.