Spectacular hiking trails far from the tourist crowds
Timeless villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
The beautiful perched villages of Sainte Agnès and Eze
The pretty “Italian style” town of Menton on the Mediterranean Sea
Walk the spectacular wooded peninsula of Cap Ferrat and reward yourself with a refreshing swim at the end
Hiking on the Côte d’Azur
Self-guided walking holiday with luggage transportation
Behind the French Riviera’s glitz and glamour, the southern Alps rise dramatically and are home to a back country of timeless villages, nestled in lush valleys and nesting atop rocky crags. The ancient paths wind their way through lush forests and majestic olive groves. Perched high above the sea, the views are truly breath-taking. The centuries-old footpaths eventually lead you back down to the shimmering Mediterranean and to the colourful Italian-style coastal town of Menton, one of the prettiest villages on the Côte d’Azur.
Continuing along the Riviera coastline, you will discover the beautiful Cap Ferrat peninsula. A hiking trail winds its way around the edge of the peninsula and the contrast between the lush green of Cap Ferrat and the blue of the Mediterranean makes this walk really special. On the hills high above you will see the picturesque village of Eze, the destination for your final hike. Climbing up to Eze via the famous Nietszche Trail, you will be rewarded with some of the best views on the whole Riviera!
A shorter version of this hiking trip is also available here
| 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | From €875 per person sharing*
*Discounts available for groups of 4 or more. Please enquire for prices. |
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| ACCOMMODATION | In charming hotels/guesthouses on a bed & breakfast basis. All rooms are en-suite.
Please note that the hotels in the backcountry are quite rustic and simple (typical French Augerges serving home-style food) but customers appreciate their charm and authenticity. Hotels in Menton and Villefranche are more modern and comfortable. If a hotel is fully booked, then we will book a similar one for you and inform you about the alternative booked. You can also book additional nights at any of the hotels along the way. |
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| AVAILABILITY | You can start your trip on any day of the week (subject to availability) from March 1st to November 15th.
This trip is not available during the week of the Monaco Grand Prix |
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| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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| OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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| DIFFICULTY | This trip is suitable for people who are used to regular and sustained exercise (whether walking, cycling, aerobics, etc.) and who can handle walking uphill (slowly) for up to 2 hours at a time. Walks are generally under 5 hours, on various types of terrain – though nothing technically difficult – with up to 600 m of climbing per day. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Day 1: Arrive in Sospel
Arrival on your own by train from Nice to Sospel, an authentic medieval mountain town with an old stone toll bridge crossing the Brévera river.
A transfer is included to take you to your accommodation, which is a charming countryside guesthouse 2 km from the village centre. You can relax with a chilled drink and enjoy the magnificent mountain views from the south-facing terrace.
Overnight: La Chapelle Saint Gervais, Sospel (dinner included).
Day 2: Breil-sur-Roya to Sospel
Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 600 m | Descent: 550 m | 5½ hrs approx.
After breakfast, a short taxi transfer is arranged to take you to the start of your walk. Nestled along the banks of the river Roya, your walking holiday begins in the picturesque town of Breil-sur-Roya, far from the bustle of the coastline. You’re surrounded by lush mountains in a place where time seems to be at a standstill. The town is shaped like a crescent along the waters, with colourful cobbled streets. The town has Italian, as well as French influences. You’ll hear both languages spoken and notice the influence of both cultures in the town’s architecture and food.
Your first day’s walking takes you across the border into Italy, before returning to France. As you walk from Breil-sur-Roya you will enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of the valley. There are two choices of paths above the village and we’ve chosen the one less travelled, following abandoned stone terraces, now dotted with olive trees. You will reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched high above the valley. Your path then takes you to Italy – to the colourful town of Olivetta – before returning France and to the town of Sospel.
Overnight: La Chapelle Saint Gervais, Sospel (dinner included).
Day 3: Sospel to Sainte Agnès
Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 550 m | Descent: 550 m | 4 hrs approx.
A short taxi transfer this morning takes you to the start of your walk. After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest, the summit of Mont Ours eventually appears. Now, standing at well over 1000m above the sea in the southern Alps, the Mediterranean is revealed before you in all its majesty. You finally reach the perched village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France and – set at 800 m altitude – the highest coastal village in Europe.
Overnight: Sainte Agnès
Day 4: Sainte Agnès to Menton
Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 250 m | Descent: 950 m | 4½ hrs approx.
Once again you leave Sainte Agnès by foot and, walking along a deep and scenic valley, you reach the lost villages of Monti and Castellar. Castellar offers quaint streets and charming restaurants. Your path leads you to the heart of the town of Menton, the prettiest town on the French Riviera with its labyrinth of colourful streets and with several architectural treasures
Picnic lunch included today.
Overnight: Menton
Day 5: St. Jean Cap Ferrat loop walk
Distance: from 11 km | Various short coastal paths | 3-4 hrs approx.
After breakfast you will take the train with your luggage from Menton to Villefranche sur Mer. It’s a short and very scenic 30-minute train ride (ticket at your own expense, €4.20 pp.). Leave your luggage at the hotel before beginning a beautiful 3-4 hour coastal walk around the famous Cap Ferrat peninsula.
Overnight: Villefranche sur Mer
Day 6: Stairway to Eze
Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m | 2 hrs approx.
Eze is just a short 5-minute train ride from Villefranche (tickets at your own expense, €1.80). This beautiful medieval village is perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean. The ancient fortified village is crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century castle. The castle grounds host the fabulous Jardin Exotique, and the views of the Riviera coastline from the top are absolutely stunning!
After your walk you take the train back to your hotel.
Overnight: Villefranche sur Mer
Day 7: Departure
Your trip ends this morning after breakfast. Au revoir…!
Getting to Sospel
Departure from the Côte d’Azur
| There is a regular train line from Menton to Nice, also serving Villefranche-sur-Mer and Eze. Timetables and prices available here: https://en.oui.sncf/en/train/timetables/nice/menton |
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