Hiking between sea and mountains: heading to the Prealps of the French Riviera!

Your morning begins with an initial immersion in the village of Gilette. This hike is the perfect opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere and understand the region's unique geography. After a picnic featuring local products, you'll travel by car to the village of Villars-sur-Var for the rest of your activities.

The afternoon is dedicated to an 8km loop with 350m of elevation gain towards the Saint-Jean chapel. During this approximately 3-hour walk, you'll enjoy an exploration of the surrounding natural heritage and learn about the challenges of sustainable development. The route also leads you to discover the village's historical heritage, including a climb from the train station to admire the only Côtes de Provence AOC vineyards in the department. This guided exploration, lasting 2.5 to 3 hours, allows you to appreciate the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of this protected area.

Today you'll explore the Erps valley, one of the wildest areas of the Mercantour massif. This hike takes you to the foot of the impressive cliffs of Mont Pelagos, along a route almost entirely sheltered by the forest canopy. As you ascend, you'll pass through a wide variety of conifers before reaching the peaceful Cavalet plateau. This area is distinguished by its vast flowery meadows and ancient larches.

After this easy walk, you'll reach the shores of Lake Boréon, nicknamed the "Switzerland of Nice" for its flower-adorned chalets and the reflection of the mountain peaks in its clear waters. It's the perfect place for a relaxing break before continuing with a visit to the Alpha Center, where you can observe wolves in their natural habitat. To conclude this day full of discoveries, you'll head to a local brewery bearing the "Comté de Nice" label for a traditional tasting.

This day trip takes you to discover the unique landscapes of the Haut-Cians region, starting from Beuil-les-Launes. You'll embark on a 10km loop, taking approximately 4.5 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 650m. This easy route crosses vast larch forests and follows pleasant paths winding through tranquil valleys. As you gain altitude, you'll reach panoramic mountain passes offering breathtaking views of the famous red gorges, a major geological feature of the area.

For your midday break, you can enjoy a picnic featuring local products or, depending on availability, a convivial lunch in a traditional bistro. This immersion in alpine pastures and colorful rocks allows you to appreciate the diverse landscapes of the Nice hinterland. The return journey follows pleasant paths, perfect for a gentle end to this trek before returning to your accommodation.

Your morning begins in Touët-sur-Var with an 8km loop and 519m of elevation gain. During this 3-hour walk, you'll enjoy a narrated stroll retracing the history of this village clinging to the cliffside. The route offers diverse perspectives on the valley landscapes and the evolution of human activities through time. To conclude this first leg of your journey, you'll savor a meal featuring local products in a traditional country inn.

The afternoon continues with a local hike starting from the village of Lieuche. This easy 7km circuit with 175m of elevation gain takes about 2.5 hours. Between art and biodiversity, you'll discover local heritage, including the famous altarpiece in the church, the keys to which are carefully held by the village's oldest resident. This immersive experience is punctuated by anecdotes about the collective imagination and genuine encounters with the locals. A picnic featuring regional specialties accompanies this environmentally conscious exploration.

The meeting point is at 7:30 am in front of your holiday village for an exceptional day dedicated to history and adventure. You'll head towards the Gordolasque Valley, departing from Pont du Countet at 9:30 am, for a challenging 15km loop with 950m of elevation gain. This 7-hour hike will take you along the Arpette circuit, the gateway to a unique place where the mountains seem to connect with the sky.

In the heart of this high-altitude sanctuary, you'll discover the famous rock engravings, symbols dating back more than 2,500 years. Your guide will provide you with the keys to understanding the meaning of the engravings and the fascinating history of this valley. Alongside this journey back in time, you'll enjoy observing remarkable alpine flora and local wildlife. This memorable experience concludes around 6 p.m., after a day of complete escape into nature.

Embark on an immersive journey through the Roudoule region, starting from the village of Saint-Léger. This easy 6km loop, with a minimal elevation gain of 150m, takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Following an old mule track, you'll hike towards the Crête de la Faye, a prime viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you'll learn about and identify the fragrant, aromatic, and medicinal plants that contribute to the richness of this region.

At midday, you'll enjoy a stop at the Auberge du Coustet to savor a traditional meal prepared by your hosts. Your exploration continues in the afternoon at the Ferme de Saint-Léger for a botanical discovery session. You'll learn to identify local wild flora in a protected environment, before ending the day with a visit to the village's natural and cultural heritage.