Hiking through the iconic villas and gardens of the French Riviera
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAlpes-Maritimes / Nice
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AgeFrom 12 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions60.27 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
From Nice to Monaco , via Antibes, Cannes, and Menton, the French Riviera unveils legendary destinations steeped in charm and beauty. Bordered by a dazzling blue sea and bathed in the generous Provençal sun, this region offers a unique setting where unspoiled nature and rich historical heritage intertwine. Let yourself be captivated by blooming Mediterranean gardens , where every corner is fragrant with delicate scents and illuminated by vibrant colors. Admire the elegant Belle Époque villas, true architectural masterpieces , testaments to a prosperous and glamorous era. Each town and village tells a unique story, a blend of tradition and modernity, inviting you to immerse yourself in a distinctive way of life.
Whether you wish to stroll along the Croisette in Cannes, explore the Rock of Monaco, or lose yourself in the picturesque streets of Menton , the French Riviera promises relaxation, reverie, and wonder. Here, everything exudes a gentle way of life and pure beauty , providing the perfect setting for an unforgettable getaway.
The highlights
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A pleasant region to visit all year round
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A complete exploration of the French Riviera from Menton
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A very easy stay, combining walks and cultural visits
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The hikes last between 1 and 4 hours per day, with up to 200m of elevation gain. There are no technical difficulties: this trip is accessible to beginner hikers, provided they are motivated.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average distance/day: 11 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 121 m
- Average daily descent: 232 m
Management
French
A French state-certified mountain guide.
Exceptionally, the group may accommodate an additional person, for example if a couple registers when there is only one place left, or in the case of simultaneous registrations.
Program
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Arrival in Menton
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrival in Menton and check-in at your hotel.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in a 2* hotel in Menton.
Day 1 -
Villefranche-sur-Mer – Nice
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h10 - 54km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Take the train to Villefranche-sur-Mer, from where a beautiful hike begins along the coastal path to Nice. This route offers spectacular views of the Bay of Nice, with its turquoise waters and stunning coastal scenery.
2 to 3 hours of walking, +150 m elevation gain.
Picnic lunch, dinner and overnight stay in Menton in a 2* hotel.
Day 2 -
Cap Ferrat and the bay of Villefranche-sur-mer
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 115 m
- Negative elevation 130 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hiking :
Tour of Cap Ferrat following the coastal path, with a break to discover the charming port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
4 hours of walking.
Heritage :
You have two tour options:
- Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a fascinating reconstruction of an ancient Greek residence, built in 1908.
- The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, a 1912 masterpiece inspired by the Italian style, surrounded by superb themed gardens.
Picnic lunch, dinner and overnight stay in Menton in a 2* hotel.
Day 3 -
Èze - La Turbie - Monaco
- Transportation TER / Metro / Tram - 01h - 40km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Distance 3 km
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hiking :
A descent from the hilltop village of Èze to Èze-Bord-de-Mer via the famous Nietzsche Trail. For sporty groups, an extended option is available with an additional 2 hours of walking, requiring an earlier start.
1 hour walk, - 200m elevation gain.
Heritage :
The Exotic Garden of Eze: perched at an altitude of 429 m, this unique place blends sculptures by Jean-Philippe Richard and exotic plants, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
Fragonard Perfumery: an iconic perfumer from Grasse since 1926, discover its artisanal expertise.
The Exotic Garden of Monaco: inaugurated in 1933, this spectacular garden on the side of a rock brings together thousands of succulent plants in a surprising setting, blending exuberance and poetry.
Picnic lunch, dinner and overnight stay in Menton in a 2* hotel.
Day 4 -
Panoramic drive from Castellar to Menton
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 5km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 190 m
- Negative elevation 360 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Hiking :
After a short bus transfer to the village of Monti, perched above Menton, follow a scenic trail offering breathtaking views of the French Riviera to reach the charming village of Castellar. A pleasant descent then leads you down to Menton, with spectacular panoramas of the Bay of Menton, Cap Martin, and the Mediterranean Sea. The route passes through Baousset and the peaceful and unique Orthodox cemetery of Menton.
3.5 to 4 hours of walking. +190 m, -360 m.
Heritage :
Villa Serena: A Belle Époque masterpiece built in 1886 for the family of Ferdinand de Lesseps. Located in an area nicknamed "Little Africa", the villa is surrounded by a lush garden housing a rich collection of palm trees, cycads and exotic plants, with breathtaking views of the sea.
Picnic lunch, dinner and overnight stay in Menton in a 2* hotel.
Day 5 -
Gorbio - Roquebrune - Cap Martin - Menton
- Transportation Minibus - 00h35 - 9km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 470 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Departure in the morning with a short bus transfer. From Gorbio, a charming hilltop village overlooking Cap Martin, the descent begins towards Roquebrune via the Col de la Coupière (468 m). We then reach the coast to begin the circuit around Cap Martin, following the coastal path of the Promenade Le Corbusier, all the way to Menton.
4 to 4.5 hours of walking. +150 m, -470 m.
Picnic lunch.
End of the stay at the hotel in Menton, in the afternoon.
Day 6
Note
The itinerary may be modified for various reasons: organizational issues (overbooked accommodations, splitting groups, terrain conditions, landslides, damaged trails, etc.) or adjustments made by the guide (weather, group level, etc.). These modifications are always made in your best interest, to guarantee your safety and ensure greater comfort.
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in a 2* hotel in Menton.
Access
Go to the starting point
From Paris: approximately 6 hours 40 minutes to Menton train station.
From Marseille: approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to Menton train station.
From Paris: approximately 9 hours 20 minutes via the A6, then the A7 and the A8.
From Marseille: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes via the A651, then the A8.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in a 2-star hotel, in a shared double room
- Full board from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6
- Lunchtime picnics
- Transportation costs included in the program
- The framework
The price does not include
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Dinner on Day 1
- Garden and villa tours (€65)
- Insurance
- Anything not listed under "Prices include"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Plastic bowl, box or plate
- Cutlery (spoon, fork, knife)
- A 1.5L water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat and cap
- A rain cape
- Gore-Tex type trousers
Clothing to bring
- Mountain boots
- Hiking socks
- A fleece sweater
- Walking trousers
- A short
- Technical T-shirts and underwear
- A long-sleeved shirt
- Telescopic walking sticks
- A pair of jogging-style sneakers
- Change of clothes
- Toiletry bag and towel
- A swimsuit
They traveled with us
