French Riviera Hiking Holidays
Stroll through the lemon-scented streets of Menton
Experience the glamour of Monaco and the charm of Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Discover the rustic allure of Villefranche-sur-Mer and the vibrant energy of Nice
Enjoy leisurely coastal walks with breathtaking views of the azure sea
Explore historical landmarks like the Fort of Mont Alban and the Prince’s Palace
Savour the Mediterranean lifestyle with local cuisine and sun-soaked beaches
First stop on the way - city of Menton
Monaco's Old Town and bay
Descending to the coast
Cote d'Azur is a bucket-list destination
Join the lively atmosphere of Villefranche-sur-Mer
Nice's Bay of Angels
Hiking in the fresh salty air
Itinerary
The radiant town of Menton is your first stop on the French Riviera Hiking Holiday. Nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, Menton is a hidden gem known for its subtropical microclimate and vibrant gardens. As you stroll through the town, you’ll be captivated by the pastel-coloured buildings, the fragrant lemon groves, and the stunning sea views. Visit the Jean Cocteau Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort, and explore the charming old town with its narrow, winding streets. End your day at one of the beautiful beaches, watching the sunset over the Italian border.
Your adventure continues with a scenic walk from Menton to Monaco along the stunning Cap Martin. As you traverse this coastal path, you’ll be surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, with the azure sea as your constant companion. The trail offers panoramic views of the French Riviera, making every step a visual delight. Once in Monaco, immerse yourself in the glamour and opulence of this city-state. Visit the Prince’s Palace, the luxury casinos, and the yacht-lined harbour. As you return to Menton by train, the coastal views will leave you in awe.
12.5 km; 180 m of elevation gain and 140 m of elevation loss
Day three begins with a train ride from Menton to Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a town that exudes Belle Époque charm. From there, embark on a walk to Villefranche-sur-Mer along the picturesque Cap Ferrat. The trail offers breathtaking views of the azure sea, the opulent villas, and the verdant gardens of the peninsula. As you reach Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll be charmed by this old port town, with its colourful houses and narrow, winding streets.
14.5 km; 190 m of elevation gain and 170 m of elevation loss
Today’s hike takes you to the heights of Mont Alban and Mont Boron, offering a different perspective of the Riviera. As you ascend, the views become increasingly spectacular, encompassing the Bay of Villefranche, the city of Nice, and the vast expanse of the Mediterranean. The Fort of Mont Alban, a historical monument perched on the hill, is a must-visit spot, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
7 km; 200 m of elevation gain/loss
The fifth day of your journey takes you from Villefranche to Nice along the Cap de Nice. This coastal path offers spectacular views of the sea, the cliffs, and the cityscape. As you approach Nice, the sight of its iconic Promenade des Anglais and the azure waters of the Baie des Anges will take your breath away. The city’s vibrant energy, mix of French and Italian cultures, and stunning architecture make it a perfect end to your day’s walk.
8.5 km; 60 m of elevation gain and 70 m of elevation loss
Enjoy a free day in Nice, the vibrant heart of the French Riviera. Explore the old town with its narrow, winding streets, visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral with ornate decorations, or immerse yourself in art at the Matisse Museum. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach, savour the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants, or shop for souvenirs in the city’s boutiques. This day is yours to enjoy Nice at your own pace.
Your French Riviera Hiking Holiday concludes in Nice. Take one last stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, savouring the memories of your unforgettable journey along the Côte d’Azur. As you watch the sunrise over the azure sea, you’ll carry with you the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Riviera. Au revoir and safe travels!
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
6x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Description
Imagine the warmth of the Mediterranean sun on your skin, the gentle sea breeze in your hair, and the rhythmic lullaby of the azure waves as your soundtrack. You’re meandering along the sun-kissed coastline of the French Riviera, where the sea meets the sky in a mesmerising dance of colours.
The Côte d’Azur is a radiant canvas of hues and textures. Your journey begins in Menton, a town painted in pastel shades, where the air is perfumed with the scent of blooming lemon groves. As you move towards the opulent city-state of Monaco, the sight of luxury casinos and a yacht-lined harbour is a testament to its grandeur.
The Belle Époque charm of Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the rustic allure of Villefranche-sur-Mer, with its narrow, winding streets and colourful houses, offer a delightful contrast. Your journey culminates in Nice, the pulsating heart of the Riviera.
Our hikes are designed to be lowkey and enjoyable, following the coastline and offering breathtaking views of the sea, the cliffs, and the towns. The trails are mostly flat, with minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for anyone who enjoys walking and can handle a couple of hours of daily walking.
At Walking Holidays France, we take care of all the details so you can focus on the experience. We book your accommodations in charming local hotels, provide a detailed handout with a day-by-day itinerary, and offer GPS navigation through a user-friendly app.
We also include local recommendations for dining and sightseeing, and we’re always available to solve any logistical issues. All you need to do is pack your walking shoes and have a sense of adventure.
Join us on our French Riviera Hiking Holiday and let the Côte d’Azur work its magic on you.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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