French Riviera: mountains-to-sea
€820
per person
Beneath the glitz of the French Riviera, lie timeless villages, cradled in Alpes Maritimes’ verdant valleys or perched atop rugged cliffs. Ancient walking trails meander through woods and trace the paths of grand olive groves. High above the azure sea, these settlements offer breathtaking views that leave you in awe. Centuries-old routes guide you directly to the captivating town of Menton, nestled at the Italian border. Renowned for its remarkable gardens, pastel villas, historic sites, museums, and memorials, Menton reflects a cultural blend of Italian and French influences that have shaped its architecture and cuisine. The local charm extends to open-air markets in various villages and small towns, where you can savor local delights and organic produce straight from the source. If you’re planning your holiday, be sure to consider the market days:
Breil sur Roya: Tuesday & Thursday mornings
Sospel: Thursday mornings
Menton: Daily at the covered market
Level 2/3
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Destination
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Duration5 Days I Level: 2/3 (of 5)
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What is includedAccommodation in simple backcountry inns incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms); 2x dinners (Day 1 & Day 2); Luggage transfers; People transfers (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4); Roadbook (itinerary description in English and detailed walking maps, incl. access to GPS tracks of the trails; 1 set per booking); Emergency hotline
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What is not includedDrinks and other meals, public transportation, entry fees.
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Best periodmid-March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, mid-November
FROM OUR GALLERY
French Riviera (Alpes Maritimes) self-guided hiking tours, France.
1
Day 1: Arrival in Sospel
Individual arrival from Nice to Sospel (Nice to Menton by train and then bus to Sospel, or direct bus to Sospel from Nice; appr. 1,15-2hrs). An organized transfer (included) will take you from the train station to the guesthouse where the first 2 overnights of this independent walking tour will be. The most striking monument in Sospel is the fortified bridge (pont fortifié) built in the 12C and used as a toll bridge for the travelers, spanning over the Brévera River. Sospel is grouped into two distinct old-towns, one on each side of the river. The streets of the old town (both halves) are very narrow with tall buildings.
2
Day 2: Sospel - Breil sur Roya - Sospel (15km; 5,30hrs; +600m/-550m or 10km; 4hrs; +300m/-490m)
Begin your self-guided hiking tour after breakfast, with a brief transfer to Breil. Setting forth from Breil sur Roya on foot, you'll be treated to a captivating valley panorama. As you depart the village, you have two path options above, and we've opted for the less-traveled one, leading through abandoned stone terraces adorned with olive trees. Your journey leads you to the striking ghost town of Piène Haute, an enclave more reminiscent of Italy than France, nestled high above the valley. Continuing onward, your path leads you into Italy, to the charming town of Olivetta, before looping back into France and guiding you to Sospel.
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Day 3: Sospel - Col de castillon - Sainte Agnès (10km; 4hrs; +550m/-550m)
A brief taxi transfer transports you to the beginning of today’s self-guided hiking route. Following a gentle ascent through a picturesque beech forest, the summit unveils itself, revealing the awe-inspiring sight of the Mediterranean stretching majestically over 1000m below, framed by the Southern Alps. Your path leads you to the enchanting village of Sainte Agnès, acclaimed as one of France's most beautiful villages and perched at an elevation of 800m above sea level. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the highest coastal village in Europe.
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Day 4: Sainte Agnès - Menton (14km; 4,30hrs; +250m/-950m)
Today’s section of this independent walking adventure starts at the perched village of Sainte Agnès, following a picturesque valley and guiding you to the secluded villages of Monti and Castellar. Castellar welcomes you with its charming streets and dining establishments. Continuing on, your route descends further, eventually leading you to the heart of Menton, often considered the most enchanting town on the French Riviera. Here, vibrant streets weave through perpetual mazes, revealing a plethora of architectural marvels. Your day concludes with an overnight stay in the delightful Menton.
5
Day 5: Menton (Departure day)
Take your time to explore multi-faced Menton on your own before you continue your travels.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
820 Euro per person in twin/dbl room
N.B. During the Grand Prix de Monaco (last week of May) and the Monaco Yacht Show (around the second week of September), additional supplement may apply!
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 245 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (incl. sgl. room supplement): 590 Euro
Tips
Daily arrivals between mid-March and mid-November. Best town to arrive from is Nice. Regular trains (almost each hour) link Nice and Sospel.
Accommodation
Simple back country inns incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms); 2x dinners (Day 1 & Day 2). Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Days 1/ 2: Sospel - La Chapelle St Gervais; Day 3: Sainte Agnes - Hotel St Yves; Day 4: Menton - Hotel Lemon;
Send an enquiry about this tour
The reservation confirmation you will get right after placing an order only confirms that your booking is received and an agent has started working on it. It doesn't mean your tour is guaranteed! Wait to hear from us with final confirmation before booking flights or making any other arrangements, related to your holiday. The dates as listed below do not correspond with real-time availability!
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