Alps and French Riviera Walking Tour

Arrival at Nice TGV Train Station where you will be transferred to Sospel by taxi.

Transfer from the train station to the BB ( that is located out of town )

Nestled at 350m altitude, surrounded by lush mountains Sospel is a very picturesque village offering a foretaste of nearby Italy. You will hear both languages French & Italian and feel both influences in architecture, culture .. and food!

Arrival at your charming hotel, where you will have an orientation meeting.

Short transfer to Breil, you leave Breil sur Roya by foot, giving you a wonderful panorama of the valley. There are two choices in paths above the village and we’ve chosen the one less travelled, following abandoned stone terraces, now dotted with olive trees. You reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched 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. Sospel is a genuine and medieval mountain town with a n old stone toll bridge crossing the Brévera river.

Distance : 15 Km (9 mi)

Elevation : 600 m

A short taxi transfer takes you to the start of our walk. After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest the summit appears – and perched well over 1000m above the sea the Mediterranean appears in all its majesty, the Southern Alps. You reach the perched village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, and set at 800m in altitude. It is the highest coastline village in Europe.

Distance: 10 km (6mi)

Elevation: 500 m

Starting from the perched village of Sainte Agnès, it is a steady climb over the Bausson pass. For 30 minutes you take a small mountain road with a panoramic view of the sea (this small road is not very busy with cars and is mostly used by cyclists). The summit of the Cime de Baudon offers an exceptional 360° view of the whole region and the surrounding mountain peaks: a very beautiful orientation table which allows you to see as far as the summit of the Sainte Beaume and the Alps. Hike back to St Agnes

Distance : 14km (8mi)

Elevation : 600 m

From St Agnes you hike to Castellar and on a path straight down to the heart of the town of Menton, the prettiest town on the French Riviera with its colourful streets winding around in never-ending labyrinths and with several architectural treasures. Menton is rightfully listed as the prettiest town on the Riviera with colourful and very well restored homes, and with rich and interesting religious architecture. The microclimate around Menton, even more mild than the rest of the French Riviera, is favorable for growing citrus fruit. The local economy these days is based around high-end tourism, but the local lemons and lemon products are still to be found (including lemoncello). Free afternoon to discover the lovely coloured town of Menton, and to swim in the Med sea !

Distance: 14km (8mi)

Elevation: 400m

Eze mer / Eze village and return, 2h30, +400m/-400m : Take the train from Villefranche to Eze (not included). The perched, medieval village of Eze sits defiantly on a rocky spur, soaring high above the coastline. Today’s walk takes you on a well-maintained path from the coastline to Eze, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The narrow cobbled roads in Eze are worth exploring, while a fabulous cactus garden sits on the very top of the village. And even if you aren’t a fan of succulents, the 360 degree views from the top are alone worth the entrance price. Train back to Menton (not included).

Walk Villefranche / St. Jean Cap Ferrat 3hrs, 11km: a few short climbs along the coastal path Detour: walk around the eastern arm of the peninsula, add one hour. Take the train from Menton to Villefranche (not included). You start your walk around the famous St Jean Cap Ferrat, it’s a beautiful 3 hours coastal walk. You can also add a detour and walk around the Eastern part. Train back to Menton ( not included).