Behind the French Riviera, the Alps rise dramatically. Almost all tourists visit the tiny strip of land along the coast, but the backcountry is dotted with timeless villages that have escaped the glitz and glamour of the towns along the sea.
The centuries-old paths lead from one village to the next, with jawdropping panoramas of mountains and Mediterranean Sea. You reach the town of Menton, one of the prettiest villages of the coastline, where you can stroll along the beaches and enjoy an ambiance only the Côte d'Azur can offer...
You arrive on your own in the village of La Brigue - by train - nestled in the mountains near the Italian border, with its beautiful architecture and its centuries-old homes with colourful façades. The village traded its Italian flag for a French one in 1947 and much of this valley is bathed in a Franco-Italian fusion of language, food, and culture.
Night in La Brigue
MEALS included: Dinner
Meals included : dinner
Night : La Brigue
This loop walk takes you high up the slope behind La Brigue before a leisurely descent on a forestry track to the impressive Notre Dame des Fontaines chapel. From the chapel you follow an interpretive forest path in the valley to return to La Brigue.
Loop Walk : 4h | 10 km - 8 miles | Elevation : +550m/-550m
Meals included : breakfast & dinner
Night : La Brigue
A short taxi transfer takes you to the town of Breil sur Roya, lower in the valley, nestled between the mountains and the Roya River. From Breil, a path leads you along centuries-old terraces through the olive groves. You reach the tiny village of Piène Haute, seemingly lost on its rocky perch, with a year-round population of only 30 souls.
From here you descend a valley adorned with ancient olive trees, and arrive smack on the border between France and Italy. Embark on a small detour to the quaint Italian village of Olivetta for lunch before walking above a spectacular gorge to Sospel.
Walk : Breil Olivetta > Sospel | 5h30 | 15 km - 9 miles | Elevation : +600m/-550m
Meals included : breakfast & dinner
Night : Sospel
A short transfer takes you to the Col de Castillon pass, where you are teased with views of the shining blue Med Sea. You follow a path under the shade of an ash forest and zigzag upward towards the watchtower of Mont Ours before the true panorama is laid out: the entire Riviera and even the island of Corsica in clear weather. The medieval town of Sainte Agnes sits perched like an eagle's nest between you and the sea. Sainte Agnès is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, its narrow cobbled streets built over the centuries with massive granite blocks. Only 3km from the sea as the crow flies, and perched at 800m in altitude, Sainte Agnès is listed as Europe's highest coastline village.
Walk : Castillon pass > Sainte Agnes | 4h | 10 km - 6 miles | Elevation : +500m/-500m
Meals included : breakfast & picnic & dinner
Night : Saint Agnes
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.
Walk : Sainte Agnès > Cime de Baudon > Menton | 4h30 | 14 km - 9 miles | Elevation : +600m/-600m
Meals included : breakfast & picnic & dinner
Night : Saint Agnes
Morning transfer to the village of castellar. With its quiet streets, sole grocery store, bar and two restaurants, it is a last bastion of tranquility before arriving on the Riviera. From Castellar you find an old path winding down, and soon you've reached a set of ancient steps set directly above the old village of Menton. 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 !
Walk : Castelar > Menton | 2h | Elevation : +270m/-450m
Meals included : breakfast & picnic
Night : Menton
End of your trip after breakfast.
Today you have the choice to relax and take the time to enjoy Menton. Or you have 2 walk options :
. Walk Eze mer / Eze village and return | 2h15 | Elevation : +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 cape | 3h | Elevation : 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)
Meals included : breakfast
