Your account
Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera
    • France - French Riviera
    • 6 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to June
      • From September to November
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Trip code : B1166
Book

About the Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera trip

About the trip in the French Riviera

Your walking holiday in the French Riviera: Experience the charm of the villages hidden in the back country of the Côte d’Azur away from the hustle and bustle of the coast. Enjoy the amazing contrasts of the French Riviera with its perched medieval villages, mountains and rocky coastline. From Grasse, the European perfume capital, the hikes lead you through rolling hills of olive groves, rosemary & thym, sun kissed plateaus, chestnut forests and canyons to some of the most beautiful rural villages: Gourdon, St Paul de Vence & Tourrettes sur Loup.

Take a deep breath of fresh air on this 6-day hiking trip between the mountains and the Med Sea and discover the hidden treasures of the Pays de Grasse,  boasting stunning, natural landscapes, a glorious Mediterranean climate, wide sweeping views from the snow-covered peaks of the Alps to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, a glorious Mediterranean climate and mouthwatering food. 

Highlights of the trip

  • Discover the hidden gems in the backcountry of the French Riviera
  • Grasse, the perfume capital & Saint Paul de Vence, a source of inspiration for painters and writers
  • The beautiful perched villages of Gourdon, Saint Paul de Vence, Tourettes sur loup
  • Charming Provencal landscapes and panoramic hikes


    Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

From the blog

Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera: Day By Day

Day 1 - Your arrival in the French Riviera : Grasse the perfume capital

self guided walkingtrip in grasse in the french riviera france

  • Arrival on your own in Grasse, the perfume capital of Europe!  Your hotel is a 15-20 mins walk from the train station, or by public bus N° 5  (ticket not included ).
    Take the time to visit the International perfume museum and meander through the streets, taking in the  cathedral which houses works by some of the great artists including Rubens. At the Art & History Museum you can get a real insight into life in Provence through the ages.
  • Night in Grasse.  

  • Access : 
    . From Nice airport, you can catch the 650 bus to Grasse (1h ride)
    . From Nice centre, there is a train to Grasse (1h10)
    . We can also organize a private taxi transfer : contact us 

Day 2 - From Grasse to the village of Pont du Loup

best hikes inthe countryside of the french riviera

  • Grasse > Pont du Loup  
    . Long walk - 4h30 - 18km - Ascent: +760m / Descent: -930m
    . Shorter walk (option 1): 4h - 12km - Ascent: +600m / Descent: -930m
    You can take a public bus to the start of the walk (ticket not included)
    . Shorter walk (option 2):  3h - 12km - Ascent: +430m / Descent: -850m
    We can arrange a taxi transfer for this shorter option 2 ( with supplement )
  • From Grasse, you make your way up onto the heights and soon follow pretty paths through the woodlands before enjoying a gentle walk on a wide path with stunning views. Shorter walk option 2 : If you wish to shorten the walk to 12km, we can organize a taxi transfer (please advise at the time of booking, supplement 40€).
    The steep climb towards the village of Bar sur Loup is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. You descend to Bar sur Loup, where you can stop for lunch or a picnic before continuing along a forested track to Pont du Loup, your base for the night.
  • Night in Pont du Loup
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Loop walk to Gourdon

great hking trip in Gourdon french riviera

  • . Long walk - Pont du Loup > Gourdon + extra loop in Gourdon > Pont du Loup 
    4h - 11km - Ascent: +750m / Descent: -750m
    . Short walk  - Pont du Loup > Gourdon > Pont du Loup (out & back) 
    2h40 - 7km - Ascent: +620m / Descent: -620m
  • Today you have 2 options : short walk option with a hike up to the village of Gourdon and back the same way. If you are up for it, you can add another short loop once in Gourdon taking you above the village. From the Pont du Loup you follow the well known "Sentier du Paradis" to one of the most beautiful villages in France . It’s a steep climb but all worth it ! You can enjoy a hearty meal and admire the magnificent views from the edge of the village all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Gorges du Loup where the river cuts through the deep gorges. Return to Le Pont du Loup via the same path. 
  • Night in Pont du Loup
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 4 - From Courmes to Vence

best self guided walking trip in vence french riviera

  • Courmes > Vence  
    4h  - 14km - Ascent: +390m / Descent: -690m
  • After breakfast, a 15 min transfer takes you into the heart of the Gorges du Loup to the tiny hamlet of Courmes. From here, you climb up above the gorges on a steep and winding path with breathtaking views. You reach the beautiful Plateau St Barnabé, and the hamlet of the same name with just a scattering of houses before beginning the descent to Vence, the sea glistening in front of you as you descend. You arrive in the bustling historic centre of Vence where you will spend the next two nights. 
    Don't miss the "Chapelle Matisse" in Vence !
  • Night in Vence
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Walking options to Saint Paul de Vence, Tourrettes sur loup or the Baou blanc & noir

best hiking trip in the back country of the french riviera

  • Today you have 3 walking options or you can choose to simply relax and take a break from hiking and enjoy the old town of Vence with its narrow, cobbled streets, charming  square, and al fresco dining at one of the many restaurants 
  • Easy walk - Vence > Saint Paul de Vence 
    1h10 - 4.5km - Ascent: +100m / Descent: -240m and public bus back to Vence
    . Starting in the historic centre of Vence, you head out of the town and enjoy a gentle stroll through the Sine woods. From here, you walk between forested path and paved road on a fairly flat terrain. The perched village of Saint Paul de Vence comes into view and you can admire a series of small chapels as you approach.
    . You take a public bus back to Vence (bus ticket not included)
  • Moderate walk - Vence > Tourrettes sur Loup  and public bus back to Vence
    2h30 - 8km  - Ascent: +320m / Descent: -280m
    . The walking path to Tourettes-sur-Loup goes through the Sine woods.  Tourrettes sur Loup is labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is a picturesque medieval village with beautiful houses adorned with hundreds of flowers and wide sweeping views over the valley and the hills. You can lose yourself for hours wandering the cobbled streets! 
    . You take the public bus back to Vence (ticket not included)
  • Challenging walk - Vence > Baou Blanc > Baou noir > Vence
    4h30 - 12km  - Ascent: +720m / Descent: -720m
    . A challenging hike for experienced hikers but well worth the effort as the views are outstanding  from the snow-covered peaks of the Alps to the Mediterranean. A Baou is a tall, steep hill with a flat top. There are some sections on steep rocky paths and trails and you need to feel comfortable scrambling over big rocks (not for a long time, approximately 20 min). You head  above the town of Vence and set out to conquer the famous White & Black Baous. 
  • Night in Vence
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 6 - End of your tour in Vence

great walks in vence, french riviera

  • End of your trip in Vence after breakfast
  • You can catch the public bus (n° 9)  to Cagnes sur mer (30 min ride) and from there either head to Nice, Antibes or Cannes and discover the Lérins islands of St Marguerite & St Honorat just a 15 minutes boat ride from Cannes.
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

More hiking trips in the French Riviera

Walking Porquerolles Island: beaches and petanque !
    • France - French Riviera
    • 6 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to November

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming
      • Superior

    • Highlights of the trip

    • The wilderness of the islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros
    • The hidden gem of the Mediterranean gardens of Le Rayol
    • Plenty of swimming opportunities every day !
    • Majestic coastline paths and hidden inlets






      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 690 € / pers
    Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera
      • France - French Riviera
      • 6 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to June
      • From September to November

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Charming

    • Highlights of the trip

    • Discover the hidden gems in the backcountry of the French Riviera
    • Grasse, the perfume capital & Saint Paul de Vence, a source of inspiration for painters and writers
    • The beautiful perched villages of Gourdon, Saint Paul de Vence, Tourettes sur loup
    • Charming Provencal landscapes and panoramic hikes


      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 670 € / pers
    Walking the Southern Alps to the French Riviera: short and sweet
      • France - French Riviera
      • 6 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to November

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Charming

    • Highlights of the trip

    • Genuine mountain villages surrounded by the Alps mountains
    • The cultural mix of Italian and French influences
    • The lovely perched village of Sainte Agnes
    • 4 dinners & 3 picnics included
    • Ancient paths through forests and follow majestic olive groves
    • The coloured italian-style town of Menton on the Med Sea
    • Option walk : The lovely town of Eze and the charming Saint Jean Cap ferrat cape

    • Please note :  the hotels in the backcountry are quite rustic and simple, but you will appreciate the charm and authenticity. Once you get to Menton, you can choose your level of quality and comfort



      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 920 € / pers
    Mercantour hiking: Alpine lakes and rock carvings
      • France - French Riviera
      • 6 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From June to October

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Charming

    • Highlight of the tour 

    • The lakes, mountains and rock carvings of the "Vallée des Merveilles"
    • A true Alpine experience 
    • The cosy "Chamois d'Or" hotel: an unforgettable experience
    • 3 dinners & 3 picnics included
    • Authentic villages nestled in deep, wooded valleys surrounded by high mountains
    • The Mercantour National park and its wild fauna and flora
    • Walks on centuries old paths in some outstandingly beautiful valleys 



      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 870 € / pers
    Hiking from the Mercantour Southern Alps to the French Riviera trails
      • France - French Riviera
      • 7 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to November

  •   Accommodation choice :

      • Simple
      • Comfort
      • Comfort

    • Highlights of your walk in the French Riviera

    • Authentic villages nestled in deep wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
    • The cultural mesh of Italian and French influences
    • The lost village of La Brigue, on the Italian border
    • 4 dinners & 1 picnic included
    • The magnificent perched village of Sainte Agnès
    • The coloured italian-style town of Menton on the Mediterranean Sea

    • Please note :  the hotels in the backcountry are quite rustic and simple, but you will appreciate the charm and authenticity. Once you get to Menton, you can choose your level of quality and comfort


      Go Private or go guided ! Customize your holidays with a local specialist here 

    From 1010 € / pers
    Trip details
    Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera
        • France - French Riviera
        • 2 adults (2x670€)
        • 0 children (0x670€)
      • 6 days
      • Simple
    Total 1340€
    Deposit 440€
    Book now !