Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera to Vence

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. 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.

Shorter walk - Option 2 : We can organize a taxi transfer (please advise at the time of booking, supplement 40€).

Walk : Grasse > Pont du Loup
. Long walk -  4h30 | 18 km - 11 miles | Elevation : +760m/-930m
. Short walk (option 1)  -  4h | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +600m/-930m with a public bus to the start of the walk
. Short walk (option 2)  -  3h | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +600m/-850m with an extra taxi transfer with supplement
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Pont du Loup

Today you have 2 options : short walk option with an out and back hike up to the village of Gourdon. 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. 

Walk : Pont du Loup > Gourdon> Pont du Loup
. Long walk including Gourdon loop -  4h | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +600m/-930m 
. Short walk (Gourdon out and back only)  -  3h | 7 km - 4 miles | Elevation : +620m/-620m 
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Pont du Loup

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 !

Walk : Courmes > Vence - 4h | 14 km - 9 miles | Elevation : +390m/-690m 
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Vence

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 - 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 - 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 - 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. 

Walk :
. Easy - Vence > Saint Paul de Vence  - 1h10 | 4 km - 2 miles | Elevation : +100m/-240m and public bus back to Vence
. Moderate - Vence > Tourrettes sur Loup  - 2h30 | 8 km - 5 miles | Elevation : +320m/-280m and public bus back to Vence
. Challenging - Vence > Baou Blanc - Baou noir > Vence  - 4h30 | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +720m/-720m 
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Vence

End of your trip in Vence after breakfast

Meals included : breakfast