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Hiking the French Riviera : from the backcountry to Antibes
    • France - French Riviera
    • 8 days
    • Walking
    • Self-guided
      • From March to June
      • From September to November
    • 2 - 10 travellers
      • Simple
      • Charming
      • Trip code : B1165
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About the Hiking the French Riviera : from the backcountry to Antibes trip

About the trip in the French Riviera

Your walking holiday in the French Riviera: Just a stone's throw away from the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera, come and explore the hidden gems of the "Pays de Grasse", a wonderfully fragrant place, nestled in the hills above Cannes. From the pretty town of Grasse - the perfume capital of Europe - the hikes lead through sun-kissed landscapes with magnificent views from the snow-covered peaks to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. Walk through chestnut forests, deep canyons,  gorges & plateaus and discover some of France’s most beautiful villages including Gourdon, Saint Paul de Vence and Tourrettes sur Loup.

This self guided  walking tour in the French Riviera  finishes on the Mediterranean in Antibes, a pretty seaside town with pebbled & sandy beaches, with a beautiful and easy coastal hike around the Cap Antibes. Make the most of the favorable mild climate, soak up the artsy atmosphere in Saint Paul de Vence,  enjoy stunning viewpoints and indulge in delicious Mediterranean cuisine and wine. 

Highlights of the trip

  • Wonderful contrast of mountain peaks & deep blue Mediterranean Sea
  • Grasse the perfume capital & Saint Paul de Vence, a source of inspiration for painters and writers
  • Most beautiful villages in France: Gourdon, St Paul de Vence, Tourrettes sur Loup
  • Moderate hikes above the French Riviera with sweeping views
  • A mild climate : perfect to hike in winter, spring & autumn ! 
  • Mingle with locals on the markets in Vence on Friday morning & Antibes on Sunday morning

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

From the blog

Hiking the French Riviera : from the backcountry to Antibes: 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 No 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 - From Vence to Saint Jeannet

great walks in vence, french riviera

  • Vence > Saint Jeannet
    4h20 - 14km - Ascent: +560m / Descent: -740m
  • After breakfast, short transfer (10 min) to the start of your hike. You pass a limestone plateau and chestnut forest and descend the deep canyon of Cagne before reaching the village of Saint Jeannet with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The small authentic village of St Jeannet is dominated by 3 Baou : the Baou de Saint Jeannet, the Baou de la Gaude just to the right, and the Baou des Noirs and Baou des Blancs lined up to the west towards Vence.
  • Night Vence.
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • We recommend : Having an extra night in Saint Jeannet and an extra loop hike 
    Saint Jeannet loop - 3h45 - 14km - Ascent: +850m / Descent: -850m
    Starting in the pretty village of St Jeannet, you first begin by ascending the Baou de St Jeannet, the impressive rock that dominates the village. The climb is steep with stunning views. You then walk through fields of wild rosemary and thyme and past low dry-stone walls to ascend the second Baou of the day, the Baou de la Gaude. The descent back to St Jeannet is steep and impressive.  

Day 7 - Loop walk at Cap d'Antibes, by the Med sea

best coastal walk on the Med sea in the french riviera in Antibes

    • Loop Cap d'Antibes  
      1h30 - 4,5km - Ascent: +90m / Descent: -90m
    • Today you leave the back country and head  South down to the Mediterranean Sea.
      After a 45 min transfer, you arrive at Cap d’Antibes. Marked by the lighthouse at the highest point, it is a lush setting boasting  some very large and expensive estates. You start your coastal loop hike at the Garoup beach and walk along a path that is paved in parts and rocky and untamed in others. The waves lap over the rocks as you pass and the view of the "Lérins Islands" to the west and the Baous of Vence and St Jeannet and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the east is magnificent. A gentle end to your walking tour!
    • At the end of your walk you can either catch the public bus n°2 back to your hotel (20 min ride cost around 1-2€ pp) or walk back to the centre of Antibes.
    • Your hotel is in the centre of Antibes. Visit the old town with the ramparts along the sea and the protective wall along the port. There are plenty of little streets for exploring, restaurants and many shops.
      We recommend the visit of the Picasso Museum and the 16th century Fort Carrée where Napoleon was imprisonned.
    • Night in Antibes.
    • MEALS included: Breakfast

Day 8 - End of your walking tour

best self guided tour on the french riviera in france in antibes

  • End of your trip in Antibes after breakfast.
  • MEALS included: Breakfast

  • We recommend  :
    . Have an extra day on the Lerins Islands ! 
    You can catch a train from Antibes to Nice (30 min ride) or to Cannes (15 min) and take a boat to explore the Lerins islands : St Margarite & St Honorat. We can also organize a private taxi transfer (price upon request).

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    Trip details
    Hiking the French Riviera : from the backcountry to Antibes
        • France - French Riviera
        • 2 adults (2x1010€)
        • 0 children (0x1010€)
      • 8 days
      • Simple
    Total 2020€
    Deposit 660€
    Book now !