INFORMATION TRIP

Hiking the French Riviera: from the backcountry to Menton

ACCESS

. Local Bus Nice / Vence - Line 09 

PASSPORT & DOCUMENTS

Passport / Driver licence if required

HEALTH INFORMATION

No vaccination requirements

INSURANCE

Please insure that you have valid travel insurance.

WEATHER

The climate is characterized by exceptional sunshine and dry summers: in all seasons, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential! The French Riviera has a microclimate due to its proximity to the sea and the mountains. Thus, it is an ideal hiking region that can be discovered in all seasons. In the hinterland and the Mercantour, the climate is a little less temperate but just as sunny.
- Spring : In the hinterland and in the Mercantour mountains, the paths may still be snow
-covered until Easter. On the coast, it is a festival of colors and scents: a real paradise for hikers!
- Summer : The region has an exceptional microclimate. With a sea breeze on the coast, and a cooler temperature in altitude.
- Autumn : A very pleasant season with a mild climate and beautiful sunny days. The sea is still warm. In the back country, you find the the deep Autumn colours
- Winter : It contrasts by the mildness of its temperatures. A different atmosphere with a climate always very mild. The mountain hinterland is under the snow.

ELECTRICITY

Europe is on a 220 Volt system . Check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items HERE

MOBILE PHONE & INTERNET

Please check that your mobile/cell plan allows for calls & messages abroad
A good option is to buy a “country Sim card” in a phone shop / newsagent. It will cost you around 10€ / 15€ and will allow you to call local phone numbers with internet access

MONEY MATTERS & CLOSING HOURS

The currency is the €uro. Please ensure to have some cash with you as there aren’t always ATM machines in small villages.
Tips are always included (different than in Canada and USA) but always appreciated.
Please note that many restaurants in France do not serve food all day
Many shops are closed on Sundays, supermarkets are usually open until midday

FAQ

Late spring to very early summer (June) is ideal as the temperature is warm without the heat of summer. Late September to October is also a great time to travel as the Mediterranean Sea is still warm from the hot summer, ideal for a quick dip at the end of your walking day. 

For the movie stars at the Cannes film festival and the expensive yachts! But behind the glitz and glamour is the back country, with authenic villages, sometimes rustic accommodation, stunning alpine scenery and kilomtres of beautiful hiking trails. 

We have graded this walking holiday as moderate. Expect an average distance of 10 to 15 km per day, between 4h to 5h of walking time per day and an average elevation of around 500m per day.

The hotel St Yves in Sainte Agnès is quite rustic. The rooms are large and bright and offer beautiful views, whilst the hotel is in need of some TLC, the owners are friendly, the home made food is fantastic and the village of Sainte Agnès is one of the most beautiful in France. The St Yves hotel is the only accommodation in the village and we feel very strongly that it is an integral stop over on the walking tour.

It is a Provençal term meaning small mountain with a flat top. Some of the climb can be steep in parts and over rocky terrain. We grade these walks as challenging. You need to be used to walking long distances and be comfortable with a steady and long climb. 

  • From 620€ /pers
    • Self-guided Walking
    • Moderate
      • 5 days
      • From January to December
      • Simple -
      • Charming
      • Ref : B1167
YOUR TRIP

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All booking requests remain subject to availability.
Hotel flexible rates may incur a supplement.
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From the blog

More self-guided walking tours in the French Riviera

France - French Riviera
Walking the Southern Alps to the French Riviera: short and sweet
    • 6 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From March to November
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
        • /
      • Comfort
        • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • Authentic mountain villages surrounded by the Alps mountains
  • The cultural mix of Italian and French influences
  • The lovely perched village of Sainte Agnes
  • Ancient paths through forests and follow majestic olive groves
  • The coloured italian-style town of Menton on the Med 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


    Customize your holiday here 

From
885€ / pers
France - French Riviera
Hiking the French Riviera: from the backcountry to Menton
    • 5 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From January to December
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
        • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • The secret treasures of the hinterland: authentic mountain villages nestled in the Alpine peaks
  • The stunning hilltop village of Sainte-Agnès
  • The vibrant town of Menton, perched on the shores of the Mediterranean
  • Saint-Paul-de-Vence, a timeless muse for artists and writers
  • Enchanting Provençal scenery paired with breathtaking panoramic trails

    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

    Customize your holiday here 

From
620€ / pers
France - French Riviera
Hiking from the Mercantour Southern Alps to the French Riviera trails
    • 7 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From March to November
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
        • /
      • Comfort
        • /
      • Charming

Highlights 

  • 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
  • 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


    Customize your holiday here 

From
965€ / pers
France - French Riviera
Mercantour hiking: from the Southern Alps to the French Riviera trails
    • 8 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From May to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
        • /
      • Comfort
        • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • Genuine mountain villages surrounded by the Alps mountains
  • The mixed influences of Italian and French culture
  • The magnificent perched village of Sainte Agnès
    The coloured town of Menton right on the Med 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 & Villefranche, you can choose your level of quality and comfort

    Customize your holiday here 

From
1170€ / pers
France - French Riviera
Mercantour hiking: Alpine lakes and rock carvings
    • 6 days
    • Challenging
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From May to September
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
        • /
      • Comfort
        • /
      • Charming

Highlight of the tour 

  • The lakes, mountains and rock carvings of the "Vallée des Merveilles"
  • A true Alpine experience 
  • 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 


    Customize your holiday here 

From
580€ / pers