While the Cote d’Azur may conjure up images of Belle Epoque villas and glamorous superyachts, its rocky coastline is surprisingly unspoilt, and a French Riviera walking tour is a wonderful way to experience all its timeless, natural beauty.
Where are some of the best French Riviera walking tours? Let’s take a look…
You might not think to do much walking on the Cote d’Azur, but with well-marked trails all along the coastline, it would be a shame not to try at least one! Remember, to get the most out of French Riviera walking tours, be sure to wear proper hiking shoes and a hat, use plenty of sunscreen and take lots of water. In the summer, try to start out early to avoid the heat.
These five French Riviera Caps are particularly wonderful to explore on foot – discover the routes below.
Cap d’Antibes
The coastal path, or Sentier de Tirepoil, is named after the wind that ruffles your hair. Starts at the Plage de la Garoupe, Sentier de Tirepoil leads past the 1907 Chateau Garoupe, hidden behind a stone wall, and the Chateau Croë, once home to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The walk has so much natural beauty to admire, with wild maquis, pine and olive trees alongside its limestone cliffs and rocky coves. Towards the end you reach Villa Eilenroc and its beautiful gardens, which are sometimes open to the public.
Cap de Nice
The famed Sentier du Littoral is a French Riviera walking tour that stretches all the way between Nice and Port Cros, offering breathtaking views out to sea. For those who want to sample it without committing, it is possible to walk along a small portion of the Sentier du Littoral between the Cap de Nice and Villefranche-sur-Mer, along the Pointe des Sans Culottes under Mont Boron in Cap de Nice, passing the Pointe de la Rascasse and Pointe Madame, and ending at the port in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
Cap Ferrat
The 5km Tour du Cap starts at the port and passes the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, following the limestone cliffs to the steps up to the lighthouse, from where there are fabulous views of Nice and the Estérel mountains, before finishing near the lovely Plage de Passable beach and the village of St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Cap d’Ail
Both Greta Garbo and Winston Churchill used to enjoy walking on the Cote d’Azur along Cap d’Ail’s delightful coastal pathway, with its incredible architectural heritage of Belle Epoque villas.
The 3.6 km Mala footpath stretches between the Plage Marquet at the east and the unspoiled Plage de la Mala on the west, following a succession of rocky bays studded with cacti and coastal flora. Admire the mysterious volcanic rocks at the lookout Pointe des Douaniers, and explore some of the smaller trails that lead down to the water and some remarkable coves.
Cap Martin
This wild coastal French Riviera walking tour offers beautiful views over Cabbé Bay, Roquebrune village and Monaco. Walk along the Promenade du Cap Martin to Pointe du Cap Martin, where Promenade Le Corbusier starts. This former customs path continues along the coast to Monaco, passing two iconic examples of modern architecture, Le Corbusier’s Cabanon and Eileen Gray’s E.1027 villa.
So, why not rent one of the best villas on the Caps and have one of these stunning walks there for you, right on your doorstep?