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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 15 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

When the Cote d’Azur seems too built-up and busy, the best cure is to strike out into nature – the craggy coastline and verdant interior that attracted visitors here in the first place.

There are many scenic walks along popular areas of the coast – or serious hikers will find more challenging paths between the villages-perches high above the coast, or in the spectacular Alpes Maritimes region north of Nice, home of the Mercantour National Park.

Recommendations

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Around Cap Ferrat

Nice, Cote d'Azur, France

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat lighthouse sitting on cliffs above the path

A 4.8km circular coastal walk around the glittering coast of the Riviera’s most exclusive ‘cap’ – a favourite of jet-setting billionaires.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2-3 hours

footpath along a pretty shoreline

A 3-hour 6.6km coastal walk to Cap Martin’s tip and back, with spectacular views and famous 20th-century architectural landmarks at Cap Moderne.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 3 hours

Walk The Chemin Nietzsche

Eze, Cote d'Azur, France

Footpath set high into cliffs looking out to sea

A dramatic 1.6km, one hour descent down from the clifftop village of Eze to Eze-Bord-du-Mer by the sea. Glittering views all the way.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 1 hour

Sentier du Littoral

Saint-Tropez, Cote d'Azur, France

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Bucket List Experience
Rocky tree-covered coastline and blue sea

Just outside the capital of bling, Saint-Tropez, this 18km coastal path, starting at beautiful Gigaro beach and signposted in yellow, is one of France’s wildest, most beautiful coastal paths.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 5-7 hours

The Tire-Poil Path

Cannes, Cote d'Azur, France

Man standing on a path in the cliffs at rocky Antibes

Escape civilization along this surprisingly wild, circular 5km coastal path that winds around Cap d’Antibes. Start at Garoupe Beach and pass rocky cliffs, high over the crashing waves.

Best for ages 18+

Duration: 2 hours

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-7 hours

Getting there & doing it

Komoot has a great list of mapped routes with photographs and recommendations by walkers. For the most part, these walks are easy to do under your own steam, with sturdy shoes, a hat, a bottle of water and a mobile phone.

 

When to do it

Seaside walks are fine year-round, but avoid wet or very windy days when parts of the coastline can be slippery and dangerous. In July and August, set out early to avoid the heat. For mountain walks, avoid November-April, when there’s snow in the Alpes Maritimes.

Destination guides

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

French Riviera

Cote d'Azur, France

View of boating marina and the town on hills behind

Money, glamour and bombshell looks: this beach-trimmed stretch of French coast offers decadent hotels, lounging in beach clubs, fine restaurants and world-class art.

Saint-Tropez

Cote d'Azur, France

View of Saint-Tropez's small marina with restaurants and shops

Chic yacht-filled resort, where the jet set parade the beach and party till dawn. Glitz, glamour and superb people-watching.

Cannes

Cote d'Azur, France

View of the beach and seafront in Cannes

Sister city of Hollywood and host of the famous film festival, Cannes, with its palm-lined La Croisette, golden beach and five star hotels oozes cinematic and pure Riviera glamour.