Bucket list experience:
Cote d'Azur, France
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.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
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France
Where to go and what to see in Nice to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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.
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.
Nice, Cote d'Azur, France
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: 8+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Saint-Tropez, Cote d'Azur, France
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+ | Free | 5-7 hours
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France
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: 10+ | Free | 1 hour
Cote d'Azur, France
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: 13+ | Free | 3 hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Cote d'Azur, France
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.
