no alt text

Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
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.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
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.

Around Cap Ferrat

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

Website >
Overview >

Sentier du Littoral

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

Website >
Overview >

The Chemin Nietzsche

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

Website >
Overview >

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

French Riviera

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.

Website >
Overview >