Bucket list experience:
Cote d'Azur, France
This 3-hour 6.6km coastal walk, to Cap Martin’s tip and back, offers spectacular views and famous 20th-century architectural landmarks.
The walks starts at the Roquebrune train station, crosses the pebbly beach ‘Plage de Buse’, then climbs up through gardens to the famous ‘Cap Moderne’, a clutch of 20th-century UNESCO World Heritage architectural icons in gorgeous setting. The highlight is the Eileen Gray E-1027 House, the Modernist masterpiece (1929) of the famous Irish designer and her partner, Jean Badovici.
The Promenade then takes in sumptuous Mediterranean foliage along the white rocky coastline, with glimpses of fabulous villas and views of Monaco.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
France
Where to go and what to see in the Cote d’Azur to get the most from your trip – a 9-day itinerary including Cannes, Monaco, Nice & Saint-Tropez from destination expert and travel writer Dana Facaros.
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.
The Roquebrune station is on the Nice-Ventimiglia local TER train line; there is also an adjacent car park. The ticket office for Cap Moderne is located next to the station.
The walk generally takes three hours there and back; the tour of Cap Moderne takes two hours.
The Promenade is accessible year-round but in the hottest months, July and August, go early or late to avoid the heat.
Cap Moderne is open June to October for guided visits daily except Monday (allow at least 20 minutes to get there from the ticket office). You can purchase tickets at the ticket office or online. Minimum age of 8.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Monaco, Cote d'Azur[2 miles]
A luxury seaside resort in a dreamy coastal Monaco setting that has the works: heavenly lagoon pool and spa, Michelin-starred restaurant and world-class service.
Official star rating:
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France[8.2 miles]
This superb villa turned boutique hotel, between Monaco and Cap Ferrat, has been voted the best seaside hotel in France. Stay here for old-fashioned glamour, truly magical views, a private beach and gorgeous infinity pool.
Official star rating:
Eze, Cote d'Azur, France[8.4 miles]
Charming, authentic and classy boutique hotel set in a 17th-century castle, within the 9th-century walls of a village perche. Ideal for honeymooners, with romantic rooms and heart-stopping views over the coastline.
Official star rating:
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France[12.3 miles]
The grande dame of the Cote d’Azur, this classic, updated luxury hotel has a sublime seaside location. It comes with pool, lush gardens, and one of the very few private beaches on the exclusive Cap Ferrat.
Official star rating:
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.
Cote d'Azur, France
The Riviera’s Never Never Land for the rich, offering bling, glamour, sights, high-roller casinos and entertainment galore.
Cote d'Azur, France
The buzzing, art-filled, foodie capital of the French Riviera, with a charming, Italian-influenced historic centre. The ideal base for a first-time visit to the Cote d’Azur, and home to the world-renowned Nice Carnival.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[3.4 miles]
The world’s most famous and prestigious casino – in one of the world’s casino capitals – oozes glamour, history, and class.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[3.9 miles]
Founded in 1906 by Prince Albert I, Monaco’s Musee Oceanographique is one of the oldest scientific marine institutes anywhere. Spectacular aquariums and treasures from ocean voyages, located in a remarkable wedding-cake building cascading over cliffs.
Best for ages: 4+ | £12
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[3.9 miles]
The world’s most prestigious automobile races, with a track winding through the winding streets of this billionaires’ playground. Monaco is the height of Formula One glamour.
Best for ages: 13+ | £50 | 4 days
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Cote d'Azur, France[12.5 miles]
A remarkable fantasy villa, complete with exquisite exotic gardens, built in 1912 by the flamboyant art collector Baroness Beatrice Ephrussi de Rothschild to house her fabulous collection of 18th-century art and furniture.
Best for ages: 18+ | £13
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[3.4 miles]
The famous Belle Epoque café, with its lovely outdoor terrace, is the place for a rendez-vous (and people watching) in Monaco. In a prime central location, go for lunch, dinner or a well-deserved cocktail. After some ‘Dutch courage’, try your luck at one of Monaco’s famous casinos nearby.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Monaco , Cote d'Azur, France[4.4 miles]
Set scenically on a cliff, the palace home of the Monaco monarchy has opulent state apartments, family portraits and unrivalled views over the yacht-packed marina.
Best for ages: 13+ | £7
Monaco, Cote d'Azur, France[4.8 miles]
If it all gets too much, head to the stunning 75-year-old Jardin Exotique, with its surreal collection of cacti, a stalactite Observatory Cave inhabited 250,000 years ago, and an anthropology museum. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Guided tours on Saturdya by appointment.
Best for ages: 8+ | £6
La Turbie, Cote d'Azur, France[4.8 miles]
High above Monaco, Emperor Augustus erected a 147ft monument in the 1st century BC to celebrate his victories over the Ligurian tribes. In spite of damage over the centuries, it is still a remarkable sight, with breathtaking views.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
