13 of the Côte d'Azur's most beautiful hiking trails

Between sea and mountains, the Côte d’Azur abounds in extremely varied landscapes. Hamlets, lakes, valleys, gorges and even islands are just some of the wonders of the Côte d’Azur to be discovered on a leisurely stroll or bike ride. Whether you’re on a sporting outing or a family outing, these sites will have you on the edge of your seat! Here’s a selection of the 13 most beautiful hikes on the Côte d’Azur you won’t want to miss!

1 – MERCANTOUR – GORDOLASQUE

Alpine hiking in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

From the Countet parking lot in the Gordolasque Valley, walk along the Vallon d’Empuonrame and you’ll reach an incredible hiking area 1,000 meters above sea level! Did you know? This valley is home to the Refuge du Grand Baou, where many scenes from the famous TV series “Belle et Sébastien” were filmed. Be sure to stop off here. As you climb up, the Refuge will be on your left. From the Pas de l’Arpette at 2511 m, you can see the famous Vallée des Merveilles, the imposing Mont-Bégo and numerous glacial lakes such as Lac Long and Lac des Merveilles. Marmots will accompany you on your hike with their shrill whistles. Ideal from June to October.

Discover our most beautiful hikes in the Mercantour National Park.

sentiers de randonne mercantour — ©Isabelle Fabre

COMMUNE DE FONTANLA ROYA — ©Veran / AgenceImages

2 – ROYA VALLEY

Hiking in the Roya from the train des Merveilles for soft mobility

In the heart of the Mercantour National Park, the Vallée des Merveilles is more than just a remarkable hiking site – it’s a listed historic monument. The shimmering colors of the green, orange, reddish and purplish stones bear witness to the history of the area. The Vallée des Merveilles is home to almost 40,000 prehistoric rock engravings at an altitude of 2,000 metres around Mont Bego. Starting from Lac des Mesches, head up the Minière valley to Lac Long (2,111 m), on whose shores you’ll find the Merveilles refuge. From here, the Vallée des Merveilles winds its way through a gigantic amphitheatre of smooth walls known as “chiappes”. A signposted trail allows you to admire some of the most famous engravings. Ideal from June to October

Discover our most beautiful hikes in Roya

3 – LE BAOU DE SAINT-JEANNET

A breathtaking view of the Mediterranean and Alpine peaks awaits you from the summit!

In the “baous” chain, Saint-Jeannet stands out for the exceptional scale of its limestone face, easily recognizable from the Côte d’Azur coastline. Leaving from the village of Saint-Jeannet, the Castellet circuit deserves its place in our selection of the Côte d’Azur’s most beautiful hiking trails. The views from the summit are breathtaking. The ensemble formed by the baou and the village of Saint-Jeannet is a marvellous symbol of the art of integrating buildings into their natural environment. Allow 4 hours for this 8-kilometre hike. An ideal spring or autumn hike.

Hiking trail 3: Le Baou de Saint-Jeannet.

randonnee saint-jeannet — ©Isabelle Fabre

sentier de randonnee saint-raphael — ©Isabelle Fabre

4 – SAINT-RAPHAËL – ESTEREL MASSIF

L’Estérel: a must-see hiking destination on the Côte d’Azur!

Whether on foot or by bike, the Massif de l’Estérel is a must-see. Born 250 million years ago, this volcanic massif is easily recognizable by the red color of its red rock. There are numerous hiking possibilities: Mont-Vinaigre, Dramont, Cap Roux, the Corniche de l’Estérel from Théoule to Le Trayas… But our “coup de cœur” hike is to the Rastel d’Agay. Meet at Avenue Gratadis in Agay to begin this easy 2h30 hike. From the orientation table, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Agay roadstead, as well as Saint-Tropez and the Bay of Cannes.

Discover our most beautiful hikes in and around Saint-Raphaël

5 – CANNES – SAINTE-MARGUERITE ISLAND

A lush natural setting and a change of scenery guaranteed for this hike that will appeal to young and old alike!

Located in the Bay of Cannes, Sainte-Marguerite Island is the largest of the two Lérins Islands. Surrounded by a luxuriant natural environment, the island of Sainte-Marguerite can be explored on foot for a complete change of scenery. From the landing stage, climb a few steps to reach the path on your right leading to the Etang du Batéguier. You can then walk along the entire island’s seafront, shaded by magnificent umbrella pines and eucalyptus trees. Don’t miss a break on one of the island’s many beaches or coves. A visit to Fort Royal, a Unesco World Heritage site, will undoubtedly add a remarkable historical touch to your walk.

Discover our most beautiful walks in and around Cannes

Cannes, iIes de Lerins — ©Moirenc Camille

randonnee gorges de l'Estéron — ©Pixabay - Laurent Brunet

6 – GORGES DE L’ESTÉRON

A magnificent hike starting from the village of Bouyon in the Estéron Valley!

Close to the crystal-clear waters of the Clue de la Cerise, the Gorges de L’Estéron hiking trail takes in the picturesque villages of Les Ferres and Bouyon. The sight of these narrow limestone gorges, overflown by numerous species of birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, sparrow hawks and buzzards, is truly breathtaking. This 5-hour hike starts at the top of the village of Bouyon, heading towards Les Ferres via the crests. After discovering the village, head down the track to the famous Pont de Cerise, then on to the Notre-Dame-du-Brec oratory, a 3-meter-high stone sentinel watching over the Gorges de l’Estéron.

Hiking trail 6: Les Gorges de l’Estéron.

7 – HYÈRES – THE GIENS PENINSULA

A dream walk along the coastline of the Presqu’île de Giens.

Starting from the Port de la Madrague, and following the seafront, set off on a 3h30 hike to discover the Giens peninsula. You’re sure to appreciate the beauty of this coastal path and its sublime rocky landscapes, with their striking contrast between lush green vegetation and the blue of the Mediterranean. The panorama that awaits you is truly exceptional, between holm oak forests, pine forests, cliffs and small secret coves where you can combine hiking with the pleasure of swimming.

Discover our most beautiful hikes in and around Hyères

randonnee presqu'ile de Giens — ©Unsplash - Valentin Salmon

Randonnee Roquebrune sur Argens — ©Unsplash - Anthony Persegol

8 – ROQUEBRUNE SUR ARGENS – THE EMBLEMATIC ROQUEBRUNE ROCK

From the top of the Rocher, enjoy an unforgettable view of the Estérel, Argens and Fréjus rivers!

Well-known for its red and ochre coloring, Rocher de Roquebrune stands majestically above the Plaine de l’Argens at a height of 376 meters. The panoramic views from the crests of this Natura 2000 listed site are breathtaking. The Rocher de Roquebrune is of course the subject of our 8th idea for a hike on the Côte d’Azur. Depart from the Chapelle Saint-Roch parking lot on the outskirts of Roquebrune, in the direction of Puget. A signposted path leads to the summit of the Rocher and its famous three crosses sculpted by Bernar Venet.

Hiking trail 8: Le Rocher de Roquebrune-sur-Argens.

9 – GORGES DU CIANS

A challenging hike starting from Beuil in the breathtaking landscape of the Gorges du Cians!

This original hike takes place in the rugged landscape of the Gorges du Cians, commonly known as the “Colorado Niçois” after the wine-red color of the rocks that make them up. Reserved for well-equipped, well-trained walkers, this beautiful hike offers an exhaustive discovery of the famous canyon and a journey back in time through its peculiar geology: 300 million years ago, in the Permian period, this territory was covered by a vast semi-desert covered by red clays, which closely resembled present-day West Africa with its laterite savannahs. These vast plains were subject to periods of monsoon-type rainfall, during which temporary bodies of water formed. These ancient clays, compacted by tens of millions of years of burial under hundreds of meters of sediment, were cleared when the folding of the Alps brought the ancient “basement” rocks to higher altitudes: it’s these superb red pelites through which this hike passes.

Hiking trail 9: Les Gorges du Cians.

BEUIL LES GORGES DU CIANS — ©Veran / AgenceImages

Randonnee cap d'Antibes — ©MOIRENC CAMILLE

10 – ANTIBES – THE CUSTOMS PATH

A walk between luxury and luxuriance along the Cap d’Antibes.

Along the indented cliffs of Cap d’Antibes, an itinerary with sea views plunges you into the splendor of the Côte d’Azur coastline. Between lush nature and prestigious residences, the architecture is as rare and remarkable as the endemic plants that dot the path. Driven by the sea spray, follow the route of this Côte d’Azur hike. From secret beaches to colorful coves, from villas of another century to forested massifs, the Chemin des Douaniers offers a compendium of Mediterranean beauty. In the shade of an Aleppo pine, with your feet on a path or in the water, enjoy a relaxing walk for the whole family around the Antibes coastline.

Discover our most beautiful hikes in and around Antibes

11 – MENTON – ROC DE L’ORMÉA

On the heights of Menton, enjoy one of the finest views on the Côte d’Azur.

At the crossroads of French and Italian paths, between Mediterranean beaches and Alpine peaks, the Roc de l’Orméa stands like a frontier. From Menton, follow the trail to one of the highest peaks on the Côte d’Azur. Towering 1132 metres above the beaches of Menton, it offers a unique panorama of the entire coastline and the peaks of the Alps. This hike, recommended for experienced walkers, takes you through all the scenery of the hinterland. Along the way, you can even see the ruins of the ancient village of Castellar and the Pendimoun shelter, a prehistoric Neolithic site. After several kilometers between Menton and Castellar, the view from the summit rewards this long hike.

Discover our most beautiful hikes in and around Menton

12 – GRASSE – THE PATH TO PARADISE IN THE LOUP VALLEY

Between picturesque villages and wild nature, discover the Grasse hinterland

To discover the most beautiful landscapes in Grasse’s hinterland, take the aptly named Chemin du Paradis. Rising to the summits from the commune of Bar-sur-Loup, it passes through forests and small villages perched high above the valley. Start by crossing the village of Gourdon and its Renaissance buildings. The rest of the route takes you up and down winding mountainsides. Little by little, the Provençal hamlets disappear and the wilderness sets the pace for your walk. After passing over the Canal du Loup and the Foulon aqueduct, a final steep section takes you to the heights.

Discover our most beautiful hikes in Grasse and surroundings

13 – SAINT-TROPEZ – THE COASTAL PATH

Hiking in Saint-Tropez, with your feet in the water and on the trails

Who said hiking was synonymous with elevation gain? On the Saint-Tropez coastline, it’s not high altitude paths that you’ll find, but small footpaths leading down to beaches and coves you’ll never forget. Exhilarated by the sea air, set off on a hike to discover the wild and secret places of Saint-Tropez. Skimming the azure waters of the Mediterranean, the coastal path is the ideal playground for a family outing. Walk between the arbutus trees, jump from the coves, rest on the sand or discover the seabed… Along this coastal circuit, you’ll have plenty of time to vary your pleasures.

Discover our most beautiful walks in and around Saint-Tropez

Les randonnées à Nice et ses alentours

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The 13 most beautiful hikes

on the Côte d’Azur

By Isabelle FABRE

Who doesn’t dream of one day changing their life and making a living from their passions? Two years ago, I left my job as an engineer to become a photographer, videographer and Digital Nomad. Having settled in Nice, I fell under the spell of the Côte d’Azur. This region has enabled me to become what I am today: a woman who is sporty, fulfilled, in love with and respectful of nature. I’d like to share with you the beauty of this region, its many sporting possibilities and show you what made me fall in love with it!

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