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13 of the most beautiful walking routes on the Côte d'Azur

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Between the sea and the mountains, the Côte d’Azur is teeming with 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 best walks on the Côte d’Azur that you really shouldn’t miss!

1 – LE MERCANTOUR – LA GORDOLASQUE

Alpine hiking in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.

From the Countet car park in the Gordolasque Valley, walking along the Vallon d’Empuonrame, you’ll reach an incredible hiking site 1,000 metres higher! 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. On the way up, the Refuge will be on your left. From the Pas de l’Arpette at 2511 metres, 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 hikes from June to October.

Find our most beautiful hikes in the Mercantour National Park

sentiers de randonne mercantour
©Isabelle Fabre
    COMMUNE DE FONTANLA ROYA
    ©Veran / AgenceImages

      2 – ROYA VALLEY

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

      In the heart of the Mercantour National Park, more than a remarkable hiking site, the Vallée des Merveilles is classified as a Historic Monument. As you walk along the lakes, you will feel at one with nature, as the shimmering colours of the stones – green, orange, reddish or purplish – bear witness to the history of the area. The Vallée des Merveilles contains almost 40,000 prehistoric rock engravings at an altitude of 2,000 metres around Mont Bego. From Lac des Mesches, head up the Minière valley to Lac Long (2,111 m), where you’ll find the Merveilles refuge. Then head into the Vallée des Merveilles 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

      Find out about our most beautiful hikes in the Roya

      3 – LE BAOU DE SAINT-JEANNET

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

      In the chain of “baous”, the one at Saint-Jeannet stands out for the exceptional scale of its limestone face, easily recognisable from the Côte d’Azur coastline. Leaving from the village of Saint-Jeannet, the Castellet circuit deserves its place in our selection of the most beautiful walking routes on the Côte d’Azur. 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 walk. It’s an ideal walk in spring or autumn.

      Hiking trail 3: Le Baou de Saint-Jeannet.

      randonnee saint-jeannet
      ©Isabelle Fabre
        sentier de randonnee saint-raphael
        ©Isabelle Fabre

          4 – SAINT-RAPHAËL – MASSIF DE L’ESTEREL

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

          On foot or by bike, the Massif de l’Estérel is one of the must-see sites. Born 250 million years ago, this massif of volcanic origin, is easily recognisable thanks to the red colour of its red rock. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking here: Mont-Vinaigre, Dramont, Cap Roux, the Corniche de l’Estérel from Théoule to Le Trayas… But our favourite hike is the Rastel d’Agay. Head for Avenue Gratadis in Agay to begin this easy 2? hour hike. From the orientation table, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view over the Agay roadstead, as well as Saint-Tropez and the Bay of Cannes.

          Find our most beautiful hikes in Saint-Raphaël and the surrounding area

          5 – CANNES – ÎLE SAINTE-MARGUERITE

          Lush countryside and a change of scenery guaranteed for this hike that’s sure to appeal to young and old alike!

          Located in the Bay of Cannes, the island of Sainte-Marguerite is the larger of the two Lérins islands. Set in a lush 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 in the shade of the magnificent umbrella pines and eucalyptus trees. Don’t forget to take a break on one of the island’s many beaches or coves. A visit to the Fort Royal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will undoubtedly add a remarkable historical touch to your walk.

          Find our most beautiful walks in and around Cannes

          Cannes, iIes de Lerins
          ©Moirenc Camille
            randonnee gorges de l'Estéron
            ©Pixabay - Laurent Brunet

              6 – LES GORGES DE L’ESTÉRON

              Magnificent hike starting from the village of Bouyon in the Estéron Valley!

              Near the crystal-clear waters of the Clue de la Cerise, the Gorges de L’Estéron hiking trail will allow you to discover the picturesque villages of Les Ferres and Bouyon in particular. The sight of these narrow limestone gorges, overflown by numerous species of bird of prey including eagles, falcons, sparrowhawks and buzzards, is truly breathtaking. This 5-hour hike starts at the top of the village of Bouyon, heading towards Les Ferres via the ridges. After exploring the village, head down the track to the famous Pont de Cerise, then on to the oratory of Notre-Dame-du-Brec, a stone sentinel over 3 metres high watching over the Gorges de l’Estéron.

              Hiking route 6: The Gorges de l’Estéron.

              7 – HYÈRES – LA PRESQU’ÎLE DE GIENS

              A dream walk that will take you along the coastline of the Presqu’île de Giens.

              From the Port de la Madrague, and all along the seafront, set off on a 3h30 hike to discover the Presqu’île de Giens. 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, with holm oak forests, pine forests, cliffs and small secret coves where you can combine hiking with the pleasure of swimming.

              Find our most beautiful hikes in Hyères and the surrounding area

              randonnee presqu'ile de Giens
              ©Unsplash - Valentin Salmon
                Randonnee Roquebrune sur Argens
                ©Unsplash - Anthony Persegol

                  8 – ROQUEBRUNE SUR ARGENS – THE EMBLEMATIC ROCHER DE ROQUEBRUNE

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

                  Well-known for its red and ochre colour, the Rocher de Roquebrune towers majestically above the Argens Plain from its height of 376 metres. 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. It starts from the Chapelle Saint-Roch car park, just outside Roquebrune, heading towards Puget. A signposted path will take you to the top of the Rocher and its famous three crosses sculpted by Bernar Venet.

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

                  9 – LES GORGES DU CIANS

                  Sporty hike starting from Beuil in the striking landscape of the Gorges du Cians!

                  An original hike that takes place in the fierce landscape of the Gorges du Cians, commonly known as the “Niçois Colorado” in connection with the wine-red colour of the rock that makes them up. Reserved for well-equipped, well-trained walkers, this beautiful hike allows you to explore the famous canyon in its entirety, and takes you on a journey back in time through its particular geology: 300 million years ago, during the Permian period, this area was covered in a vast semi-desert covered in red clay, which closely resembled present-day West Africa with its laterite savannahs. These vast plains experienced periods of monsoon rainfall, during which temporary bodies of water formed. These ancient clays, compacted by tens of millions of years of burial under hundreds of metres of sediment, were cleared when the folding of the Alps brought the ancient “basement” rocks to higher altitudes: it is these superb red pelites through which this hike passes.

                  Hiking route 9: The Gorges du Cians.

                  BEUIL LES GORGES DU CIANS
                  ©Veran / AgenceImages
                    Randonnee cap d'Antibes
                    ©MOIRENC CAMILLE

                      10 – ANTIBES – LE CHEMIN DES DOUANIERS

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

                      Along the indented cliffs of the Cap d’Antibes, a route with sea views plunges you into the splendour of the Côte d’Azur coastline. Between luxuriant nature and prestigious residences, the architecture is as rare and remarkable as the endemic plants dotting the path. Driven by the sea spray, follow the route of this walk along the Côte d’Azur. From secret beaches to colourful coves, from villas dating back to 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 up on a path or in the water, enjoy a relaxing walk for all the family around the Antibes coastline.

                      Find our most beautiful hikes in Antibes and the surrounding area

                      11 – MENTON – ROC DE L’ORMÉA

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

                      At the crossroads of France and Italy, between the Mediterranean beach and the Alpine peaks, the Roc de l’Orméa stands like a frontier. Starting in Menton, follow the path 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, which is 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 Neolithic prehistoric site. After several kilometres between Menton and Castellar, the view from the summit rewards this long hike.

                      Find our most beautiful hikes in Menton and the surrounding area

                      ©Isabelle Fabre
                        ©Pierre BEHAR

                          12 – GRASSE – LE CHEMIN DU PARADIS DANS LA VALLÉE DU LOUP

                          Between picturesque villages and wild nature, discover the Grasse hinterland

                          To discover the most beautiful landscapes in the Grasse hinterland, you need to 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 passing through the village of Gourdon and its Renaissance buildings. The rest of the route takes you up and down the mountainside. 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.

                          Find our most beautiful hikes in Grasse and the surrounding area

                          13 – SAINT-TROPEZ – LE SENTIER DU LITTORAL

                          A hike in Saint-Tropez, with your feet in the water and on the paths

                          Who said hiking was synonymous with uneven terrain? On the Saint-Tropez coastline, you won’t be walking along high altitude paths, but rather along small footpaths leading down to beaches and hidden coves. 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 an ideal playground for a family outing. Walk between the arbutus trees, jump from the creeks, rest on the sand or discover the seabed… Along this coastal trail, you have all the leisure to vary the pleasures.

                          Find our most beautiful hikes in Saint-Tropez and the surrounding area

                          ©EMMANUEL BERTRAND COPYRIGHT TDR
                                The 13 most beautiful walks

                            from the Côte d’Azur

                            By Isabelle FABRE

                            Who doesn’t dream one day of 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. I moved to Nice and fell in love with the Côte d’Azur. This region has allowed me to become what I am today: a woman who is sporty, fulfilled, in love with and respectful of nature. I want to share with you the beauty of this region, its many sporting opportunities and show you what made me fall in love with it!

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