Hiking from the Hilltop Villages to the French Riviera

Embark on a hiking adventure from the enchanting hilltop villages in Nice's backcountry to the azure coast of the French Riviera.

This self-guided trip provides a great contrast between walking through the mountains and along sun-drenched coastal trails. There will be many swimming opportunities in the Mediterranean Sea along the way!

• Savour French/Italian fusion in architecture, culture, & cuisine
• Roam through idyllic villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by mountains
• Immerse yourself in the colorful markets of Breil sur Roya, Sospel, & Menton
• Hike to Sainte Agnès, a gem of France's perched villages (& the highest coastline village!)
• Stroll along the Mediterranean Sea's stunning shores
• Wander the cobblestone streets of Eze & discover scenic Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
• Relax in the fishermen's town of Villefranche sur Mer

Behind the French Riviera’s glamour, timeless villages are hidden, tucked away in lush valleys and resting atop rocky crags. The ancient paths wind through forests and follow majestic olive groves. Perched high above the sea, the panoramic views from the hilltop villages are stunning and breathtaking. The centuries-old route eventually leads you straight to the beautiful town of Menton, the last stop along the French Riveria before reaching the Italian border.

The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. We generally recommend this trip from March to mid-November.

• March to May: Spring ushers in blossoming landscapes and colorful, picturesque settings. The mild temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F, ideal for hiking. Trails may be muddy from winter rains, so it's advisable to take waterproof hiking gear with you. You shouldn't expect big crowds on the trails or in the villages, making for a pleasant experience.
• June to August: Summers are dry and can have very high temperatures (~86°F), especially in July and August. If you travel during these peak months, your hikes should be done early in the morning to try to beat the heat. Coastal towns offer opportunities for refreshing swims in the Mediterranean alongside crowds of tourists.
• September to November: Autumn is another ideal season for this trip with pleasant temperatures ranging from 59°F to 77°F. You'll enjoy the welcome coastal breezes and colorful foliage. The tourist traffic begins to wane, especially in October and November.

To ensure both comfort and sustainability, we highly recommend taking this trip in the spring or autumn. By traveling during less crowded months, you can contribute to tourism dispersal. This helps lessen the environmental impact on the trail and helps spread the economic benefits of tourism beyond the peak season. Plus, you'll get to enjoy a more tranquil experience along the French Riviera!

Our tours offer a unique and eco-friendly way to explore a country on foot or by bike. We believe that tourism can positively impact society in several ways. Firstly, walking and cycling are pollution-free modes of transportation, allowing you to travel in an eco-responsible manner. Additionally, these activities promote physical fitness and provide a rejuvenating break from everyday routines and stress.

By traveling at a slower pace, you have the opportunity to fully enjoy the tours, meet people, and immerse yourself in local culture. We prioritize authentic experiences, introducing you to local accommodations, restaurants, artisans, and farmers. We strive to support sustainable development and responsible tourism by working with small, local, and family-run establishments.

Acknowledging that travel does generate CO2 emissions, we aim to reduce our carbon footprint and have partnered with Reforest'Action, a B Corp company. We calculate the average emissions produced by transportation on our trips and plant trees to offset these emissions. Each traveler's participation results in the planting of one tree, contributing to forest preservation and the development of carbon sinks. Additionally, your actions support the purchase of carbon credits associated with certified forest conservation projects. You can also extend your impact by purchasing and planting additional trees to reduce your carbon footprint in other areas.

Overall, our tours offer a fulfilling and sustainable travel experience, combining the exploration of beautiful landscapes, the appreciation of diverse cultures, and a commitment to environmental responsibility.

Environmental Initiatives

In order to act in a responsible way towards the environment, this trip guarantees to and from route transportation by train. Choosing train travel over other modes of transportation, such as airplanes or cars, significantly reduces carbon emissions. Throughout the adventure, we will be staying 2 nights in each place, except for the day we visit Menton. In this way we promote slow tourism, reducing transportation impact, supporting local economies, and deeply connecting with the local culture.

As hiking is a low-carbon impact activity, our trip is environmentally friendly.

Sociocultural Initiatives

We highlight the local market days, use trains whenever possible (between Menton and Villefranche / Eze), and also upon arrival and departure.

Economic Initiatives

We use very small guesthouses and a simple Auberge, they serve local food and try to make a special effort regarding recycling, zero plastic use, eco-friendly cleaning products, and energy and water savings.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
It's recommended to be in good physical condition to do this trip.