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Walking Tours

Walks & Gardens of the Côte d’Azur

France

7 nights 1 Departure Available

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Come to the Côte d’Azur to wander swanky beach towns and stately gardens on a group walking tour of this coveted coastline, beloved by the rich and famous

Overview

There’s no better way to experience the glamour and coastal splendour of the French Riviera than with your own two feet. Bypass the crowds with slow-paced group rambles along paths that frame sweeping views of the jewel-blue Mediterranean Sea, leading to ancient villages perched on rocky hilltops, royal summer palaces and opulent villas. Explore from Menton on the Italian border, a lesser-visited town known as the Pearl of France for its sun-soaked disposition and show-stopping location between the mountains and the sea. 

Travel by scenic train and bus to begin gentle daily walks with your group on the Cap Martin peninsula and over the dramatic Castillon mountain pass to Sainte-Agnès, Europe’s highest coastal village, blessed with superb alpine scenery. Stop for decadent picnics with panoramic sea views and to sip French wines accompanied by creamy cheeses on the terrace of sea-front eateries. Along the way, you’ll witness the famed glitz of the Côte d’Azur with a stop in Monaco to peruse its mega-yacht-studded harbour and casinos. 

The Côte d’Azur’s lavish gardens are a highlight of the region and a focal point of this trip. Enjoy leisurely walks among the Exotic Garden of Eze, set on a medieval fortress site high above the Mediterranean, and at the Belle-Epoque style Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, which features nine themed gardens, from rose and Japanese to stone and Florentine. In the Palais Carnolès, you’ll stroll among sculpture-dotted citrus groves classified as one of the Remarkable Gardens of France. 

Highlights

  • The exotic gardens of Eze and Villa de Rothschild
  • The medieval perched villages of Sainte-Agnès and Eze
  • Witness the famed glitz of Monaco
  • Head inland into the mountains of the Alpes-Maritimes
  • Wander the tiny lanes of picturesque Menton
  • Sample the delicious seafood paired with wines
Walks & Gardens Of The Cote D'azur Map 2024

Itinerary

Day 1 - Fly to Nice and enjoy a welcome dinner

Fly to Nice and transfer to the 3-star Hotel Westminster, ideally located on the seafront in the centre of Menton, for seven nights. There will be an evening brief with your tour leader, followed by a welcome dinner.(D)

Day 2 - Visit Menton and enjoy a Cap Martin walk

Cap Martin walk. After a quick visit of Menton, including a stop at the market where you can buy some food for a picnic lunch, we’ll take the train or public bus to Carnoles. From here we’ll enjoy a beautiful coastal walk around the Cap Martin peninsula including a stop for a scenic picnic lunch. After the walk, visit the garden of the Palais Carnolès which surrounds the former summer residence of the Princes of Monaco. The garden is home to the most important collection of citrus fruits in Europe with 137 varieties. Return to Menton by train or public bus, with time to relax before dinner.
(B)

Walking distance: 7kms (4.5 miles). Elevation: 80m ascent/80m descent.

Day 3 - Explore the famous sights in Monaco and Eze

Explore Monaco and Eze. After breakfast we’ll take the train to Monaco to discover the tiny streets and beautiful buildings of its old town, as well as the chic casino area. Cross the harbour by shuttle boat and enjoy some free time to explore the town, before transferring by private bus to the village of Eze in the early afternoon. Built on a hill with magnificent views across the coast, Eze is a charming little 14th-century village which was famous for its production of cloves and oranges. 

Visit the Exotic Garden of Eze perched 429m above the Mediterranean Sea on the site of a medieval fortress. The garden features numerous plant species from all the continents, while the garden pathways are dotted with information about Eze’s artistic and historical heritage. After further free time to wander the lanes, transfer by private bus back to Menton.
(B)

Day 4 - Walk along from Castillon to Sainte-Agnes

Castillon to Sainte-Agnès walk. Heading inland today we transfer by bus to the Castillon mountain pass at 707m above sea level. Here we’ll discover a very different landscape as we walk through a remote region surrounding by mountains. The route finishes in Sainte-Agnès, a medieval village perched high on a rocky outcrop with incredible views over the coastline. It has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Enjoy a wander through the old streets and don’t miss a slice of tart in the local bar restaurant! Transfer back to Menton by bus.
(B)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 170m ascent/210m descent.

Day 5 - Spend the day at leisure to relax or explore

Free day. Menton is a charming old town and perfect to explore on foot. Highlights include the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares as well as the impressive façade of the Saint-Michel Basilica. If you’d like to head further afield, take the train to Nice with its renowned market and the ‘Promenade des Anglais’, or a train in the opposite direction to Ventimiglia across the border in Italy. Famous for its market, beaches and colourful old town, the laid-back atmosphere of this coastal resort offers a pleasant contrast to its French neighbours.
(B)

Day 6 - Enjoy a Sospel botanic walk

Sospel botanic walk. Today we transfer inland to Sospel, a picturesque medieval village surrounded by mountains and olive groves where many of the houses feature colourful facades reminiscent of nearby Italy. After time to wander around town we’ll enjoy a botanic walk along the banks of the Bevera River. You’ll discover the diverse vegetation of this area including saxicolous lichens and mosses, and walk through woodland with downy oak scrub, wig trees and field maple. Return to Sospel and transfer back to Menton.
(B)

Walking distance: 8kms (5 miles). Elevation: 220m ascent/220m descent.

Day 7 - Walk along the Sain Jean Cap Ferrat commune

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat walk. After a train ride to Villefranche-sur-Mer, we’ll enjoy a spectacular coastal walk to Gavinette point – a perfect picnic spot with views across Villefranche Bay. The walk continues to Cap Ferrat where we visit the Villa de Rothschild, one of the most beautiful palaces on the French Riviera boasting nine remarkable themed gardens overlooking the Mediterranean. Return to Menton by train for a farewell group dinner.
(B, D)

Walking distance: 9kms (5.5 miles). Elevation: 100m ascent/100m descent.

Day 8 - Fly home from Nice

Transfer to Nice airport for your return flight to London.
(B)

Notes:

Some walks may occasionally need to be altered or replaced in the event of adverse weather conditions.

Unique Experience

Accommodation

Here is a list of the accommodation you can stay in for this tour. Occasionally we use alternative hotels, or have a choice of hotels to choose from which will be detailed when booking.

Hotel Royal Westminster, Menton, France, Exterior

Hotel Royal Westminster - Menton

An elegant 3-star hotel that overlooks Menton’s buzzing bay and promenade. Restaurant, bar and spa. 92 air-conditioned rooms with sea or city views, hairdryer, safe and television.

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Stay Extra Nights...

Add extra nights to your tour at the starting or ending hotel.

- Travel Guides -

You can find out more about the county on the travel guide.

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Dates and prices

19 Oct 25

7 nights

From £2375 pp

per person incl flight
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