HIKING FROM NICE

🌊 Cap de Nice – Sentier du Littoral (My Favorite Walk!)

• Distance: 5.5 km (3.4 miles)
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Map: Click here to see route

This is hands-down my favorite walk on the entire French Riviera — and I do it as often as I can. Starting from Cap de Nice, this coastal path hugs the rocky Mediterranean shoreline all the way to the charming port of Villefranche-sur-Mer. The views are simply breathtaking: turquoise sea, rugged cliffs, and the bay of Villefranche unfolding before you.

What makes it so special? The whole walk feels wild and untouched, yet you’re never far from civilization. There are free water fountains along the route so you don’t need to carry heavy bottles, and you’ll pass bars, cafés, and restaurants throughout — perfect for a mid-walk coffee or a cold rosé with a sea view at the end.

The path is easy enough for all fitness levels and completely free. Come early in the morning for the best light and fewer people, or in the late afternoon when the sun turns the water gold. Either way, you’ll understand why I keep coming back.

🌋 The Esterel & Corniche d’Or

One of the most stunning landscapes of the Riviera, with red volcanic rock formations and turquoise waters.

Top hikes in the Esterel Massif:

• Pic de l’Ours – A 1.5-hour loop with incredible views. Click here to see route
• Balconies of Cap Roux – A 4.5-hour hike offering breathtaking panoramas. Click here to see route
• Rocher de Saint-Barthélémy – A 1-hour scenic trail. Click here to see route

🚶 Nice to Beaulieu-sur-Mer via Villefranche-sur-Mer

• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Map : Click here to see route

Starting from the heart of Nice, this hike follows the Promenade des Anglais, passing by Le Plongeoir restaurant and connecting to a scenic coastal path. Along the way, you’ll find a World War II bunker, before reaching Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Stop for lunch at Achill, a fantastic seafood restaurant, then choose to return or continue walking to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

🌴 Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat: The Coastal Walk

Two hiking options:

• Le Petit Cap – 3 km (1.8 miles), 1 hour, easy.
• Le Grand Cap – 7 km (4.3 miles), 2-3 hours, moderate.
• Map : Click here to see route

This hike offers spectacular views of luxury villas, rugged cliffs, and the Mediterranean Sea. Don’t miss Chapelle Saint-Hospice, a historic chapel along the way.

🏃 Menton to Monaco: The Sentier des Douaniers

• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Duration: 4-5 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Map : Click here to see route

This coastal hike follows an old customs trail along the Mediterranean, linking the Italian border (Menton) to Monaco. Along the way, you’ll pass hidden coves and scenic cliffs before reaching the grandeur of Monte Carlo.

🏔️ Èze Village to the Sea: Nietzsche’s Path

• Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
• Duration: 1-1.5 hours (downhill), 2 hours (uphill)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Map : Click here to see route

This legendary trail connects the medieval hilltop village of Èze to Èze-sur-Mer, with spectacular views of the Riviera.

🌳 Mont Boron Loop: A Short Escape from Nice

• Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Map : Click here to see more

This easy hike offers forest trails and panoramic views over Villefranche Bay and the coastline of Nice.

🏞️ Promenade Maurice Rouvier

• Distance: 2 km (1.2 miles)
• Duration: 30-45 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Map : Click here to see route

This scenic walk provides breathtaking views of Èze, La Turbie, and Italy on the horizon. Along the way, you’ll pass David Niven Square, Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, and Villa Kérylos before reaching the Baie des Fourmis.