Hiking: Trails for Every Level

Coastal Paths (Sentier du Littoral)

The coastal path network offers spectacular walking with minimal elevation gain.

Cap d'Antibes Circuit - Distance: 5 km - Duration: 2 hours - Difficulty: Easy to moderate - Highlights: Millionaire villas, hidden coves - Access: Free, start at Plage de la Garoupe

Cap Ferrat Peninsula - Distance: 8 km full loop - Duration: 3 hours - Difficulty: Easy - Highlights: Rothschild villa views, pristine coves - Access: Multiple entry points

Monaco to Cap d'Ail - Distance: 4 km - Duration: 1.5 hours - Difficulty: Easy - Highlights: Cross into Monaco on foot - Access: Start at Plage Mala

Esterel Coastline - Multiple trails - Dramatic red rocks - Various difficulties - Swimming opportunities - Bus accessible from Saint-Raphaël

Mountain Trails

Nietzsche Path (Èze) - Distance: 2 km - Duration: 1.5 hours down, 2.5 up - Difficulty: Challenging - Highlights: Philosophy and views - Access: Between Èze village and sea

Baou de Saint-Jeannet - Distance: 4 km round trip - Duration: 3 hours - Difficulty: Moderate to challenging - Highlights: 360-degree views - Access: Bus to Saint-Jeannet

Mont Vinaigrier (Nice) - Distance: 8 km loop - Duration: 3-4 hours - Difficulty: Moderate - Highlights: Bay of Angels panorama - Access: Start from Nice suburbs

Mercantour National Park - Multiple day hikes - Alpine scenery - All difficulty levels - Valley of Marvels - Bus access to some trailheads

Village to Village Hikes

Vence to Saint-Paul-de-Vence - Distance: 6 km - Duration: 2 hours - Difficulty: Easy - Highlights: Rural Provence - Return by bus possible

Gourdon to Grasse - Distance: 12 km - Duration: 4 hours - Difficulty: Moderate (mostly downhill) - Highlights: Dramatic views - One-way recommended

Hiking Essentials

What to Bring: - Plenty of water (no fountains usually) - Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) - Proper footwear - Map or GPS - Snacks - First aid basics

Safety Considerations: - Check weather forecasts - Inform someone of plans - Start early in summer - Respect trail closures - Stay on marked paths - Fire risk in dry seasons

Free Resources: - Tourist office maps - Visorando app - AllTrails app - Local hiking clubs - Facebook groups