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self guided |
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| From the Southern Alps to the Riviera |
Behind the French Riviera the Alps rise dramatically. Almost all tourists visit the tiny strip of land along the coast, but the backcountry is dotted with timeless villages that have escaped the glitz and glamour of the towns along the sea. Your centuries-old paths lead from one village to the next, with jawdropping panoramas of mountains and Mediterranean Sea. You reach the town of Menton, one of the prettiest villages of the coastline, where you can stroll along the beaches and enjoy an ambiance only the Côte d'Azur can offer... |
| Day 1 : La Brigue
You arrive in the timeless village of La Brigue, nestled in the mountains near the Italian border, with its beautiful architecture and its centuries-old homes with colourful façades. The village traded its Italian flag for a French one in 1947, and much of this valley is bathed in a Franco-Italian fusion of language, food, and culture. Dinner included and night in La Brigue.
Day 2 : Panoramic views above Tende
La Brigue > La Brigue
4 hours, 12 km, +550m /-550m
You climb from the town of La Brigue, up a tight valley laden with wild lavender, thyme, and winter savoury. Passing the ruins of stone dwellings you reach the Boselia pass, and begin a breathtaking and panoramic descent along the slope towards Tende, the very last town before the Italian border. Take a well-deserved pause in town, at a local café or restaurant. Though we have marked a walking route to return to La Brigue, the railway line links both villages, and so you can take the train to return. Dinner on your own and night in La Brigue.
Day 3 : Olive groves to Italy
Breil sur Roya > Sospel
5 hours, 30 mins., 15 km, +600m/-550m,
A scenic and short train ride takes you to the town of Breil sur Roya, lower in the valley. The town of Breil is shaped like a quarter moon, nestled between the mountains and the Roya River. From Breil a path leads you along centuries-old terraces through the olive groves, and high above the Roya. You reach the tiny village of Piène Haute, seemingly lost on its rocky perch, with a year-round population of only 30 souls. From here you descend a valley adorned with ancient olive trees, and arrive smack on the border between France and Italy. Embark on a small detour to the quaint Italian village of Olivetta for lunch before walking above a spectacular gorge to Sospel. Dinner on your own and night in Sospel.
Day 4 : To the highest coastline village in Europe
Sospel > Sainte Agnès
4 hours, 10km, +/-500m
A short taxi transfer takes you to the Col de Castillon pass, where you are teased with views of the shining blue Mediterranean Sea. But there's still some work to be done before you get there; you follow a path under the shade of an ash forest and zigzag upward towards the watchtower of Mont Ours before the true panorama is laid out: the entire Riviera and even the island of Corsica in clear weather. The medieval town of Sainte Agnes sits perched like an eagle's nest between you and the sea, and as you approach the village you can feel the Riviera getting closer. Sainte Agnès is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, its narrow cobbled streets built over the centuries with massive granite blocks. Only 3km from the sea as the crow flies, and perched at 800m in altitude, Sainte Agnès is listed as Europe's highest coastline village. Dinner is included and night in Sainte Agnès.
Day 5 : Down to the Mediterranean
Sainte Agnès > Menton
4 hours, 30mins., 14km, +250m/-950m
Leaving Sainte Agnès you descend into a lush valley, framing the hilltop town of Castellar. The sleepy town of Castellar, with its quiet streets, sole grocery store, bar and two restaurants, is a last bastion of tranquility before arriving on the Riviera. From Castellar you find and old path winding down, and soon you've reached a set of ancient steps set directly above the old village of Menton. Spend time along the colourful labyrinth of streets in the old town before a small stretch of boardwalk leading to your hotel. Dinner on your own and night in Menton.
Day 6 : Menton
Too much to see and do along the Riviera, and too many people to watch. And that's why we suggest an extra night here in Menton, probably the prettiest town on the Mediterranean, to explore the most happening place on the planet...
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| Included |
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- 5 nights double occupancy with private facilities
- 5 breakfasts, 2 dinners, one picnic lunch
- Day 3: train from La Brigue to Breil sur Roya
- Day 4: transfer by taxi from Sospel to the Col de Castillon pass
- luggage transfers from days 3 to 5
- Our Roadbook with detailed walking itineraries and maps
Not included
Transportation to La Brigue and from Menton, all lunches and dinners not noted on the itinerary, entrance fees into museums, insurance, drinks, items of a personal nature
Some dates become very busy, book early if you want to be sure to get space for your next holiday!
All Provence, May, long weekends.
Feel free to book extra nights before or after your tour to discover a town, to relax or to enjoy a little more Provence. Online, at your booking or afterwards, through your "My account" space.
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| Highlights |
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> authentic villages nestled in deep wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
> the cultural mesh of Italian and French influences
> the town of Menton on the Mediterranean Sea |
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| Hotels |
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| Le Mirval |
This charming hotel is situated by the river, in an oasis of willow trees and lush vegetation. The rooms are modern and comfortable, while a large bay window looks out from the finely decorated dining room. |
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| Hotel des Etrangers |
Set in the heart of the village of Sospel, the hotel des Etrangers offers comfortable and modern rooms, a very warm welcome, excellent food, and a swimming pool set just above the river. |
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| Le Saint Yves (Half-board) |
Perched high above the Mediterranean, and in rooms with manificent sea and mountain views, it's hard not to be enchanted with the Saint Yves Hotel in Sainte Agnès. Though there are no bells and whistles, the rooms are all modern, and the fellow walkers' ambiance here is extremely warm and friendly. At the restaurant you'll find the same atmosphere, and be careful what you order: the portions are set for even the most famished walker! (dinner included in the indicated price) |
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| Le Paris Rome |
The Castellana family has owned and run the hotel for more than 100 years; the matriarch of the family, now over 80, still works there. Elegance and modernity are harmoniously balanced in each one of the rooms, while the gastronomic restaurant, set in an oasis of subtropical vegetation, has one star in the Michelin guide. |
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