Walks & Gardens of the Côte d’Azur

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

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.

Tour Highlights

Admire the exotic gardens of Eze and Villa de Rothschild

Explore the medieval perched villages of Sainte-Agnès and Eze

Visit Monaco where traditional architecture collides with chic boutiques

Head inland, deep into the mountains of the Alpes-Maritimes

Wander the tiny lanes of picturesque Menton

Sample the scrumptious seafood paired with refreshing wines

Man wearing walking boots on a low rocky cliff

WALK DETAILS

Is This Holiday for You?

Jules Verne On Foot is all about exploring a region at a relaxed pace, blending fascinating local culture with breathtaking scenery and peaceful walking trails.

Physical rating – This tour involves five days of low altitude walking and is rated as Leisurely. This means it’s one of our easier walking holidays, including walking and other activities requiring a general good level of health to enjoy. Walks range from 7-9km (4.5-5.5 miles) in length with a maximum ascent of 220m and a maximum descent of 220m. You should be confident in your ability to walk for up to 5 hours including frequent breaks and time to admire the spectacular views. Maximum elevation on this tour is approximately 800m.

Terrain – Walking routes generally follow quiet paved roads and coastal promenades, easy dirt roads and gravel tracks with some loose stones requiring a good level of balance, so the tour is unsuitable for those with knee or joint issues.

Weather – Our departures avoid the summer months when temperatures are uncomfortably hot for walking. You can anticipate temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees C (59-68 degrees F) but should be prepared for unseasonably hot or cold conditions, as well as the chance of rain.

What to pack – Proper walking boots or trekking shoes with grippy soles (trainers are unsuitable). Waterproof/breathable jacket. Lightweight fleece or windstopper jacket. Sun hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen. Warm hat and gloves. Small rucksack (around 20 litres or more in capacity). Refillable water bottle or hydration bladder. Walking poles (optional). Swimwear and a small towel. Any personal medication.

Is This Walking Holiday for You?

Jules Verne On Foot is all about exploring a region at a relaxed pace, blending fascinating local culture with breathtaking scenery and peaceful walking trails.