French Riviera from Vence to Menton: Winter Sun Trails

Welcome to Vence

Arrival on your own by bus 50 mins ride from Nice to Vence via Cagnes sur Mer (ticket not included). We can also book a private transfer upon request.

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Southern Alps, Vence boasts picturesque narrow streets, ancient stone buildings, and beautiful squares adorned with fountains. The town is famous for its Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary, which houses remarkable mosaics by Marc Chagall, and the historic Chapelle du Rosaire, designed by Henri Matisse. With its lively markets on Tuesday & Friday, delightful cafes, and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, Vence offers a perfect base to explore its cultural heritage and surrounding area.

Night: Vence

Free day or 3 different loop options from Vence

Today you have many options, either relax and take a break from hiking, simply wander the cobbled, narrow streets, discover the charming little squared and enjoy al fresco dining at one of the many restaurants or choose one of the following hikes listed below.

An easy hike to one of the most famous villages: Starting in the historic centre of Vence, you head out of the town and enjoy a gentle stroll through the Sine woods. From here you alternate between forested path and paved road on a fairly flat terrain. The view of St Paul de Vence as you get closer is stunning and you can admire a series of small chapels as you approach (public bus to Vence).

Or a longer walk to Tourrettes sur Loup: Tourrettes is a picturesque medieval village backed by a range of hills, the path between Vence and Tourettes-sur-Loup goes through the woods La Sine. At the destination, you will be able to visit the village (public bus back to Vence).

A challenging hike for experienced hikers but all worth the effort as the views are outstanding spreading from the snow-covered peaks of the Alps to the Mediterranean. A Baou is a tall, steep hill with a flat top

Meals: breakfast Night: Vence

Walk 1: Vence > St Paul de Vence (and public bus back) | 1h10 | 4,5km | +95m/-240m Walk 2: Vence > Tourrettes sur Loup (and public bus back) |2h30 | 8 km | +320m/-280m Walk 3: Vence > Baous > Vence | 4h30 |12 km | +/-712m

Baudon mountain

After breakfast you’ll be transferred (1h drive) to the perched village of Sainte Agnès, also labelled amongst the most beautiful ones. You hike up to the Bausson pass, first take a small mountain road with a panoramic view of the sea, arrive at the summit and enjoy an exceptional 360° view of the whole region and the surrounding mountain peaks: a very beautiful orientation table which allows you to see as far as the summit of the Sainte Beaume and the Alps. Then head back to ST Agnes for your night at the family run simple Auberge St Yves.

Meals: breakfast Night: St Agnes

Walk: St Agnes > Cime de Baudon > St Agnes | 4h20 | 15 km |+/-600m

Down to the Med Sea

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 an 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.

Meals: breakfast Night: Menton

Walk: St Agnes > Menton | 4h30 | 14 km | +250m/-950m

Coastal walk around Cap Ferrat or Nietzsche path to Eze a beautiful Riviera village

After breakfast you have several options today: either continue with your onward travel or for for a 3h coastal hike around Cap Ferrat in Villefranche, if notyou can also explore Eze, before your tour concludes. If you opt for the Cap Ferrat hike: take the train to Villefranche it’s a short 30 mins. scenic train ride (train ticket at your own expense 4,20€ per person) it’s a beautiful 3h scenic path encircles the luxurious Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula, known for its picturesque landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and elegant villas.You can also add a detour and walk around the Eastern arm of the peninsula, add one hour. On the way you have the possibility to visit the stunning Villa Rothschild.The village of Eze is reachable also by train from Menton, it is a medieval village perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The ancient fortified village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle (torn down in 1706), sitting on a narrow rocky peak. The castle grounds host the well- known Jardin Exotique, and from the top (429 m) you'll have an good view of the coast. After your walk you take the train back to Menton.

Meals: breakfast

Walk 1: Villefranche sur Mer > Saint Jean Cap Ferrat > Villefranche sur Mer | 3h00 | 11 km | flat Walk 2: Eze train station > Nietsche path > Eze village > Eze train station | 2h00 | 5 km | +/-400m