Join us on an unforgettable French Riviera walking vacation, exploring spectacular coastal trails, picturesque hilltop villages and the hidden treasures of the Côte d’Azur.
Discover the French Riviera beyond its glamorous resorts on our expertly guided, small-group walking tour. From beautiful Mediterranean coastal paths to medieval villages and breathtaking mountain viewpoints, this journey combines natural beauty, fascinating culture and authentic French experiences.
Along the way, explore some of the best walking trails on the French Riviera. Discover historic towns, artistic heritage, fragrant gardens and spectacular sea views, all while enjoying the region’s unmistakable joie de vivre.
Our French Riviera walking adventure begins in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, one of the Côte d’Azur’s most beautiful hilltop villages. Famous for its artistic heritage, this charming medieval settlement has attracted painters, writers and creative minds for generations.
Wander through narrow cobbled streets lined with art galleries, traditional stone buildings and inviting cafés. Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside offers wonderful views across the hills towards the Mediterranean coast.
With its rich cultural history and picturesque setting, Saint-Paul-de-Vence provides a memorable introduction to the French Riviera.
Next, discover Cannes, a glamorous coastal city renowned for its international film festival, luxury hotels and beautiful Mediterranean setting.
Stroll along the famous Boulevard de la Croisette, where palm trees, elegant architecture and sandy beaches create one of the Riviera’s most recognisable waterfronts.
After exploring Cannes, take a short boat trip to Île Saint-Honorat, one of the beautiful Lérins Islands. This peaceful island offers a wonderful contrast to the bustling mainland.
Here, quiet walking paths lead past vineyards, historic religious buildings and the remarkable Lérins Abbey. Enjoy the tranquillity of this secluded Mediterranean retreat, surrounded by sparkling blue waters.
Our guided French Riviera walking tour continues along the beautiful Mediterranean coastline to Cagnes-sur-Mer. This charming seaside destination retains traces of its traditional fishing heritage, with colourful houses, blue shutters and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Enjoy scenic waterfront walks and discover a quieter side of the Côte d’Azur, away from its more glamorous resorts.
We also explore the beautiful Cap d’Antibes peninsula, renowned for its dramatic coastal scenery, luxurious villas and picturesque walking trails.
Follow scenic paths overlooking the Mediterranean and discover the historic Garoupe Lighthouse area. From here, enjoy sweeping views across the coastline and surrounding Riviera landscape.
For a different perspective on the French Riviera, we head inland towards the dramatic limestone hills above the Mediterranean coast.
Here, follow the aptly named Paradise Path (Chemin du Paradis), a historic walking trail leading towards the spectacular hilltop village of Gourdon.
Perched high above the surrounding valleys, Gourdon offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the region. On clear days, the scenery stretches across the hills towards the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
With its medieval streets, traditional stone houses and dramatic clifftop setting, Gourdon is a highlight of our French Riviera walking vacation.
Our journey also takes us to Grasse, internationally celebrated as the perfume capital of the world. Nestled in the hills above Cannes, this historic town has been associated with fragrance production for centuries.
Discover the fascinating traditions of French perfumery during a hands-on workshop at the famous Fragonard perfume factory.
Learn how different fragrance notes are combined before creating your own signature scent. This memorable experience offers a wonderful insight into one of the French Riviera’s most distinctive cultural traditions.
No French Riviera walking vacation would be complete without discovering Nice, often called the Queen of the Riviera.
Explore the lively streets of Vieux Nice, the city’s atmospheric Old Town. Here, colourful markets, beautiful Baroque churches and narrow lanes reveal the region’s rich history and Mediterranean character.
Continue towards the famous Promenade des Anglais, where palm-lined walkways overlook the brilliant turquoise waters of the Baie des Anges.
Along the way, enjoy the flavours of traditional Provençal and Niçois cuisine. Local specialities include socca, a delicious chickpea flatbread, and bouillabaisse, the celebrated Provençal fish stew.
With its vibrant culture, elegant architecture and spectacular coastal setting, Nice offers an unforgettable combination of history, food and seaside charm.
Our French Riviera walking adventure also explores Èze, a spectacular medieval village perched high above the Mediterranean Sea.
Wander through its winding stone streets and discover breathtaking viewpoints overlooking the Côte d’Azur. The surrounding hills are home to some of the most scenic walking trails near Nice.
In contrast, the beautiful Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula reveals the Riviera’s elegant coastal character. Known for its luxurious villas, Mediterranean gardens and picturesque waterfront, this exclusive destination has attracted visitors for generations.
Follow peaceful coastal paths around the peninsula, enjoying magnificent views of secluded coves, rocky headlands and the sparkling Mediterranean.
Combining spectacular coastal walks, medieval villages, artistic heritage and authentic French experiences, our guided French Riviera walking vacation reveals the remarkable diversity of the Côte d’Azur.
From the glamorous waterfronts of Cannes and Nice to the peaceful trails of Saint-Honorat and the dramatic hilltop village of Gourdon, every day offers something different.
Above all, this journey captures the natural beauty, rich culture and irresistible Mediterranean charm that make the French Riviera such an exceptional walking destination.
Transfer from Nice airport or Nice city center to our hotel in the artists’ village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Welcome dinner at a restaurant in the village center.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Domaine du Mas de Pierre
We leave in the morning for Cannes. We’ll walk round the city, see the film festival hall and dream of Brigitte Bardot on the Croisette, flanked by prestigious old-style hotels. We catch a shuttle boat to reach the Lérins island of Saint-Honorat famous for its abbey, its vineyard and stunning views of Cannes and the Riviera. After lunch in a local tavern on the seashore, we walk around the island and sail back to Cagnes-sur-Mer on a private boat with vistas of the coast and the Alps. Dinner at the hotel.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Domaine du Mas de Pierre
We leave early for the countryside near Bar-sur-Loup to start our first walk ascending the “Paradise Path” and reach the historical village of Gourdon perched on the edge of the cliffs. We are rewarded for our efforts with fabulous views of the Riviera from Cannes to Italy. On a clear day, one can see Corsica in the distance.
After lunch on a terrasse of the village we drive to Grasse, the world capital of perfume, walk in the old streets to the old cathedral square, then visit the Fragonard factory. We participate in a perfume workshop where you can create your own fragrance.
After popping in the Provence Art & History Museum next door, we drive back to Saint Paul-de-Vence by the backroads. Once in Saint-Paul-de-Vence, you could opt to visit the famous Foundation Maeght Art Museum with sculpture park. This evening we dine at Restaurant La Colombe d’Or, famous for its collection of paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Braque, to name a few.
Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Domaine du Mas de Pierre
We drive to the famous Cap d’Antibes for the morning walk. We climb the Garoupe lighthouse – the most powerful of the Mediterranean coast – and visit the chapel of Notre-Dame de Bon Port with its exceptional collection of marine ex voto. Once we reach Antibes we stroll along the beach and have lunch.
The afternoon is spent exploring the old city of Antibes, its marketplace, city walls, harbor, with a possible glance at the Picasso Museum. And why not have a drink at Hotel Belles Rives in Juan-les-Pins, a preserved venue where F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote “Tender is the Night”, set on the Riviera in the Jazz Age. We reach our next hotel after a scenic 40-minute train ride. Dinner at the hotel.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, The Royal Riviera
The seaport city of Nice awaits us today! We walk along the “Baie des Anges” beach to the old harbor. Then stroll through the traditional market followed by lunch in the old town, “la vielle ville” at a typical restaurant.
The afternoon takes us to the coast just east to Nice, to the medieval village of Èze situated on top of cliffs overlooking Monaco and Italy. Visit the tropical garden above the village. Descend on the Nietzsche path down to the sea and walk to the hotel. Dinner tonight at the harbor of Villefranche at Chez Germaine, a temple of local “bouillabaisse”.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, The Royal Riviera
We commence the day by visiting Cap Ferrat, among the wealthiest places in the world. We circumvent the cape and finish the morning with a visit to the Rothschild villa and gardens. Lunch (or picnic, weather permitting) on the seashore, then train to reach the nearby town of Menton, the city of lemons, with an Italian feel. We stop at the cemetery, a surprising place of 19th century art overviewing the coast. Discover the old streets en route to the sea-promenade for shopping or having an ice cream on the seashore. Our farewell dinner takes place close to Nice harbor, toes in the sea and eyes on the sunset.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, The Royal Riviera
After breakfast, transfer to Nice Airport or Nice Train Station.
