Hiking the backcountry of the French Riviera

Highlights of the trip

  • Discover the hidden gems in the backcountry of the French Riviera
  • Grasse, the perfume capital & Saint Paul de Vence, a source of inspiration for painters and writers
  • The beautiful perched villages of Gourdon, Saint Paul de Vence, Tourettes sur loup
  • Charming Provencal landscapes and panoramic hikes


    Customize your holiday here 

  • From 660€ /pers
    • Self-guided Walking
    • Moderate
      • 6 days
      • From March to June
      • From September to November
      • Simple -
      • Charming
      • Ref : B1166

Itinerary

Day 1 - Your arrival in the French Riviera : Grasse the perfume capital

self guided walkingtrip in grasse in the french riviera franceArrival on your own in Grasse, the perfume capital of Europe!  Your hotel is a 15-20 mins walk from the train station, or by public bus N° 5  (ticket not included ). Take the time to visit the International perfume museum and meander through the streets, taking in the  cathedral which houses works by some of the great artists including Rubens. At the Art & History Museum you can get a real insight into life in Provence through the ages.

Meals included : none
Night :
Grasse

Day 2 - From Grasse to the village of Pont du Loup

best hikes inthe countryside of the french rivieraFrom Grasse, you make your way up onto the heights and soon follow pretty paths through the woodlands before enjoying a gentle walk on a wide path with stunning views. The steep climb towards the village of Bar sur Loup is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. You descend to Bar sur Loup, where you can stop for lunch or a picnic before continuing along a forested track to Pont du Loup, your base for the night.

Shorter walk - Option 2 : We can organize a taxi transfer (please advise at the time of booking, supplement 40€).

Walk : Grasse > Pont du Loup
. Long walk -  4h30 | 18 km - 11 miles | Elevation : +760m/-930m
. Short walk (option 1)  -  4h | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +600m/-930m with a public bus to the start of the walk
Short walk (option 2)  -  3h | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +600m/-850m with an extra taxi transfer with supplement
Meals included :
breakfast 
Night :
Pont du Loup

Day 3 - Loop walk to Gourdon

great hking trip in Gourdon french riviera

Today you have 2 options : short walk option with an out and back hike up to the village of Gourdon. If you are up for it, you can add another short loop once in Gourdon taking you above the village.
From the Pont du Loup you follow the well known "Sentier du Paradis" to one of the most beautiful villages in France. It’s a steep climb but all worth it ! You can enjoy a hearty meal and admire the magnificent views from the edge of the village all the way to the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Gorges du Loup where the river cuts through the deep gorges. Return to Le Pont du Loup via the same path. 

Walk : Pont du Loup > Gourdon> Pont du Loup
. Long walk including Gourdon loop -  4h | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +600m/-930m 
Short walk (Gourdon out and back only)  -  3h | 7 km - 4 miles | Elevation : +620m/-620m 
Meals included :
breakfast 
Night :
Pont du Loup

Day 4 - From Courmes to Vence

best self guided walking trip in vence french riviera

After breakfast, a 15 min transfer takes you into the heart of the Gorges du Loup to the tiny hamlet of Courmes. From here, you climb up above the gorges on a steep and winding path with breathtaking views. You reach the beautiful Plateau St Barnabé, and the hamlet of the same name with just a scattering of houses before beginning the descent to Vence, the sea glistening in front of you as you descend. You arrive in the bustling historic centre of Vence where you will spend the next two nights.  Don't miss the "Chapelle Matisse" in Vence !

Walk : Courmes > Vence - 4h | 14 km - 9 miles | Elevation : +390m/-690m 
Meals included :
breakfast 
Night :
Vence

Day 5 - Walking options to Saint Paul de Vence, Tourrettes sur loup or the Baou blanc & noir

best hiking trip in the back country of the french riviera

Today you have 3 walking options or you can choose to simply relax and take a break from hiking and enjoy the old town of Vence with its narrow, cobbled streets, charming  square, and al fresco dining at one of the many restaurants 
- Easy walk - 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 walk between forested path and paved road on a fairly flat terrain. The perched village of Saint Paul de Vence comes into view and you can admire a series of small chapels as you approach. You take a public bus back to Vence (bus ticket not included)
- Moderate walk - The walking path to Tourettes-sur-Loup goes through the Sine woods.  Tourrettes sur Loup is labelled as one of the most beautiful villages in France. It is a picturesque medieval village with beautiful houses adorned with hundreds of flowers and wide sweeping views over the valley and the hills. You can lose yourself for hours wandering the cobbled streets! You take the public bus back to Vence (ticket not included)
- Challenging walk - A challenging hike for experienced hikers but well worth the effort as the views are outstanding  from the snow-covered peaks of the Alps to the Mediterranean. A Baou is a tall, steep hill with a flat top. There are some sections on steep rocky paths and trails and you need to feel comfortable scrambling over big rocks (not for a long time, approximately 20 min). You head  above the town of Vence and set out to conquer the famous White & Black Baous. 

Walk :
. Easy - Vence > Saint Paul de Vence  - 1h10 | 4 km - 2 miles | Elevation : +100m/-240m and public bus back to Vence
. Moderate - Vence > Tourrettes sur Loup  - 2h30 | 8 km - 5 miles | Elevation : +320m/-280m and public bus back to Vence
. Challenging - Vence > Baou Blanc - Baou noir > Vence  - 4h30 | 12 km - 7 miles | Elevation : +720m/-720m 
Meals included :
breakfast 
Night :
Vence

Day 6 - End of your tour in Vence

great walks in vence, french rivieraEnd of your trip in Vence after breakfast

Meals included : breakfast 

  • From 660€ /pers
    • Self-guided Walking
    • Moderate
      • 6 days
      • From March to June
      • From September to November
      • Simple -
      • Charming
      • Ref : B1166
YOUR TRIP

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From the blog

More hiking trips in the French Riviera

    • 6 days
    • Easy
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From March to November
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Comfort
      • /
      • Charming
      • /
      • Superior

Highlights of the trip

  • The wilderness of the islands of Porquerolles and Port Cros
  • The hidden gem of the Mediterranean gardens of Le Rayol
  • Plenty of swimming opportunities every day !
  • Majestic coastline paths and hidden inlets


    Customize your holiday here 

    • 6 days
    • Challenging
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From June to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Charming

Highlight of the tour 

  • The lakes, mountains and rock carvings of the "Vallée des Merveilles"
  • A true Alpine experience 
  • Authentic villages nestled in deep, wooded valleys surrounded by high mountains
  • The Mercantour National park and its wild fauna and flora
  • Walks on centuries old paths in some outstandingly beautiful valleys 


    Customize your holiday here 

    • 6 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From March to November
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Comfort
      • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • Authentic mountain villages surrounded by the Alps mountains
  • The cultural mix of Italian and French influences
  • The lovely perched village of Sainte Agnes
  • Ancient paths through forests and follow majestic olive groves
  • The coloured italian-style town of Menton on the Med Sea

  • Please note :  the hotels in the backcountry are quite rustic and simple, but you will appreciate the charm and authenticity. Once you get to Menton, you can choose your level of quality and comfort


    Customize your holiday here 

    • 7 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From March to November
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Comfort

Highlights 

  • Authentic villages nestled in deep wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
  • The cultural mesh of Italian and French influences
  • The lost village of La Brigue, on the Italian border
  • The magnificent perched village of Sainte Agnès
  • The coloured italian-style town of Menton on the Mediterranean Sea

  • Please note the hotels in the backcountry are quite rustic and simple, but you will appreciate the charm and authenticity. Once you get to Menton, you can choose your level of quality and comfort


    Customize your holiday here 

    • 8 days
    • Moderate
    • Self-guided Walking
      • From May to October
  •   Accommodation choice :
      • Simple
      • /
      • Comfort
      • /
      • Charming

Highlights of the trip

  • Genuine mountain villages surrounded by the Alps mountains
  • The mixed influences of Italian and French culture
  • The magnificent perched village of Sainte Agnès
    The coloured town of Menton right on the Med Sea

    Please note: the hotels in the backcountry are quite rustic and simple, but you will appreciate the charm and authenticity. Once you get to Menton & Villefranche, you can choose your level of quality and comfort

    Customize your holiday here