- Experience the beauty of the French Riviera, walking coastal paths and mountain trails
- Visit Sainte-Agnès, among the most beautiful villages in France
- Walk among cacti and succulents while enjoying sea views in the Exotic Garden in Eze
- See rare sub-tropical plants at the Serre de la Madone garden in Menton
- Explore chic Monaco, visiting the hilltop old town and world-famous Casino de Monte-Carlo
- Stay in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, just a short walk from the Mediterranean Sea
Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera
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Excl. flights
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Enjoy coastal walking on the Cote d’Azur
On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how the city earned its nickname ‘the Pearl of France’, combining gardens, seaport, beach resort and a hiker’s paradise into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking trip. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (Hôtel Méditérranée Menton)
- Five days with walking
- Group normally 5 to 15, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: France
What's Included
- All breakfasts
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
5 Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:
Approximately four to six hours of walking per day
Terrain:
Low altitude; good paths, some rocky sections
Altitude maximum: 2,464ft (751m); average: 1,150ft (350m)
Day 2
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 3
6 km / 3.7 miles
Day 4
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 6
9 km / 5.6 miles
Day 7
3 km / 1.9 miles
Itinerary
Menton Menton
Fly to Nice; transfer to Menton
On arrival to Nice Airport, we take a 45-minute bus transfer to our hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Start Menton
Our start point is a three-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.
Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès
Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take a two-minute train to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula, enjoying coastal views, where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the train back to Menton.
Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze Plage
We begin our day with a 20-minute train journey to Eze Plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century with magnificent coastal views. From here, we can walk up to the Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we have an hour or so to explore the Exotic Garden, which is built 1,407ft (429m) above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze Plage, before taking the train back to Menton. The Nietzsche path includes a lot of uneven and rocky steps which requires a reasonable level of agility.
Train to Cap d'Ail; coastal walk and ferry to Monaco
In the morning, we take the train to Cap d’Ail, followed by a coastal walk to Monaco via the beautiful medieval village of Roquebrune.
We walk down to Monaco and take a quick ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We have all afternoon to discover this small independent state, including a tour of the highlights, such as the Princes’ Palace, old town and cathedral. After, we return by train to Menton.
Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area
On your free day, you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares plus the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively, you could visit one or more of the eight gardens in Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market and the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer despite its diminutive size, and is renowned for the luxurious lifestyle afforded to its residents.
Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula
This morning, we take a 30-minute train to Villefranche sur Mer, walking towards the Pointe St Hospice to admire spectacular views on Golfe de St Hospice. It’s a gentle walk on concrete to Saint Jean Cap Ferrat’s harbour, followed by a flat coastal path with beautiful views.
We then visit the Villa de Rothschild (entrance fees included), where we explore the house and different gardens of various styles. Following our exploration, we return by train from Beaulieu.
Visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes
In the morning, we take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a two-hour visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston, it was turned from terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, it is registered as ‘one of the most beautiful villages in France’. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios and, at 2,625ft (800m) above sea level, offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk (a long, steep and rocky descent) back to the hotel.
Transfer to Nice; fly to London
After a relaxed breakfast we transfer to Nice for our flight to London.
End Menton
After a relaxed breakfast, we say our goodbyes and begin our return journey home. If you’d like to explore a little more, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
Essential Info
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hôtel Méditérranée Menton, 5 Rue de la République, 06500 Menton
Phone: +33 4 92 41 81 81
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Nice Airport (NCE)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 50 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
From the airport, it is a simple journey to our hotel in Menton. Take the shuttle bus no. 110 (Monaco – Menton Express) and you will alight a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The cost of the bus is approximately €22 one way. Please see here for further details: http://uk.niceairportxpress.com/timetables.html
The cost of a taxi from the airport to the hotel is approximately €100 one way.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
This trip can be combined!
With so much to see and do in the world we know how hard it is to settle just on one destination. That’s why we have put together a handy guide of trips you can do back‐to‐back.
This trip aligns with most departures of Walks of the Cinque Terre & Portofino (trip code: TEH). To transfer between the two destinations – Nice (Menton) to Pisa (Moneglia) – you can take the train via Genova (approximately five hours) to Moneglia. Please note, both departures need to be guaranteed for these trip combinations to be confirmed.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Menton
Location end: Menton
Hôtel Méditérranée Menton
Just a three-minute walk from the sea yet still in the heart of Menton, this 89-room hotel makes the perfect base for a week of walking.
Spend downtime on the rooftop, enjoying views across terracotta-topped buildings to the sea and mountains or chatting with the group over a cocktail or two from the bar.
On the ground-floor, Le Mediterranee restaurant serves “French classics with a Mediterranean twist” – food you can enjoy on the air-conditioned veranda; in the mornings, fuel up for our walks with a buffet breakfast, which includes pastries, pancakes, Menton marmalade, eggs, sausages, bacon and more.
Reviews
Add your own reviewPerfect combination of walking and gardens
Mixed walks along the stunning French Riviera coastline coupled with visits to some of the most famous gardens in the region. Opportunity to learn about the history of the area and a must for garden lovers. Warm enough to swim in peaceful Med sea in October. Menton, the resort were stayed throughout our trip, retains the atmosphere of genteel aristocratic tourism. The Italian influence is strong as the town is just a few kilometres from the Italian border. Most of the restaurants serve Italian food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every time we turned a corner to see another beautiful view of the Med, the coastline and the azure sky. The visit to the Ephrussi villa and garden owned by Beatrice Rothschild early last century with its 18th century interior and immaculate gardens with the sea on either side stood out.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gee was amazing from start to finish - friendly, informed and very helpful with walking techniques. She always went the extra mile. For example, she joining our group every night for dinner even though the dinners were not part of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go! This is possibly the most beautiful of the 10 or so walking holidays I've been on in Southern Europe (not all with Exodus). Take your walking sticks and a good pair of walking boots. Part of one walk and the walk on the last day were down tricky rocky slopes which were too difficult for me and I think more difficult than the Level 2 of the trip. The guide arranged for those of us who didn't want to join the difficult walks a way back on the bus. This did not detract from my overall delight with the trip.
Perfect combination of walking and gardens
Mixed walks along the stunning French Riviera coastline coupled with visits to some of the most famous gardens in the region. Opportunity to learn about the history of the area and a must for garden lovers. Warm enough to swim in peaceful Med sea in October. Menton, the resort were stayed throughout our trip, retains the atmosphere of genteel aristocratic tourism. The Italian influence is strong as the town is just a few kilometres from the Italian border. Most of the restaurants serve Italian food.
Most Inspirational Moment
Every time we turned a corner to see another beautiful view of the Med, the coastline and the azure sky. The visit to the Ephrussi villa and garden owned by Beatrice Rothschild early last century with its 18th century interior and immaculate gardens with the sea on either side stood out.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Gee was amazing from start to finish - friendly, informed and very helpful with walking techniques. She always went the extra mile. For example, she joining our group every night for dinner even though the dinners were not part of the trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go! This is possibly the most beautiful of the 10 or so walking holidays I've been on in Southern Europe (not all with Exodus). Take your walking sticks and a good pair of walking boots. Part of one walk and the walk on the last day were down tricky rocky slopes which were too difficult for me and I think more difficult than the Level 2 of the trip. The guide arranged for those of us who didn't want to join the difficult walks a way back on the bus. This did not detract from my overall delight with the trip.
Walking in the French Riviera is a must!
I recently enjoyed this fantastic walking tour with Exodus!
We were based in the charming town of Menton, perfectly positioned to explore the stunning French Riviera. Surrounded by so much history, and some of the best coastal views and of course some of the best Mediterranean food.
The variety of walks offered breathtaking views from the coastal capes to forest and limestone paths.
Hiking Mont Bastide was a highlight for me – once you summit, and on a very clear day you can see everything from the sea views to the amazing maritime Alps in France and Italy.
Exploring Eze, was my absolute favourite village. A fairy-tale town with enchanting cobblestone streets and historical charm with its hilltop garden and views of the sea were captivating. Treated myself at the local Perfume shop for a nice keepsake.
The diverse gardens throughout the region were a delightful surprise, particularly the terraced garden of Serre de la Madone with a serene escape.
So happy I got to enjoy so much of the Riviera over the week and what is has to offer!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our local leader Sandrine really made this trip! She is a mountain guide and having her lead and making my group feel so comfortable with the walks, was great. Teaching us some tips and tricks for the descents was helpful and will be using on future trips!
Menton
This was another delightful walking trip with a good group. The leader Jessica was born locally and is passionate about the history of her region, so that we now know all about the mountain paths along which the donkeys carried the salt over to Italy. Hotel Mediterranee is very comfortable, and close enough to the sea that we were able to have some lovely evening meals in a variety of French and Italian restaurants. on the front.
Most Inspirational Moment
The exotic gardens at Eze, and the views over the coast.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Extremely friendly and well organised - goodness knows what she put in her huge back-pack each day.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Not really - the Trip Notes are very accurate and say it all.
Walking French riverra
Excellent guide, Sandrine. Exodus must retain her!!
Routes, excellent variety, interest and length.
Good hotel. Below average breakfast. I had a very good room, but too much vegetation outside window!! Very good roof top bar.
Good transport.
Flights, don’t like late day flights.
Most Inspirational Moment
Walks up high in on coastal hills, with views down to sea. Narrow hillside tracks, walking amongst special plants. WWII underground area at top of hill - sitting on top of a gun turret, eating lunch with a 360 deg view, reflecting! Being in and exploring the old towns Day in Monaco. Our guide Sandrine was inspirational in her enthusiasm and knowledge
Thoughts on Group Leader
Outstanding - see above.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Embrace the situation and explore the differences!
Walking the French Riviera
Stunning scenery. Walks a little slow as we stopped a lot to look at the flora but sufficiently challenging.
Most Inspirational Moment
Views and visiting Eze which was optional at lunch stop. Medieval streets in small castle, very worth visiting.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very helpful, explained everything clearly each day, knew the area well and pointed out all the towns and bays etc.
Walking The French Riviera 2017
Perfect break away – good capable leader – perfect hotel and wonderful location in Menton. We had a good week and walked to some super places. We enjoyed great meals out in the evening and altogether with the super October weather experienced a truely wonderful holiday
Most Inspirational Moment
Repeated moments as walked up to 14km. in a day and was able to repeat this day after day willingly and relatively effortlessly - this was inspirational for future holidays of a similar nature
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our leader was very capable - socialised and communicated well and we felt with her
Advice for Potential Travellers
Use Exodus - take a fair quality camera - a sunhat and a good pair of stout shoes and UVA & B lotion factor 30-50 even in October
Wonderful hiking trip, great guide Stephanie
The trip was great, really nice group of people ands very knowledgable guide with a great sense of humour. The location was beautiful and the hikes very satisfying.
Most Inspirational Moment
The hike to the Italain border in the hills Overlooking the great views of the sea and the French Riviera and Italy was beautiful and peaceful. Also the walks around Menton in early evening were very scenic.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our group leader was very good. Highly knowledgable and supportive. She had a fun sense of humour and lot's of Stories and history of about the area and the plant life.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Lot's of sunscreen and enjoying the lovely French countryside
La Cote d'Azur est tres belle
This was my first walking holiday and I really enjoyed it. The Riviera is beautiful. The walks along the spectacular coastline, up in the hills and through the seemingly timeless villages were all excellent. It’s hard to believe that some people live there all the time. The other people on the holiday were all nice and friendly, so I should not have worried before booking.
Most Inspirational Moment
Probably Roquebrune but it was all good. On Saturday morning in Menton I saw Chris Froome, Tour de France winner.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Sandrine is a great guide. She has lots of knowledge of the region, was always friendly and cheerful and was always well organised. I like her taste in coffee.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I got a few insect bites but insects love me, so others might have no problems.
Enjoyed every minute
My first solo walking holiday surpassed expectations. Every day was different. The walks varied from rocky steep mountain trails to flat coastal paths. The scenery was beautiful. The views of the Riviera from clifftops were spectacular. Wandering through quaint , quiet villages was a delight. An added bonus was the friendly company of everyone in the group and the laughter and different stories about life in other countries at dinner in local restaurants.
Most Inspirational Moment
I was very pleased to make the steepest ascent and descent of 460 metres on tricky mountain Paths.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Stephanie was always cheerful and professional. I always felt confident as she guided us along many different paths and taught us how to negotiate some difficult terrain. The whole holiday was well organised, including evening dinners . A definite plus for solo travellers.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself, at any age. Our ages ranges from mid 40's to late 60's . Despite a few aches and pains we all coped well. It is wise to train before hand, including walking up and down steps!
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Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera
Excl. flights