Overview
An eight day, self-guided walking holiday following trails through some of France’s most beautiful hilltop villages. Starting in Sospel and finishing in Villefranche-sur-Mer, expect luscious valleys, vineyards and views from mountains to Mediterranean. Hiking highlights along the way include Roya Valley, an ascent to the summit of Mont Ours (1,239m), an overnight stay in Sainte-Agnès (800m), the highest hilltop village on the Côte d’Azur, and a hike to the magical town of Menton. Another top trail is from Villefranche-sur-Mer around the exquisite and exclusive peninsula, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Accommodation on this walking holiday is in a mix of traditional hotels and guesthouses, with some upgrade options.
- Roya Valley
- Menton
- Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Breil-sur-Roya
- Èze-sur-Mer
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Sospel
Arrival in Sospel by train from Nice (not included), followed by a short walk from the train station to your guesthouse. Alternatively, book an optional transfer from Nice. The most striking monument in Sospel is the fortified bridge (Pont fortifié), built in the 12th century and used as a toll bridge for travellers, spanning over the Brévera. On the Bévera, Sospel is grouped into two distinct old towns, one on each side of the river. The streets of the old town (both halves) are very narrow with tall buildings. The Place Saint Michel is by far the most colourful and picturesque site in Sospel.
- Accommodation: Les Iris Chambres d’hôtes or similar
- Dinner included
Day 2: Breil-sur-Roya – Piène Haute – Sospel | 10-15km
Short transfer to Breil-sur-Roya. Today you will walk from Breil-sur-Roya to Sospel, passing by Piène Haute, with breathtaking views as you cross balcony paths and walk through olive groves. There are two choices of trails above the village, and we have selected the one less travelled, following abandoned stone terraces dotted with olive trees. You reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched above the valley. Your path then takes you to Italy – to the colourful town of Olivetta – before returning to France and the town of Sospel. Overnight in Sospel, dinner included. Alternatively, today’s route can be shortened by taking the morning transfer to Piene Haute and doing a shorter hike from here to Sospel (10km).
- Accommodation: Les Iris Chambres d’hôtes or similar
- Walking for the day: 15km, 5-6h, ↑600m ↓550m; shorter option from Piene Haute: 10km, 4h, ↑300m ↓490m
- Dinner included
Day 3: Sospel – Sainte-Agnès | 10km
In the morning, a short car transfer will bring you from Sospel to Col de Castillon (15mins). From Col de Castillon, the route climbs towards the summit of Mont Ours (1,239m) before descending to the hilltop village of Sainte-Agnès. Overnight in Sainte-Agnès (800m), the highest hilltop village on the Côte d’Azur and listed among the most beautiful villages in France.
- Accommodation: Le Saint Yves
- Walking for the day: 10km, 4h, ↑550m ↓550m
Please note: Le Saint Yves, located in the heart of Sainte-Agnès, has long been a firm favourite with walkers for its location and great food, but is simple and more hostel in style, with modest rooms, all ensuite.
Day 4: Sainte-Agnès – Cime de Baudon – Sainte-Agnès | 15km
Starting from the perched village of Sainte‑Agnès, the route climbs steadily over the Bausson pass. For around 30 minutes, you follow a small mountain road with panoramic views of the sea; it is lightly trafficked and mainly used by cyclists. The ascent continues to the Cime de Baudon, whose summit offers a 360° view across the region and surrounding peaks, with an orientation table indicating landmarks as far as the Sainte‑Baume and the Alps. Overnight in Sainte‑Agnès.
- Accommodation: Le Saint Yves
- Walking for the day: 15km, 4-5h, ↑600m ↓600m
Day 5: Sainte-Agnès – Menton | 14km
Leave Sainte-Agnès and walk along the valley to the villages of Monti and Castellar. Castellar, with its quiet lanes and small collection of local services, marks the transition from the back‑country to the Riviera. The route then descends to Menton, known for its narrow streets and historic architecture. The area’s particularly mild microclimate favours citrus growing, and lemon products remain part of local production. Overnight in Menton.
- Accommodation: Hotel Lemon or similar / upgraded option: Hotel Dauphin or similar
- Walking for the day: 14km, 4-5h, ↑250m ↓450m
Day 6: Villefranche-sur-Mer via Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat | 11-14km
After breakfast, you take the train with your luggage from Menton to Villefranche-sur-Mer; it’s a short 30min scenic train ride (train tickets not included, EUR 4-5 per person). You leave your luggage at your hotel and start your first walk around the famous Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat; it’s a beautiful three-hour coastal walk. You can also add a detour and walk around the eastern arm of the peninsula, adding one hour. Overnight in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
- Accommodation: Hôtel Le Provencal or similar // upgraded option: Hotel La Flore or similar
- Walking for the day: 11/14km, 3/4h, negligible elevation gain/loss
Day 7: Èze-sur-Mer | 5km
After breakfast, you take a 5min train ride from Villefranche-sur-Mer to Èze-sur-Mer (train tickets not included, ~EUR 2 per person), is a medieval village perched like an eagle’s 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). The castle grounds host the well-known Jardin Exotique, and from the top (429m) you enjoy amazing views of the coast. After the walk, take the train back to your hotel (train tickets not included, ~EUR 2 per person). Overnight in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
- Accommodation: Hôtel Le Provencal or similar // upgraded option: Hotel La Flore or similar
- Walking for the day: 5km, 2h, ↑400m ↓400m
Day 8: Departure
End of the trip after breakfast or extra nights in Villefranche-sur-Mer.
What to expect
Accommodation
Accommodation is in simple but charming hotels and guesthouses in private en-suite double/twin rooms. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have chosen accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour. An optional hotel upgrade in Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer is possible on request.
Click to view standard hotels
- Les Iris Chambres d’hôtes (Sospel)
- Le Saint Yves (Sainte-Agnès)
- Hotel Lemon (Menton)
- Hôtel Le Provencal (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
Please note: Le Saint Yves, located in the heart of Sainte-Agnès, has long been a firm favourite with walkers for its location and great food, but is simple and more hostel in style, with modest rooms, all ensuite.
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Click to view upgraded hotels
- Hotel Dauphin (Menton)
- Hôtel La Flore (Villefranche-sur-Mer)
Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
All breakfasts are included, as well as two dinners in Sospel. Packed lunches for the following day can be pre‑ordered at each accommodation, or bought from village shops and local markets. For dinner, there are several options in the villages and towns where you stay.
Difficulty and terrain
This holiday is appropriate for walks with an average level of fitness; the average walking time is 4-5h per day. Please note that this is not the typical Riviera walk; the terrain is mountainous and on some days, there are steep ascents and descents – although no scrambling is involved, and there are no exposed sections. On some days, there are options to shorten the walks using local trains (read more about difficulty grades). The trails are generally well-marked. We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never try to shorten the path through unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. More detailed info on route navigation will be included in your holiday information pack.
When to go
This trip is available on any date between the beginning of March and the middle of November.
Late autumn, with its seasonal colours, and early spring, when many plants are in bloom, are popular times for walking. Please note that these months also tend to have higher rainfall.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates, and you can start your trip on any date in the season.
For more information, please see our blog on the Best time to go to France.
Note: Due to hotels being fully booked, it may not be possible to do the walk during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
By plane
Our recommended arrival airport for this holiday is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
By train or bus
- If you are able to travel to France without flying, this holiday is reachable by rail with train stations in Nice, Sospel and Villefranche-sur-Mer. For more details, see SNFC Connect
- From Nice to Sospel: you can travel on the Ligne des Merveilles, a panoramic train line offering a scenic journey. There is a direct link between Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and the train station using Bus 99. For more information, visit SNFC Connect or use the Omio planner above.
- From Villefranche-sur-Mer to Nice, at the end of the trip, there is a direct bus to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
- From Villefranche-sur-Mer, there are direct trains to Nice (3 mins). For more information, visit SNFC Connect or use the Omio planner above.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights double occupancy with private facilities, in hotels and guesthouses
- 7 breakfasts
- 2 dinners on Days 1 & 2
- Luggage transfers on walking days 3 and 5 (1 piece up to 20kg per person); on day 6, when transferring by train from Menton to Villefranche-sur-Mer, you will have to carry your baggage with you
- Transfer from Sospel to Breil-sur-Roya on Day 2
- Transfer from Sospel to the Castillon pass (start of your walk on Day 3)
- Transfer to Castellar on Day 5 if the trail is closed
- Electronic travel kit with welcome letter, roadbook with integrated maps, day-by-day document and luggage tags
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Flights and airport transfers
- Bus and train transfers; luggage transport on day 6
- All lunches and dinners not mentioned as included
- Tourist tax, if due
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses such as snacks, drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Entrance fees for attractions and museums
- Any items not specifically mentioned as ‘included’ in the programme
- eSIM data for international travel (get an eSIM)
Options, extras and supplements
- A supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Price supplement during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix to be confirmed after reservation
- Extra nights
- Fee for printed travel kit sent to the first hotel
- Upgraded hotels with a supplement in Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer
- Half board supplement (5 dinners) at the standard hotels
