Where To Walk: The French Riviera’s Most Scenic Trails
Few places in Europe offer a landscape as strikingly varied as the French Riviera. The rugged coastal cliffs cascade down into the Mediterranean Sea, ancient pine forests give way to mimosa-covered hills, and high alpine meadows feel a world away from the sun-drenched beaches below.
Whether you’re an avid hiker chasing panoramic views or a leisurely stroller in search of a scenic stroll, the French Riviera is a hotspot for exploring by two feet.
For those arriving by yacht, many of these trails are easily accessible from the region’s marinas and ports, making them perfect for a morning stretch or afternoon escape between sailing days. Here are our eight favorite walks while exploring the French Riviera:
Sentier du Littoral, Cap d’Antibes
Cap d’Antibes is one of the most alluring sections of the French Riviera. Skimming the water’s edge, the Sentier du Littoral meanders past hidden coves, aquamarine shallows, and extravagant estates.
Begin at Plage de la Garoupe and follow the rocky path as it curves around the peninsula, where the scent of pine combines with salt spray. Don’t miss the neoclassical Villa Eilenroc and its manicured gardens, although be sure to check ahead as the villa occasionally closes for private soirées.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Coastal Path
Arguably the Riviera’s most refined coastal stroll, this looping trail around Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat offers incredible views at every turn.
Start at the yacht-dotted harbor, linger over grilled fish and a glass of Provençal rosé at Paloma Beach, then stroll around Pointe Sainte-Hospice, where wild rosemary and sea fennel line the path. Detour to the storied Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild before finishing at the golden sands of Plage Passable.
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to Monaco (Promenade Le Corbusier)
Named after the pioneering architect who built a minimalist seaside retreat along its route, this dramatic coastal path clings to the cliffs between Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Monaco’s Fontvieille marina. Expect sweeping sea views, Art Deco villas, and rocky coves where the brave dive from sun-warmed boulders.
The path’s narrow bridges and stone steps add a touch of adventure, while Le Corbusier’s tiny cabin can be visited by appointment through the local tourist office.
Sentier Nietzsche, Èze
This steep, rugged trail once inspired Nietzsche as he penned Thus Spoke Zarathustra, and today, it remains one of the French Riviera’s most atmospheric walks.
Climbing from Èze-sur-Mer to the hilltop village of Èze, the route threads through olive groves, herbs, and sun-baked cliffs. Reward yourself at the top with a visit to the Jardin Exotique and its sweeping views, best savored in the cooler light of morning or late afternoon.
Monaco’s Coastal Promenade to Cap Ferrat
A leisurely half-day wander for those short on time but not on scenery. This gentle path strings together hidden beaches, secret coves, and elegant villas as it winds from Monaco to Beaulieu-sur-Mer via Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
Pause for a dip, unpack a picnic beneath the pines, or bookend your walk with a visit to the enchanting Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild. Sunset cocktails at Plage Passable provide the perfect finale.
Parc National du Mercantour
Just an hour’s drive from the coast, Mercantour National Park feels like another world. Think alpine meadows, glacial valleys, and medieval villages untouched by time.
Standout trails include the Vallée des Merveilles, home to over 30,000 Bronze Age rock carvings etched into the valley’s boulders. Ibex, marmots, and golden eagles roam freely, and rustic mountain inns serve hearty, Italian-inflected dishes.
Balcons du Loup
An under-the-radar gem in the Gorges du Loup, this shaded trail follows the old Canal du Foulon, once vital for Grasse’s perfume industry.
Cut into sheer limestone cliffs; the path leads through cool tunnels and out onto natural balconies overlooking waterfalls and verdant valleys. In spring, wildflowers blanket the hillsides; in summer, butterflies and bats fill the air. It’s a perfect escape from the heat of the coast.
Fort de la Revère and the Grande Corniche
Perched high above the coast, this loop around Fort de la Revère offers some of the most expansive panoramas in the region.
From the ramparts, gaze out over the glittering coastline, the misty Italian Riviera, and even Corsica on clear days. Well-marked trails weave through wildflower meadows and Provençal scrub, with shaded picnic spots and birdwatching lookouts - a gentle, family-friendly option with ample photo opportunities.
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Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Coastal Path Photo By Thierry BBO studio, Fort De La Revere Photo By BIT Eze