Airole walks

A beautiful and unique hike starting from the village of Airole, in the lower Roya Valley, winding through wild and unspoilt valleys and offering lovely views of the valley as well as some of its hilltop hamlets and villages (Olivetta and Fanghetto on the Italian side, and Piène Haute and Libre on the French side). From the highest point, there is a view of the Ligurian coast and the main peaks of the Menton region (Grammondo and Mulacié) as seen from their Italian slopes.

Starting from the entrance to the national park on the edge of Rochetta Nervina, this hike will take you up into the mountains, accompanied by the gentle sound of the Barbaira, to Pont de Cin.Some sections are on the side of a cliff, with stony paths, which are best avoided if it has rained recently. In good weather, these sections are not particularly difficult.

Starting from the charming village of Rocchetta Nervina, this walk takes you up the Rio Barbaira to discover its beautiful pools and waterfalls. On the way back, a short tour of the old village will round off this lovely outing in Italy.

A change of scenery guaranteed. This lesser-known tributary of the Rio Barbaira features three medieval stone bridges and pools of green water. It promises a secluded spot and guaranteed swimming. Perhaps a fine reason to take this walk. On the way back, the village of Roccheta Nervina reveals a completely unspoilt site with narrow alleyways. It’s like stepping back fifty years in time.

This fifth stage will take you from Torri Superiore to the Mediterranean coast at Ventimiglia. Upon arriving in Bevera, you will find yourself at the confluence of the Bévera and Roya rivers. A final climb through the Ventimiglia hinterland will lead you to the Riviera dei Fiori and the town of Ventimiglia.

This fourth stage will take you from Rochetta Nervina to Torri Superiore. Along the way, you’ll visit the picturesque village of Airole, which overlooks the Roya. You’ll stop off at the eco-village of Torri Superiore. This medieval village, which lay in ruins in the 1990s, has been entirely rebuilt by volunteers.

Perched above the Roya Valley, the hamlet of Libre has retained a landscape shaped by olive cultivation and, in earlier times, by vineyards and lavender fields, which today give it the charm of villages of yesteryear. La Roche Fourquin, a natural viewpoint overlooking the Roya Valley and the Italian Riviera, is one of the last major peaks before the Mediterranean. It offers an exceptional view stretching from the high, snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour to the sea.

This hike follows the old mule track that linked the two villages. Isolabona, a charming village known for its picturesque historic centre and olive groves, and Rocchetta Nervina, which offers hikers a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of modern life. A few ‘natural pools’ are real oases waiting to be discovered.

Discover two magnificent ancient villages clinging to the mountainside, following the centuries-old paved and wooded path that connected the two villages. It's fun to get "lost" in the narrow streets while keeping the right direction; it's a labyrinth of houses with ancient walls and steep staircases.

The Carleva is a small tributary of the Roya. This stream owes its reputation to its long, wild canyon. The route follows the Carleva to the start of the canyon. The trail continues under the ridge on the border with Italy. Crossing several streams adds a touch of coolness to this hike. The trail continues along the left bank of the Carleva to a magnificent bridge that spans it. The final stretch overlooks the Roya to the entrance of the village of Breil-sur-Roya. User comment on 22 February 2025: Trail currently closed between markers 105 and 107.See https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/liste-des-sentiers-fermes-pedestre Therefore closed on the return from marker 107 (9) to marker 105 (3). The route from (S) to point (6): crossing the Carléva remains a beautiful route. In this case, the return journey is via the same route as the outward journey.

A pleasant short walk above Breil-sur-Roya. Once you reach the Cruella Tower, you’ll enjoy a superb panorama of the Roya Valley, the peaks around the Col de Brouïs (Mangiabo, Cime de Bosc...) and a bird’s-eye view of the village of Breil.

This third stage will take you from Apricale to Rocchetta Nervina. You will pass through the village of Isolabona to visit it. Rocchetta Nervina has preserved its medieval appearance and its curtain wall defences, with two bridges connecting the village to the road.

A lovely, challenging hike with no particular difficulties apart from the steep gradient.

A very beautiful hike, starting with a walk through Breil-sur-Roya, whose narrow streets with vaulted porches are steeped in history. Then, after discovering a dozen crottés (small vaulted shelters), a real local curiosity, as well as the old Cruella watchtower overlooking the village, our route crosses the main areas of biological diversity located on the left bank of the Roya, overlooking the town.

Starting from the pretty medieval village of Sospel in the Bévéra valley, this easy hike will take you through oak and olive trees to Mont Agaisen, where there is an old Maginot Line fortification. The summit is also a take-off point for paragliders.

Trace, in reverse, of the largest lap inside the Parc Départemental de l'Ubac Foran, in Menton. Following this route, you'll take the ascent, passing through shady areas and undergrowth with enough room for one person to pass, then a descent on a wide, sunny track.

A route with many facets. The medieval history of Sospel, the magnificent panorama from the Tête de Nervina stretching across the Bévéra Valley, the paved slanting streets, and the forts dating from the last war will delight curious hikers.

This route leaves theGR® 52 to head for Grammondo and cross over to the Italian side. On the descent, there are almost constant views of the sea, ending in the very pretty town of Grimaldi.

Mont Mangiabo, clearly visible from Breil sur Roya, entices hikers to conquer it. This climb, which is not technically difficult, offers a unique 360° panorama. To the south, the Mediterranean stretches from San Remo to Cannes, passing through Nice and the Var estuary. To the north, the peaks of the Mercantour will catch your eye.

Mont Gros (Monte Grosso) is a small peak above the Col de Brouis. It occupies a strategic position on the line separating the Bévéra and Roya valleys. The Monte Grosso fortification was built between 1931 and 1935 and forms part of the Maginot Line, the fortified sector of the Alpes-Maritimes. Beyond its historical significance, this route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the ridges bordering Italy.

A beautiful walk in the Mediterranean hinterland. Between forests and rocks, with traces of history (forts and fortifications from the Maginot Line!) A variety of views between the sea and the mountains.

An easily accessible hike offering fabulous views of the French Riviera from Menton to the Estérel. The village of Castellar is also worth a visit.

This is the last stage ofthe GR® 52. It is certainly not the highest in altitude, but it is difficult due to its distance and the passage of certain passes with steep ascents and descents. The Mediterranean views are splendid, especially those from the Col du Razet and Col du Berceau, which rises to 1,100 metres above the town of Menton, the end point of theGR®. You walk along the Italian border throughout the route. Be warned, in summer this stage is very challenging due to the heat, especially the descent from the Col du Berceau.

A beautiful hike in the hills between Menton and Sospel offering magnificent views of the sea, Corsica on a clear day, and the peaks of the Mercantour. The old village of Castillon is steeped in history. It was devastated by an earthquake in 1887 and then razed to the ground by Allied forces in 1944.

Circular route that takes you to Gramondo, an Italian peak at 1,376 m, offering a 360° view of the Mercantour range and the Menton coast.

A beautiful, easy circular walk starting from the hilltop village of Castellar, taking you up Roc de l'Orméa (1,132 m) via Cime de Restaud (1,148 m). Enjoy panoramic views of the French Riviera, from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to Menton, and of the Italian coast. The 360° panorama also offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour.

This panoramic hike is a loop starting from the hilltop village of Castellar and climbing the Cime de Restaud (1,148 m), the Roc de l'Orméa (1,132 m) and Mont Carpano (772 m) on the border ridge. Superb views over the French Riviera from Menton to Monaco and Vintimille. Beautiful views of the hinterland too, with the peaks of the Pays Mentonnais and the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour.

A circular route around the small town of Sospel. Beautiful landscapes in the heart of the Mediterranean mountains.

A beautiful, long hike that takes you from the hamlet of Monti to the area behind Le Berceau, on the Italian border. A long climb that will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the coast, from Monaco to Bordighera. PLEASE NOTE: following the bad weather in December 2019, the path from Monti to Castellar through the Vallon Obscur has suffered significant damage.

Circular route with a gradual elevation gain, through forests and streams, which will take you to the Siriccoca peak for a breathtaking view of Menton and its surroundings.

A surprising and very beautiful hike where the sea and mountains, just a stone's throw from the French border, await you. Throughout the route, views of the coastline from Ventimiglia to Monaco, the Italian peaks and the terraced crops are omnipresent.

A very beautiful hike through the rugged terrain of the Menton hinterland. An easy climb to three peaks offering superb views and a varied landscape.

A challenging hike offering fabulous views of the Italian, Monegasque and French coastlines, preceded by a path that winds through the greenhouse crops of Grimaldi. At the end of the day, the azure waters of Cap Mortala beach (spiaggia di capo Mortala) near your vehicle will offer you a refreshing swim. December 2025 Please note: a footbridge overlooking the sea is damaged at the start of the hike. It is impossible to walk around it. Start the hike from the village of Grimaldi.

A beautiful seaside hike with some unusual sights to discover. While the coastal road from Menton to Ventimiglia is well known, the area below this road offers some little-known geographical and historical curiosities.

This second stage will take you from Pigna to Apricale. You will pass through the charming villages of Castel Vittorio, Bajardo and Perinaldo. Like Triora, Perinaldo and Apricale are listed among the most beautiful villages in Italy (I Borghi più belli d'Italia).

From Col des Banquettes, this beautiful circular hike takes you to Ravin de Verroux, Ravin de Merthéa and Ruisseau du Borrigo. It also gives you the opportunity to pass by numerous fortifications overlooking the valleys below. From Pointe Siricocca, you can admire Menton and the village of Sainte-Agnès.

Loop hike above Sainte-Agnès with the ascent of three peaks that do not present any difficulties: the Pointe de Siricocca (and its fort-sheepfold), the Pic de Garuche (and its bunker) and the Mont Ours (and its DFCI guard post at the top of a white oak forest). Diverse panoramic views of the coast, the Mercantour and the Nice hinterland.

A beautiful hike north of Sainte-Agnès, Europe’s highest coastal village (700 m), featuring three high points, three former military fortifications and three different viewpoints: the Southern Alps from Mont Ours, the east from Pic de Garuche and, finally, Pointe de Siricocca, a rocky peak overlooking the coast.

A beautiful climb to the Cime de Baudon from the hilltop village of Sainte-Agnès. The summit offers exceptional 360° views of the entire region, particularly Menton, but also other towns along the coast and numerous mountain peaks.

A beautiful hike combining sightseeing, physical exercise and the discovery of Sainte-Agnès, the highest coastal village in Europe. The Borrigo Waterfall, this alpine trail and the duty to remember with a visit to the Maginot Line fort will round off a wonderful day.

A circular route in the Menton hinterland completed on 1 May 2019 during the 40th Critérium des randonneurs de Sainte-Agnès. On the itinerary: ascents of the Cime du Baudon, the Col du Farguet and Mont Ours.

This magnificent route, set in wild, unspoilt countryside in a little-known area, is at times closer to mountaineering, due to its small technical and exposed sections, than to a classic hike. It provides access to the Bausson massif, then to Baudon, a summit offering exceptional views of the surrounding mountains, the sea, and Corsica on a clear day. There are no paths between points (3) and (6): the Visorando app may prove useful.

A challenging hike called Mounta cala, which means "up and down" in the Nice dialect. What better way to describe this succession of stairs, paths and roads that characterise the streets of this beautiful city with a rich past, lined with bright ochre façades.

This walk is open to all and takes place in a locationfamous for its panoramic views of Menton and the Monastery of the Annunciation. It also has heritage value.

A hike that takes you up above Bordighera, offering a beautiful view of the Monte Nero massif, allowing you to explore the Antico Sentiero del Beodo de Bordigera and wander through three typical villages with old houses, including Seborga and Vallebona, ranked among the most beautiful villages in Liguria.

A balcony overlooking the Mediterranean and the surrounding French and Italian peaks!

The route begins with a fairly steep climb to reach the ridge, then follows small roads and paths through Sasso, Madonna della Neve and Seborga. The return journey follows the same route but branches off to descend earlier along the River Sasso. The villages are beautiful, there are lovely views and places to eat and drink in Sasso and Seborga.

This walk in the hills above Roquebrune-Cap-Martin will take you to the summit of Mont Gros, a popular take-off point for paragliders flying over the Principality of Monaco. The view from the take-off point over the principality and the Mediterranean is breathtaking. A descent to the south of Mont Gros will allow you to complete a circular route via a balcony path above Cabbé Bay and Cap Martin.