Bendejun walks

Forming a pleasant circular route starting from the village of Coaraze, this walk is ideal for a half-day outing or for a hike in autumn, winter or even early spring. In early autumn, you can pick (and taste) a few wild arbutus berries between the La Croix and Buse valleys. The route offers some lovely views of certain peaks along the Alpes-Maritimes coastline, such as the Cime de Baudon or Mont Agel.

Ruins of the hamlet of Rocca Sparvièra ("Rock of the Sparrowhawks") perched at an altitude of 1,100 metres overlooking the Paillon Valley to the east and the Vésubie Gorges to the west. It is hard to believe that this hamlet, abandoned during the 17th century, once had up to 350 inhabitants and that this community had an administration, a seigniory, a notary, a priest... This hamlet is linked to the legend of Queen Jeanne.

A pleasant walk with an (almost) even gradient. It has the advantage of being mostly shaded thanks to the leaves and conifers that line the path.It offers charming views of the coastline, the Var valley and the surrounding peaks of the Mercantour. It also offers a wide variety of landscapes.

A hike through the ‘Moyen Pays’ region between the villages of Levens and Coaraze, passing via Mont Férion. It mainly takes place in woodland with a few clear views over the Coaraze and Var valleys.

The ascent of Mont Férion from Levens offers a superb panorama of the coast and the peaks of the Estéron. When you reach the ridge, you will pass by the surprising Chapelle Saint-Michel-des-Cèdres in the heart of a small conifer forest. The summit offers views of the Paillons landscape and the peaks of the Mercantour between two trees.

A short hike in the Nice hinterland offering beautiful views of the mountains and the coastline. A route that is not too steep and suitable for trail running.

A circular hike starting from the Col de Châteauneuf. Thanks to its dominant position, the trail allows you to discover the villages of Levens, Coaraze, Bendejun, Châteauneuf-Villevieille and Contes. The trail passes through both heath and sparse forest. The landscapes are varied and truly exotic. The profile of this hike is quite unusual: the total elevation gain is divided into two distinct sections.

This hike starting from the Col de Châteauneuf offers views of the coastline and the Nice hinterland. It will take you to a vantage point overlooking the village of Châteauneuf-Villevieille from the Croix du Midi. After this viewpoint, the route is wooded, pleasant and has a gentle gradient. 

A very beautiful walk in a wooded area, where you can discover a beautiful chapel with a glazed roof, the remains of an old mill, whose large wheel, once driven by water, can still be seen, and finally the Castel de Saint-Blaise, perched on its peak, offering a view of imposing and magnificent ruins.

A bucolic and informative stroll in the back country of Nice.

This route crosses two villages in the hinterland, L'Escarène and Touët-de-l'Escarène, via rarely used paths. A fewancient ruins, the remains of forgotten terraces, a 360° view from the top of the Crête de la Scaletta and abundant wildlife. This hike is for experienced hikers. The Crête de la Scaletta is off-trail and the terraces between (11) and (12) form low walls that must be crossed. Sometimes you have to use your hands on the rock.

Stroll through the narrow streets and old bridges of L'Escarène. Cross the magnificent Paillon National Forest and stop at Berre-les-Alpes to admire the panoramic views and old buildings. The return journey takes you through the forest and its marlstone "canyons". The final path leads to the heart of L'Escarène.

This short hike starting from the village of Saint-Blaise will take you to Castel, a 13th-century castle in ruins overlooking the entire Saint-Blaise valley with unobstructed views as far as Mont Vial.

A beautiful walk starting from the station in the charming village of Touët de l'Escarène around Mont Panard, mostly through undergrowth. After crossing the tracks of the Train des Merveilles, the route climbs up the left bank of the Ravin d'Estiou and winds clockwise around Mont Panard. Beautiful views of the Mercantour peaks, the rocks of Saint Sauveur and Mont Brec.

A pleasant walk starting from Touët-de-l'Escarène. After an initial slightly uphill section, the route is then very easy going, mostly following DFCI tracks. The scenery is varied.

This pleasant route takes you along rarely used paths, past ancient ruins, the remains of forgotten terraces, refreshing streams, a 360° view from the top of the Scaletta ridge and abundant wildlife. This hike is for experienced hikers. The tour of the Scaletta ridge is off-trail and the terraces between points (6) and (7) form low walls that must be climbed over. You may need to use your hands on the rock.

A pleasant forest walk near Tourette-Levens, following part of the GR®51, a section of one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela.

This beautiful route, starting from La Gipasse, goes around Mont Inarte via Mont Cima. It offers views of the Var valley, the Estéron valley, Mont Vial, the peaks of the Mercantour and the Tourette-Levens valley.

A very varied walking route (path, track, road), best done in autumn or spring. A bird’s-eye view of Levens on the way back and a walk past magnificent villas in Gieinnanova.

Ascent to the "cursed" ruins of Rocca Sparviera. Shorter alternative to the ascent via Coaraze. An easy walk but very steep at the end. Not recommended with very young children.

A fairly easy circular with a variety of views over the Vésubie and Var valleys and far beyond...

A short walk or mini hike, mostly through the woods, will take you to the start of the Planfaé canyoning route, which is not difficult even if the start is tough and in full sun.

A circular forest hike passing by the old Eguisse Mine, with a return trip to the Saint-Michel Chapel and the ruins of Rocca Sparvièra.

A few kilometres from Nice, Mont Chauve d'Aspremont and its close neighbour Mont Chauve de Tourette offer magnificent views to the south: Nice, the Baie des Anges and the Mediterranean, but also to the north with the Alps and the Mercantour.

This circular route starting from Aspremont is relatively short. During the descent, it offers a beautiful view of the village itself and the Var valley.You can also discover its Mediterranean vegetation.

Starting from the charming village of Aspremont, this short but challenging round trip hike takes you up to Vieil Aspremont, the ruins of the old village abandoned in 1426.

This is a hike to enjoy during the Christmas period, starting from Lucéram, a magical medieval village famous for its 500 nativity scenes. The route crosses the Turini road several times, then passes through the Col de l'Orme before reaching the summit of Mont l'Ablé, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and, with a little luck, Corsica, the Grassoises Pre-Alps and part of the Mercantour massif. From the summit of Mont Auri, the aerial view of the village of Lucéram is exceptional. The return journey takes you through the Ibac forest and behind the village.

This short walk from the village of Castagniers, around the Vallon de Porquier, offers shaded forest paths and the chance to eat a few arbutus berries in season.

Starting from the charming village of Duranus, this walk takes you on a journey of discovery to a site steeped in history and atmosphere. You will reach the spectacular ruins of Rocca Sparvièra, a veritable hilltop ghost village overlooking the valley. Along the way, you’ll pass the pretty Saint-Michel Chapel and walk alongside the Éguisse Mines, former arsenic mines now overgrown with vegetation. An accessible circular route rich in heritage, combining wild nature, medieval ruins and mining history. Perfect for lovers of authentic, atmospheric hikes!

From the village of Cros d'Utelle, a route via the Vallon d'Embellarte to the Sanctuary of the Madone d'Utelle, offering a 360° view of the Mercantour, the Grasse Pre-Alps and the Mediterranean. Return via the Vallon de l'Aclap and theGR®5. You will pass the ruined houses of the old hamlet of Le Villard, dotted with centuries-old chestnut trees, and the little Chapel of Saint-Antoine, which you won’t want to miss.

Hike near Nice with superb panoramic views of the sea from Nice to Cannes and the Mercantour. 360° panorama at the top of Mont Macaron. Easy descent via track.

During the ascent, enjoy beautiful views overlooking the village of Lucéram. The Roccanièra valley trail is not very busy. A succession of different vegetation types will accompany you throughout this humid valley with its steep edges.

A hike in complete tranquillity. Along the trail, you can admire small pebbles in the rock cavities and small drawings. From several places, you can see the Madonna of Utelle and magnificent views of the Vésubie valley.

A magnificent hike that starts from the hamlet of Calençon and offers a 360° view of the Mercantour Massif, the Haute Vésubie and all the way to the sea! The Madone d’Utelles is visible on its ridge. Abundant and varied vegetation throughout the route.

This largely shaded circular route, starting from Gheirart (or Gueirar on the IGN map), will take you along the eastern flank of Mont Chauve de Tourette, above La Condamine, and offer views of most of the major peaks of the Mercantour and the villages of the Nice hinterland. The use of a GPS or the Visorando app is recommended.

Starting from the La Villette district, located 2 km west of Cros d'Utelle, on the border between the Var and Vésubie rivers, this very pleasant hike, ideal in spring or for getting back into exercise, offers breathtaking views of these two valleys and Mont Arpasse.

Starting from the Levens road, this route allows you to discover and climb the two mountains via the little-known wooded eastern trails overlooking Tourrette-Levens and its castle. The very pleasant return trail, which is completely deserted, offers a unique panorama of Nice, Cannes and Théoule. Only the pass and the area around the Mont Chauve d'Aspremont fort are frequented by the public.

A climb, partly requiring you to carry your bike, offering breathtaking views of the Pre-Alps and the north of Nice before the magical descent!

A very beautiful and varied hike on the outskirts of Nice, with a less frequented first section on paved slanting street paths. The climb up the small pass of Saint-André offers magnificent 360° panoramic views. A bountiful natural environment in every season and a cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.

Starting from the Col de Porte, a panoramic hike between the Vésubie Valley and the Paillons Valley offers a splendid view of the Alpes-Maritimes and the Mercantour mountain range.

Starting from Saint-Martin-du-Var, this short walk along the slopes of La Roquette-sur-Var will take you to this picturesque hilltop village offering views over the Var plain.The return path runs alongside the Vésubie Canal for a few metres.

Hike near Nice from Colle de Revel, or Château des Voleurs, to Mont de l'Ubac at an altitude of 651 metres, passing through the hamlet of Camp Soubran and Baisse de Bordinas. This circular hike offers beautiful views of Mont Chauve, Tourette Levens, the Mercantour mountains, Mont Agel and Nice, and takes place on varied terrain.

A long, unusual circular hike to admire the view from the Madone d’Utelle. For anyone who has already climbed up via the village and wants to make the route a bit more challenging! As a bonus, you’ll pass through several old abandoned hamlets, including the pretty little village of Le Reveston. A hike with no real technical difficulty, but which may be long and tiring for those unaccustomed to it.

A very beautiful, undulating walk through wooded countryside. The Vallon des Hirondelles is a little-visited wetland area, and the presence of a magnificent oak tree, certified as several hundred years old, leaves all walkers in awe.

Starting from the village of Peille, after a moderate effort, discover a sumptuous 360° landscape and the pleasure of seeing Corsica, depending on the weather. The vegetation is very varied throughout this very pleasant hike.

From the start of this walk, a paved slanting street winds its way at the foot of the Rastel rock massif, offering magnificent views of the old medieval village of Peillon. The entire return trail between the villages of Peille and Peillon, on the western side of Rastel, is a delightful walk through wooded areas.

This beautiful circular starting from Peillon will take you to the summit of Le Rastel, offering you some beautiful views of the Alps during the ascent and, at the summit, a panorama stretching as far as Théoule. This route can also be done in the opposite direction.

A beautiful paved slanting street mule track taking you through fields and ruins to the small rural chapel of Saint-Pierre. This lovely walk, a testament to many ancestral exchanges, offers a journey back in time.

This is a long and beautiful hike through magnificent forests, taking you through the abandoned hamlet of Béasse, uninhabited for many years, before passing through Peira Cava for another descent through birch and conifer trees.

From the village of Utelle, this hike leads to a fairly steep rocky outcrop. On a clear day, the Brec d'Utelle offers a 360° panorama from the Mercantour to the gulfs of the Côte d'Azur. This hike is almost entirely along theGR®5. Caution: footbridges and very tricky sections in the final ascent.

This twenty-first stage, once you have crossed the Vésubie, takes place in the Nice Pre-Alps and brings the GTA (Grande Traversée des Alpes) to a close by the sea. From the Place de la Fontaine in Utelle, the GR®5 heads west, then south, crossing a few small valleys to reach the hamlet of Cros d’Utelle. It crosses the Vésubie valley, climbs the opposite slope after the town of Levens, ascends through woodland to Colla Partida, passes beneath Mont Cima and descends to the beautiful circular fortified village of Aspremont. The path climbs the western flank of Mont Chauve d’Aspremont without reaching the summit. It descends the Crête de Graus until it reaches Château Renard and then La Bauma. The path enters a valley, which it follows eastwards, then due south towards La Fontaine Sainte, and crosses the bridge over the Autoroute de la Provençale. It enters the city of Nice, which it crosses from north to south to reach Nice Ville railway station.

This hike starts in the old hilltop village of Carros and takes you across the Monséguise plateau with its thousand clapiers (piles of stones) to the Baou de la Gaude, which offers exceptional views of Nice, the coastline and the Estérel.The return journey along the canal is just as interesting, overlooking the Var valley for over 2 km.

Located a few kilometres from the coast, this pleasant walk along paved slanting street takes you to Mont Revel, which rises to an altitude of 373 metres. This historic site, which belongs to the municipality of Tourrette-Levens, is known for housing, among other things, the ruins of a square tower and the remains of a postern gate with a loophole, known as the Château des Barbets or Château des Voleurs.

A hike in a wild and uncrowded area, yet very close to Nice. You will discover the Plateau Tercier with its panoramic view of the Paillons valleys, the Mercantour and the heights of Nice, as well as a small ruined castle colonised by vegetation: the Castello de Soanès.

A loop starting from Utelle, a charming village perched in the Vésubie Valley. The first part is wild and rocky on a ledge above the Vésubie, followed by a gentle climb through an amazing forest of terraced fields. The final climb, steeper up to the Crête de la Madone d'Utelle, offers a 360° view of the coastline, the Var Valley, the peaks of the Mercantour and the Nice hinterland. Finally, the descent offers numerous views of the village of Utelle.

A lovely walk that passes through the old village of Peille with its narrow streets, then climbs steeply to offer stunning views all along the way. A long hike that can be challenging in hot weather.

A short walk through a dense forest with a variety of tree species. A descent along a beautiful path, often paved, and from the stone Pont de la Lune, the return climb is dotted with information boards about the local flora and fauna. This short walk is best combined with a free visit to Carros Castle.

A short hike near Nice, above the old town of Carros. Breathtaking views of the Var valley and the Baie des Anges.

Following theGR®5, a hike that leads to the Falicon Pyramid, then up the slopes above to enjoy the view of Nice, the sea and the snow-capped mountains to the north. Moderator's warning on 10/05/2021: Please note that parking is no longer available at the start of this hike. See reviews.

Pleasant wooded walk to the west of Saint-André-De-La-Roche. In just a few minutes, you leave the urbanisation of Nice behind for Provençal vegetation of olive trees, fig trees, pines, oaks and cypresses. Beautiful views of the village of Falicon.

Starting from the Route d'Aspremont and directly accessible by public transport from Nice-Nord, this short hike on the slopes of Mont-Chauve will take you to Crête de Grauss and the ruins of Château Renard for a panoramic view of the hills of Nice and the Baie des Anges.

Embark on a walk that will take you through picturesque valleys between Saint-André-de-la-Roche and Falicon. This 5 km hike invites you to discover varied landscapes, magnificent views and hidden treasures along the way.

This pleasant route starts in Nice Nord and takes you to Mont Chauve d'Aspremont via theGR® hillside trail. It offers panoramic views of the Nice metropolitan area and the sea, as well as the Var plain and the first peaks of the Mercantour. It is marked by the ruins of Château Renard, the Falicon Cave and the Fort du Mont Chauve. This route is accessible to most people despite the very stony and slippery paths in wet weather.

This short hike in the hills near Nice will take you to the foot of Mont Chauve d'Aspremont for a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea, Nice and its surroundings. Ideal for a short trail run... or for walking the dogs (there are many in this area).

A difficult, unspoilt and wild route which, after an hour’s walk, leaves the Reveston path (alt. 560 m) to reach the Crête de la Madone (alt. 1154 m). Please note : this hike is intended for those who enjoy challenging terrain and sustained physical exertion.

This walk on the hill of Gairaut will take you through this former rural district, now populated by beautiful villas surrounded by olive trees, with breathtaking views of the city of Nice and the sea. After a round trip along the Gairaut canal, which has its source in the Vésubie, you will descend towards Avenue de Gairaut before climbing back up to the Church of Saint-Sauveur-de-Gairaut and the Gairaut waterfall, topped by the former caretaker's house in traditional Russian wooden style.

A very beautiful and varied hike offering lovely views of the village of Peillon, then of the impressive cliffs of Le Rastel.

Starting from the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Laghet (331 m), nestled in its green valley between Nice and Monaco, the path climbs gradually through terraced olive groves and Mediterranean heath. The steady ascent leads to the highest point of the route, offering beautiful views of the surrounding hills.The flower-lined path reveals itself throughout the ascent: rockroses, broom, wild lavender and orchids punctuate this trail with its authentic Provençal charm. The lowest point of the route (280 m) is reached in the central section before the final climb.The return journey allows you to appreciate the landscape from a different angle, with the midday light bringing out the colours of the flora.

A pleasant hike with little elevation gain. The starting route crosses numerous terraced olive groves. The Visorando GPS app may be useful as this route sometimes takes unmapped trails. A visit to the village of Peillon and the Laghet sanctuary will give this hike an unusual flavour.

The stunning, seemingly endless ridge of the Pointe de Faule with its myriad views, the Peïra Cava forest renowned for its tall, mixed-species trees, anda walk through the abandoned 17th-century village of Béasse, uninhabited since 1930, are all part of this challenging hike.A few short technical and exposed sections; the Visorando app may prove useful

Despite the unpleasant noise pollution from the A8 motorway on part of this circular route, the Grande Corniche Departmental Park offers exceptional views of both the Mediterranean coastline and the Alps. Fortifications from another century and little-known wooded areas are pleasant to explore.

This easy walk, partly through woodland, follows the right bank of the upper Magnan valley via the Pont and the Chemin du Génie to Saint-Pancrace, before crossing to the right bank via the Pont du Pommier. After the Pont du Pommier and having crossed the Route de Sirole, you join the Chemin des Crêtes de Bergiade and the Chemin de Bergiade to descend the right bank of the Vallon de Magnan and reach the Boulevard de la Madeleine, after crossing the Ravin des Vallières. This walk can be combined with an exploration of the hidden valleys of Magnan and the Ravin des Vallières.

An easy hike along theGR®51, a few kilometres from Nice, offering beautiful views of the Principality of Monaco and the small village of La Turbie, dominated by the Trophée des Alpes.

Forgotten on its rocky ridge, the main attraction of this hike is a visit to Fort Charvet. But it is also an opportunity to imagine, for a few minutes, what it was like for the soldiers who were tasked with observing the Var and Tinée valleys at the end of the 18th century in order to protect against a possible Piedmontese invasion. Let us not forget that this area has been French since 1860.

An unusual hike: you wouldn't think it possible to connect La Turbie to Monaco via trails and stairways, yet this pleasant route awaits you. After the urban area of Monaco, Marquet Beach and its coastal path, we will begin the ascent to La Turbie, via steep climbs, steps and rocky paths in the shadow of the Tête de Chien.

A magnificent promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, Tête de Chien offers sublime panoramic views at the cost of moderate effort.