Refine your search for walks in Bonson
Bonson walks
The Saint-André Wood and the Hirondelles Valley
Visorando Member
7.45 mi
+2,700 ft
-2,700 ft
5h 45
Difficult
Departure from Bonson (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Bonson and small pass Saint-André from Plan du Var
4.93 mi
+2,198 ft
-2,192 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Bonson (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
The Madone d’Utelle from Le Chaudan and the remote hamlets of Utelle
13.93 mi
+5,558 ft
-5,554 ft
7 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Utelle (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Gilette and the Estéron gorges
7.94 mi
+2,221 ft
-2,244 ft
5h 35
Moderate
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
Gilette and La Clue.
From the village of Gillette, perched on a rocky outcrop, this walk takes you to the medieval bridge of La Cerise (scenes from the film "The Hunchback" were shot here in 1997) and then winds through the Estéron gorges.
Mont Arpasse circular
4.33 mi
+1,168 ft
-1,152 ft
3h 00
Moderate
Departure from Alpes-Maritimes
A fairly easy circular with a variety of views over the Vésubie and Var valleys and far beyond...
The Cumba Valley in Levens
2.83 mi
+1,785 ft
-1,791 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Alpes-Maritimes
A return walk along this little-known, centuries-old path, which is particularly interesting for its diversity. The trail begins in woodland alongside the stream, then winds its way through the rock. You’ll follow the Vésubie canal for a few metres before reaching a series of winding hairpin bends overlooking the Vésubie. Following Storm Alex, the path ends at the Vésubie.
Around Mont Lion
5.77 mi
+2,149 ft
-2,119 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
An ideal hike during sunny autumn weather. Much of the route is under trees, with splendid red and orange colours and the pleasant scent of thyme.
The steep path on the western flank of Mont Arpasse
6.19 mi
+1,424 ft
-2,136 ft
4h 05
Difficult
Departure from Alpes-Maritimes
This unique one-way hike (allow for two vehicles) takes you up Mont Arpasse via the little-used south-eastern route. The final stretch is a path nearly 3 km long, sometimes carved into the cliff face, steep and vertiginous, clinging to the mountainous western flank of Mont Arpasse. It was built by the constructors of the Vésubie Canal in the 1870s and offers views of the Var throughout.
The section between marker 296 and the finish is reserved for experienced walkers.
Col du Dragon and return via Giennanova
7.00 mi
+2,149 ft
-2,149 ft
5h 05
Moderate
Departure from Alpes-Maritimes
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.
The Estéron, the Clue de la Clave, Gilette, Chemin de Reculon
7.05 mi
+1,683 ft
-1,667 ft
4h 45
Moderate
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
This is a superb hike, varied, picturesque and panoramic, with the added bonus of passing through a beautiful village. What's more, it is not too difficult and therefore accessible to most hikers with a little training. It should be added that this route is very often shaded and therefore pleasant in hot weather. The markings and signposts are sufficient to prevent you from getting lost.
Circular Estéron via Gilette and La Clave
5.62 mi
+1,191 ft
-1,165 ft
3h 35
Moderate
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
A pleasant little circular loop along the Estéron, passing by the Pont de l'Estéron, the pretty hilltop village of Gilette, its botanical trail, La Clue and La Clave, and returning along the Route de la Clavée. If you are lucky, you can pick wild asparagus in spring or swim in the Estéron in summer.
The banks of the Estéron and the Sainte-Marguerite Chapel
6.19 mi
+1,073 ft
-1,056 ft
3h 45
Moderate
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
This circular hike, starting from the Pont de l'Estéron, takes you along this pretty river with its turquoise waters before climbing into the forest alongside a small stream and joining small isolated roads towards the Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite (17th century).
The descent is via a pretty path overlooking the Estéron, offering some beautiful views towards the Plaine du Var at the end.
This circuit can also be done in the opposite direction, ending with the section along the river.
Route de Pont de l'Estéron, Bouyon, La Grave
10.36 mi
+2,602 ft
-2,598 ft
7h 00
Moderate
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
Starting from the Pont de l’Estéron, this route takes you to the old village of Bouyon, passing through the hamlet of Clos Martel along a shaded path.
The return journey follows the Estéron river, partly along a cantilevered path, ending at the Route de la Grave.
The small pass of Huesti tour from La Vilette (Le Cros d'Utelle)
5.85 mi
+1,690 ft
-1,690 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Utelle (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Circular loop from Gilette to Pont de la Cerise starting from La Clave
12.43 mi
+2,838 ft
-2,815 ft
8h 10
Difficult
Departure from Gilette (Alpes-Maritimes)
A very beautiful walk, which can be started either from La Clave (Le Broc) or from Gilette.
It passes through varied landscapes and offers a chance to explore the Pre-Alps... whilst passing very close to the Estéron
We have chosen to start this route with the climb to Gilette from La Clave to avoid this difficulty at the end of the hike.
You’ll easily be able to reach the river on three occasions throughout this hike.
Mont Vial from Revest-Les-Roches
9.13 mi
+3,045 ft
-3,045 ft
6h 50
Moderate
Departure from Revest-les-Roches (Alpes-Maritimes)
A beautiful climb through the forest to reach the summit of Mont Vial, with magnificent views of several peaks in the Alpes Maritimes. You will pass through three small, little-known but charming and peaceful villages: Revest-les-Roches, Toudon and Tourette-du-Château.
Circular route from Sainte-Marguerite Chapel to Le Broc
2.74 mi
+223 ft
-230 ft
1h 25
Easy
Departure from Le Broc (Alpes-Maritimes)
A short, easy stroll that can be enjoyed in any season. Beautiful views of the ruins of Fougassière Castle at the summit, as well as the village of Gilette.
Route du Cros d'Utelle via the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Utelle.
7.92 mi
+3,143 ft
-3,117 ft
6h 25
Difficult
Departure from Utelle (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
Boucle de Saint-Martin-du-Var à la Roquette-sur-Var
2.42 mi
+906 ft
-906 ft
1h 55
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Martin-du-Var (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
The Crête de la Madone via Le Reveston
7.34 mi
+3,671 ft
-3,665 ft
6h 35
Very difficult
Departure from Utelle (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.
The Castel de Saint-Blaise from Sainte-Claire
5.64 mi
+1,736 ft
-1,719 ft
4h 05
Moderate
Departure from Alpes-Maritimes
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.
Castel de Saint-Blaise
1.69 mi
+633 ft
-633 ft
1h 20
Moderate
Departure from Saint-Blaise (Alpes-Maritimes)
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.