Grasse walks

This long hike, mainly through woodland, starts in the charming village of Valbonne and takes you to the small wild valley of Bruguet (dry in summer). After a long stretch of heathland, you will follow the Brague, a small river that can be devastating (see the floods of October 2015) flowing through an almost virgin forest. At the beginning of the season, swimming is possible in a few spots. Moderator's note: there are a few difficulties on this hike; see the comments at the bottom of this page

This hike goes around the Malle plateau, first following the Colle du Maçon ridge and then the Doublier ridge. Most of the route is on the peaks of the Grasse Pre-Alps and offers breathtaking 360° views of the Mercantour, the French Riviera and the enchanting Caussols plateau. The Malle plateau is farmed by a group of livestock breeders. This route stays within the boundaries of the Malle estate, which are marked by numerous signs on the ground.

This is a large loop that goes around one of the first foothills of the Pré-Alpes d'Azur, following old paths and the Gorges de la Siagne. The loop is long but mostly flat, except for the descent to Cabris and the very steep climb back up to Saint-Vallier. The villages offer views and shops for refreshments. It is recommended to start early, as the second third of the hike will be sheltered from the southern sun, but the hardest part is exposed. There are few alternative routes or shortcuts once you are in the gorges between Saint-Cézaire and Saint-Vallier.

The Cavillore plateau hike is a loop along historic paths with a troglodyte fortress hidden in the cliff, a Roman road and the former priory of Saint-Vincent. Throughout the route, you will enjoy magnificent views of the coast and the village of Gourdon. This circuit is a variation of hike no. 1337911, "Plateau du Col de Cavillore". The route is unshaded and easily accessible, even for paragliders flying overhead.

This is a lovely, easy walk for the whole family in autumn to admire the magnificent colours of the leaves or in summer to enjoy the cool shade of the woods.

A lovely family walk in the forest to discover old sites and visit a teaching farm (cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, ponies, horses, etc.).

This unusual route for the region will take you past limestone rocks sculpted by erosion, including a cave chapel which you can visit. You will pass through the facilities of the Côte d'Azur Astronomical Observatory. This loop will then take you on a journey through 2,000 years of history along a Roman road through the woods. The final section, through stone enclosures and old sheepfolds, bears witness to a pastoral past.

This is a well-known and popular circular route, best done when the mimosa is in bloom between January and March. The route is clearly marked with abundant, easy-to-read yellow signs, so it is impossible to get lost. The route alternates between shady valleys and ridges illuminated by mimosa trees. However, it should be avoided after heavy rain as there are several fords to cross. It is a relatively long hike but accessible to most walkers.

This short hike starting from the Domaine des Courmettes will take you to one of the main 360° viewpoints between the Mediterranean Sea and the Mercantour mountains.

Starting from the charming village of Saint-Cézaire-sur-Siagne, you will explore the Siagne Gorges. On the programme: - descent to the Saint-Saturnin Chapel, - walk along the Siagne canal, - crossing the splendid Pont des Gabres (or Pont des Tuves, depending on which bank you are on), - climb back up this wild river with its crystal-clear waters and return to the village for a lovely view of this beautiful valley.

A family walk in the Valmasque heath, ideal for a picnic near the Étang de Fontmerle. The lake is covered with lotus flowers, which bloom from July to mid-September.

Starting from the small village of Courmes, you will climb up to the Plateau Saint-Barnabé to ascend the Puy de Tourrettes, a mountain whose summit plateau offers views of the Mercantour and the coast. After a short descent, you will climb back up to the Pic de Courmettes, a pretty viewpoint with a 360° panorama of the Loup valley, the Cheiron massif and the Cap Ferrat coastline in the Estérel. After a steep descent along the western ridge, you will return to the village at a leisurely pace through the forest.

A short circular hike above the village of Courmes, ideal during the deer rut at dawn or dusk. Thrills guaranteed! A brief stop on the Saint-Barnabé plateau offers beautiful views of the Cheiron massif to the north and the village of Gourdon overlooking the Gorges du Loup to the south.

A beautiful walk along the Siagne, through the woods, with some lovely surprises in store: the Tuve bridge and its waterfall, a beautiful little beach, numerous ruins that bear witness to a major agricultural activity in the past, and a forest of centuries-old oaks that is nothing short of fairytale forest. In short, it's the perfect tour for nature lovers and those who enjoy a refreshing swim.

Another route providing access to the ruins of Castellaras and Lac de Thorenc follows part of the existing circuit on Visorando. It starts from the D5, at a place called La Pinée, and is just as interesting. I have classified this route as difficult due to its orientation and length. It is advisable to bring a suitable tool for this route.

Far from the crowded beaches, the coast and its hustle and bustle, you can hike in a little corner of paradise for the curious or the initiated. River, waterfalls, swimming or fishing... The landscapes and activities here are as varied as they are enjoyable. Loop at La Colle-sur-Loup, where you can also swim, go rock climbing and hire kayaks.

Just a few minutes from the centre of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, this circuit takes you on a tour of part of the Estérel massif, offering breathtaking 360° views! Best done on a clear day, when you might even be able to see Corsica!

A superb hike in the Grasse hinterland. On the agenda: megaliths, magnificent views of the entire coast (on a clear day) and, to finish, a superb waterfall in an exceptional setting.

Easy circular hike leaving from Rague port. The hike starts by climbing up towards Mont Thurney at the entrance to the Estérel, then going downhill through a dry valley then a forest (eucalyptus and then pine trees) before reaching San Peyre and its 360° orientation table (panoramic view over the Îles de Lérins, Cannes bay and the Mercantour). Go down through Napoule and then take the coastal path alongside the château until you reach Raguette and Rague beaches.

Le Plan des Noves, located between Vence and the Col de Vence, offers a beautiful walk through karstic terrain leading to a panoramic view of the Baou de Saint-Jeannet and the sea. This circuit details walk no. 21 in the Randoxygène guidebook "Pays côtier" published by the Alpes Maritimes General Council.

Panoramic hike to discover the remains of the past.