L'Escarène walks

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 walk through the Mediterranean forest of the Nice Pre-Alps.

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.

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 short hike in terms of distance but a great one for the variety of paths and the breathtaking view once you reach the summit!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Stop, take photos, observe and take breaks. Whatever you do, take the time to appreciate each side of Mont Agel, which offers magical, exceptional panoramic views. To the north are the Mercantour Alps. To the east and south-east are Menton and the Ligurian Riviera. To the west are the Pre-Alps of the Côte d'Azur and the coastline from Nice to Théoule.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

I suggest this round trip route, which starts at the eastern edge of Monaco and ends at the casino in Menton, without ever losing sight of the sea, with superb views of Monaco and Menton. It follows the customs officers' paths, crosses or overlooks the beaches of Cabbé and Le Buse, goes around Cap Martin to arrive at Carnolès and finally Menton. It is a 16 km (8 km x 2) route on paved terrain, with no technical difficulties, if you choose to do the round trip.

This semi-urban hike takes you up the stairs of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to the old village and its medieval castle, before reaching the Maginot fortifications of the Cros de Casté park via paths through the pine forest. On the way down, you will pass by the enormous thousand-year-old olive tree and reach the seaside at Plage du Buse. Throughout this walk, you will enjoy numerous views of Cap Martin, Monaco and Menton, with the sea in the background.

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.

An easy walk, mostly along the coast on the customs officers' path between Monaco and Menton, which runs along the Bay of Roquebrune with the beautiful Buse beach and goes around Cap Martin.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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).

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 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.