Mont Boron

Starting from Old Nice, this circuit allows you to discover Mont Boron, known for its many panoramic views of the city, the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and Cap Ferrat. The return trip along the coastal path is charming and, depending on the season, you can even go for a swim.

Technical sheet

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.55 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 180 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 183 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 178 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2 m
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ District: Nice (06100|06300|06200|06)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.701447° / E 7.284452°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 3742OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the Barlat car park (underground) at the corner of Rue Barlat and Rue Auguste Gal.

(S/E) From the car park, take the pedestrian exit signposted Rue Barla and follow it. Cross at the pedestrian crossing and take Rue François Guisol opposite until you reach the port (Place de l'Ile de Beauté). Turn left under the arcades and walk past Notre-Dame du Port.

(1) Continue to the corner of Rue Arson. Cross the street, turn right for a few metres, then cross Boulevard Carnot.

Continue straight ahead on the left-hand pavement of Quai des Deux Emmanuels. At the end of the quay, just before the car park, turn left along the building and climb the steps to Boulevard Stalingrad.
Follow the boulevard to the right, which becomes Boulevard Franck Pilatte further on. Leave Parc Vigier on your left and continue until you reach the Club Nautique de Nice (on your right below).

(2) Turn left at the pedestrian crossing, then turn right and continue for a few metres.
After No. 23, turn left onto Montée Saint-Aignan.

Yellow signposts
Further up, turn right onto Chemin Tordu du Mont-Boron, which turns into a wide staircase that joins Boulevard Carnot. Turn left/right onto the boulevard and continue up the stairs that lead to Chemin des Crêtes.

Continue straight ahead on the street that slopes to the right. Leave Rue Henri de Boumazel on your left and continue until you reach a road sign indicating a dead end. Follow the stairs on the left that lead to Boulevard du Mont Boron. Cross the road and continue straight ahead on the stairs that start on the left of Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours.

(3) Go up the stairs, leave Avenue Montfleury on your right and cross Avenue Germaine twice.
When the stairs enter the vegetation, go to a crossroads at a bench. Continue up the stairs on the left and after two bends, you will reach Route du Mont Boron.

Turn right, immediately leave a small paved path on your right and continue along the road until you reach a small square (fountain, benches). Continue along the road in the same direction, turn left and look for a chain on your right that marks the entrance to the Mont Boron paths.

(4) Go through the chain and take the flat path on the right (there are no signs here telling you to turn right!). Follow this path, which will offer beautiful views of Nice and the Baie des Anges a little further on.

Walk along the fort's walls, following the only path dotted with a few benches, which brings you back to almost the same level as the chain. Just before returning to the road, turn right onto the wine-coloured tarmac path that runs alongside it on the right. After a right-hand bend, the path arrives at a crossroads (bench) very close to a small car park.

(5) Turn left and walk back and forth to the two viewpoints on the east coast. Return to the crossroads and turn left onto the tarmac path. Benches every 10 metres allow you to take a contemplative break facing the sea.

About 250 metres further on, look for a tiny, barely visible dirt track that descends to the left. N.B. If you reach a junction with two tarmac tracks, you have gone too far. Turn back.

Leave the tarmac path and turn left onto this small stony track which descends steeply into the vegetation via a few hairpin bends.

When you reach the Route Forestière du Mont Boron, turn right. Leave a private road on your right, continue for 30m and turn left after No. 26. Go down the steps and join Avenue Ernestine, which you should follow to the right.
Go under a small porch, cross Avenue du Mont Boron and follow it on the left until Boulevard Carnot. Turn right onto the boulevard and continue to the traffic lights (note the Château de l'Anglais on your right). Turn left onto the pedestrian crossing and continue along the same boulevard on the left for 20 metres.

(6) Turn right onto Avenue du Cap de Nice, which slopes downwards. At a crossroads, before No. 11bis, turn left towards a gate. In front of this gate, take the barely visible steps on the right, which lead down to the avenue. Follow it to the right for 30 metres and, after a small car park, turn left to go down the steps again, which lead to the seafront.

(7) Follow the coastal path on the right, which has been carved out of the rocks. Please be careful! This path can be dangerous when the sea is rough.
At Coco Beach, ignore the steps going up to the left towards the road and continue straight ahead on the path that returns to the seafront. When you reach the Jardin Félix Raynaud, take the steps on the right that go up to Avenue Jean Lorrain. Follow the avenue to the left, which becomes Boulevard Frank Pilatte and joins the Club Nautique de Nice.

(2) Continue straight ahead on the boulevard and return to the car park via the same route as on the way there (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 10 m - Barlat car park
  2. 1 : km 0.41 - alt. 7 m - The Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port
  3. 2 : km 1.45 - alt. 8 m - Nice Sailing Club
  4. 3 : km 2.03 - alt. 84 m - Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours
  5. 4 : km 2.59 - alt. 167 m - Mont Boron loop
  6. 5 : km 3.76 - alt. 131 m - Viewpoints
  7. 6 : km 4.76 - alt. 68 m - Boulevard Carnot
  8. 7 : km 4.98 - alt. 5 m - Coastal path
  9. S/E : km 7.55 - alt. 10 m - Barlat car park

Practical information

You can park at several car parks, the main one being near the port.

This walk includes asphalt and steps.
There are many viewpoints and benches, especially at Mont Boron.

(7) Caution: the coastal path can be dangerous when the sea is rough.

In the nearby area

(1) The Church of Notre-Dame-du-Port in Nice, also known as the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is located on Place Île-de-Beauté, in the Port Lympia district.

(3) The Church of Notre-Dame-du-Perpétuel-Secours is a Catholic parish church in the Diocese of Nice.
It was built in the Art Deco style in the first quarter of the 20th century.

(4) Mont Boron is a hill located in the south-eastern part of the municipality of Nice, in the French department of Alpes-Maritimes. It rises to a height of 1,913 metres. It also refers to the district of Nice built on its slopes and at its foot.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 27 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
nanard57
nanard57

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very beautiful panoramas, but the departure point was from Port Lympia (tram terminus), so the total distance is 7.720 km in 2 hours 20 minutes.
The path downhill (10) is covered with pebbles and well signposted in yellow and red with "FF randonnée" (FF hiking) signs.
Please note, however, that the coastal path is closed in rough sea conditions.

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06rando
06rando
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Jun 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A beautiful hike that takes you up to Mont Boron and, at the end, along the (very beautiful) coastal path by the sea (weather permitting). Thanks to Slinky

The description says to park at the Barlat car park, but you can also get to the starting point without a car by taking tram line 2 (terminus: Port Lympia).

The climb up the many steps is a bit of a workout, but everyone can go at their own pace and there are no difficulties.

The highest point of Mont Boron is the tour of the fort's surrounding walls during stage 4 (a short loop to the south), with magnificent views of Nice. It's a beautiful place for a picnic (or rather, to eat sandwiches on a bench).

The GPS indicated a duration of 2 hours 45 minutes (excluding meal breaks), distance 7.5 km, elevation gain 240 m, highest point 179 m.

I got a little lost shortly after the start of stage 5: I couldn't find the "small, barely visible dirt path that descends to the left."
For my part, since there are now signs indicating which path/trail you are on, it is easier to mention the name of the path/trail in the description, see below.

ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION (WITHOUT PATH/TRAIL NAME)
(5) ...
About 250m further on, look for a very small, barely visible dirt track that descends to the left. N.B. If you come to a junction of two tarmac tracks, you have gone too far; turn back.
Leave the paved path and turn left onto this small, rocky trail that descends steeply into the vegetation via a few switchbacks.

DESCRIPTION (WITH NAME OF PATH/TRAIL)
(5)
About 250m further on, still on the wine-coloured tarmac path, turn right onto the CHEMIN du Cap de Nice (signposted) www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-mont-boron/chemin-du-cap-de-nice.html.
Continue along the Cap de Nice path and, after about 200 m, turn left onto the SENTIER sur Cap de Nice (sign) www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-mont-boron/sentier-du-cap-de-nice.html.
The path is a stony track that descends steeply through the vegetation, winding its way among some beautiful cacti.

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PERRAUT
PERRAUT

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very beautiful hike with stunning views. We started the hike at the port, which is easily accessible from the terminus of tram line 2. At the end, after point 6, we did not take the coastal path as it is very steep, relatively dangerous and not particularly interesting
The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is worth a visit.

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1950bba
1950bba

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 15, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Very pleasant walk, especially the climb and descent through flower-filled lanes:

Very beautiful views (and still less crowded than at the Château de Nice!)

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rurutu
rurutu

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Busy trail : Yes

the description of the walk is very well done and very detailed, easy to follow, it's a pleasure! Thank you
a few too many noisy picnickers at the top (a Sunday in May...), but some beautiful Niçoise houses
and beautiful gardens along the route.
overall, very enjoyable.

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Fred006
Fred006

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 26, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Tb

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Caroline 06100
Caroline 06100

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

Hike as described. Even though it was my first time, I never got lost!
All the details (benches, etc.) were very useful. Well done!

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Cléo drey
Cléo drey

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jan 04, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Clear explanations for a very pleasant and easy walk.

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pastissier
pastissier
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 05, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

After some research, particularly in 2005, but now with the GR 5 signposted, we found the rest of the trail. Beautiful views and a wonderful return trip along the coastal path on this sunny afternoon.

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jpvisirando
jpvisirando
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 29, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Very good, no disappointments
The description of the route and its points of interest were excellent

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jeanmicheletmartine
jeanmicheletmartine

thanks, Alex!
are you a professional?
do you guide tourists?
do you know the barns in La Brasque?

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AlexRandoNice
AlexRandoNice
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Jul 06, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A beautiful walk with ever-changing landscapes. You get a little taste of everything: semi-urban areas, beautiful views of the entire coastline, the immensity of the sea from above, then you wind your way down narrow, steep steps to the waves crashing on the rocks at your feet.

I did this route with some foreign tourists who had come from far away and were completely enchanted. It's a shame that most people just crowd together just below the Promenade des Anglais, when there are such lovely walks and beaches just a little further away.

Thank you!

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bouhey
bouhey

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 16, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

A pleasant afternoon walk lasting three hours with children and plenty of breaks.

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jeanmicheletmartine
jeanmicheletmartine

hello,
i posted a longer route called "semi-urban recreational hike" that might interest you

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jeanmicheletmartine
jeanmicheletmartine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Sep 07, 2018
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

i hiked most of this trail, which is part of a larger trail that I put together that is twice as long with the same elevation gain.
a very pleasant route, with tarmac and steps. Panoramic views, interesting sites to visit and quiet spots for breaks.
i did it in the morning, which was very pleasant at the end of summer
there are lots of options as the hill is well known to locals and the paths are numerous and well maintained.
yellow markings on most of the route.
the path to Cap de Nice is not easy to find (points 6 and 7)
lunch break and swimming in the afternoon at Coco Beach

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