The balconies of Beaulieu

An easy and refreshing hike just a few minutes from Nice, offering unusual views of the coastline and overlooking the bay of Villefranche and Beaulieu. A steep but safe passage adds a little spice to the final switchbacks. Best done in spring or autumn to enjoy the sea.
This route is not suitable for people who suffer from vertigo. See practical information and reviews.

Details

1565487
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 9.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 318 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 327 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 297 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the free car park at the town hall in the bend of Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc.

(S/E) Take the footpath starting to the left of the church (Rue Galliéni) and join Rue du Marché.
Cross the town, go under the bridge beneath the railway station and come out onto Place De Gaulle.

(1) Cross the square and head towards the bottom left. At the crossroads, go up Chemin des Myrtes opposite and continue straight ahead, passing the Baptist church on your left; you will enter a dark valley. Go to the roundabout before the cemetery.

(2) Walk along the cemetery and at the end of the tarmac road, take the path straight ahead that leads into the dark valley. The route follows a beautiful path along the stream. At the intersection of paths, turn right and you will come out onto Boulevard Édouard VII.

(3) Turn right onto the boulevard and continue until you reach the steps carved into the large wall on the left, which allow you to cut across the hairpin bend and continue to the fork in the road. Take the Chemin de Sophie on the left until the end of the tarmac.

(4) At the exit, continue along the same path. Continue straight ahead and then, between two properties, take Chemin de la Papaline. It quickly turns into a hillside path with a constant gradient. Go past the flight of steps on the right, which will take you back to the town centre via Chemin des Mandariniers, and continue to the crossroads.

(5) Take the track that climbs up opposite, which indicates that the path is not safe. Climb up through this mountainous landscape until you reach the Chapelle Saint-Michel, located on Avenue Olivula.

(6) Take it to the right for about a hundred metres to find the Chemin de l'Ibac, which descends to the left into the valley. Follow it gently downhill until you reach the Chemin de la Mer d'Èze, then the Chemin de Saint-Michel au Cap Roux.

(7) Turn left and continue downhill to enter Èze-Bord-de-Mer. You will come to a series of steps, which you should ignore to reach the crossroads with Avenue de Provence.

(8) Take this avenue and further on, go through the Avenue de la Liberté underpass. Take Chemin des Pins and the steps on the right to reach the seafront.

(9) Walk along the beach, turning left, and follow the protective walls to the naturist beach.

(10) Return to the previous crossroads via the same route.

(9) Stay along the seafront until Cap Roux. Take the coastal road and then the seafront again. Walk along the harbour master's office before returning to the town hall car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 11 m - Town hall car park
  2. 1 : km 0.44 - alt. 24 m - Place De Gaulle
  3. 2 : km 0.91 - alt. 66 m - Cemetery
  4. 3 : km 1.34 - alt. 133 m - Boulevard Edouard VII
  5. 4 : km 1.93 - alt. 147 m - Chemin de Sophie
  6. 5 : km 2.38 - alt. 191 m - Crossroads
  7. 6 : km 2.67 - alt. 296 m - St Michel Chapel
  8. 7 : km 3.79 - alt. 78 m - Shortcut to Èze
  9. 8 : km 4.52 - alt. 65 m - Avenue de Provence
  10. 9 : km 5.16 - alt. 4 m - Crossroads by the sea
  11. 10 : km 5.68 - alt. 2 m - Naturist beach
  12. S/E : km 9.29 - alt. 11 m - Town hall car park

Notes

The section between (5) and (6) is dangerous. A sign indicates "Tourist trail to Beaulieu La Mer. STEEP UNPROTECTED BANK".

There is no water source along the route. You are always close to residential areas and the route can be shortened or stopped at almost any point.
Mountain footwear is recommended.

Worth a visit

The Church of the Sacred Heart.
The town centre of Beaulieu.
The market square.
The dark valley.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 25 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.6 / 5
yemen
yemen

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The start of the route through the town of Beaulieu isn't particularly interesting. The climb is through dense vegetation, the path is steep and not very pleasant. The descent is along paths with no views. Then you wind your way through the streets of Ez before reaching the beach. Again, not very interesting. The return to Beaulieu is along the pavement of the road....

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Marcellakl
Marcellakl

Hello,
Thank you for this description! I have a question: once you arrived at the small Saint-Michel Chapel, how did you find your way to Nietzsche?
Thank you for your reply,
Marcella

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Liliiiii
Liliiiii

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello,

I did this hike in June 2023. In one word: superb.
A superb trail that starts in the town and climbs up the mountain. Superb views of both Beaulieu harbour and Cap Ferrat. Superb in terms of the peace and tranquillity that accompanied me throughout this rejuvenating walk!
I highly recommend it! Thank you for this hike!

PS: I used my GPS to guide me, no problem. And I didn't return by sea, but combined this hike with the one in Eze (via the Frédéric Nietzsche trail, which I also highly recommend).

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Marcellakl
Marcellakl

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 02, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

After doing this hike two days ago, I looked at the reviews of those who did it before us! This one, written in April 2022, is really useful: "Do this hike if you're not too old and in excellent shape. Parts 5 and 6 are dangerous (and marked as such). The climb is very challenging (cliff) and requires a lot of attention to avoid falling."
We are "old" at 73 and 78 years old. But we are experienced mountain hikers.
The passage between sections 5 and 6 is dangerous. In your description, you say: "A steep but safe passage adds spice to the last few hairpin bends of the climb." In fact, this steep passage is DANGEROUS. Perhaps due to rock falls or storms, the terrain is now difficult. In any case, when you finally arrive at the Saint-Michel chapel, you will find a sign that says: "Tourist trail to Beaulieu La Mer. STEEP UNPROTECTED EDGE".
We are not prone to vertigo, but even so we were a little scared and had difficulty completing the last part before reaching the chapel.
In my opinion, it would be a good idea to indicate on the walking route that at number 5, it is possible to turn left towards the Saint Michel plateau to avoid the steep section, even if it is a little longer. But it is safer.
Finally, on the way back to the starting point, at number 9, it was impossible to take the beach because of the waves, which meant we had to walk along the road.
If you want to take the beach, choose a day when there are no waves!
We will do this beautiful hike again, taking the left turn towards the Saint Michel plateau!
Thank you, Visorando, for all the information you provide!

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1950bba
1950bba

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 27, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant walk, especially the climb to the chapel, which is safe and takes between 5 and 6 hours (very beautiful views).
A few black spots (well, grey):

  • (short) stretches of road with no pavement
  • the (charming) dark valley is littered with rubbish, a clean-up would be welcome
  • the descent via the Chemin de l'Ibac is quite steep, stony and "rolling"; I took a nasty tumble there
  • at Cap Roux, the route passes through private property, so it's better to go back up to the road earlier
  • given the parking difficulties (the town hall car park is paid and full), I recommend taking the bus (line 607, Kerylos stop)

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Picson06230
Picson06230

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 05, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Please note that between points 2 and 3, the path is blocked by a barrier due to rock falls. It is possible to pass through, but the path is cluttered with debris.
The descent between points 6 and 7 is slippery due to leaves.
The beach at Eze has become very narrow due to erosion, and even with small waves, passage can be tricky.
The path leading up from Silva Maris harbour is closed by a gate. Take the steps on the right before the gate, which will take you back to the M6098 road.

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merlin
merlin

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 31, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

please note that parking near the town hall is subject to a charge
park either at the cemetery or in the turning area after the small port

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Frantz57
Frantz57
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Do this hike if you're not too old and in excellent shape. Sections 5 and 6 are dangerous (and marked as such). The climb is very challenging (cliffs) and requires a lot of attention to avoid falls. The descent to the coast is also tricky, steep and rocky. Finally, a big disappointment... there is no coastal path for the return to Beaulieu, only rocky, unmarked beaches, which ultimately require you to climb back up to the road and follow it.
The description does not reflect these difficulties. This hike is difficult!

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Quinquamul
Quinquamul

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 12, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Reliable description
Good climb in the first section
Not really suitable for an outing with young children
Nice picnic spot near the chapel
Don't hesitate to use the train

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Schweppes
Schweppes

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I regret the total lack of signposting, given that this is a walking trail rather than a circuit designed for a stroll.
You don't really know where you're going... it's an adventure...
It's a shame.

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reivilo59
reivilo59

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful route between land and sea, with very few people (mid-August...)
The 300 m elevation gain is spread over the first 4 kilometres. At the top, you are rewarded with a pretty shaded chapel.
the hardest part is finding a place to park, but it's definitely worth it!

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pgzn
pgzn

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Easy and perfect for getting back into shape, very well signposted. Not very busy during the week.

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pitchak.
pitchak.

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 27, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A wonderful discovery: a local walk offering splendid scenery and two different atmospheres: an ascent along a ledge overlooking the sea with views of the headlands, and a descent through the woods, far from the town, accompanied by birdsong! Best done on a clear day to enjoy it to the full!
Please note: the climb to the chapel is steep, but steps make it easier to manage the difference in height.
The detour along the coast at Eze is less pleasant. You can shorten the walk a little at the end.
Thank you for this wonderful discovery!!!

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Fdce06
Fdce06

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 05, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An amazing hike with spectacular views.
A challenging climb and a very pleasant descent through the woods.

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Daddou46
Daddou46

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 18, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike, but... A solution that avoids the return trip from Eze station to Beaulieu station would prevent a very long and difficult walk along the main road, even though the pavement is well protected by a concrete wall!

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