Préalpes de Nice walks

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 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.

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.

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.

This panoramic hike is a loop starting from the hilltop village of Castellar and climbing the Cime de Restaud (1,148 m), the Roc de l'Orméa (1,132 m) and Mont Carpano (772 m) on the border ridge. Superb views over the French Riviera from Menton to Monaco and Vintimille. Beautiful views of the hinterland too, with the peaks of the Pays Mentonnais and the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour.

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.

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 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.

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.

An easily accessible hike offering fabulous views of the French Riviera from Menton to the Estérel. The village of Castellar is also worth a visit.

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.

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.

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 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.

In the heart of the magnificent Turini Forest (3,500 hectares), the pass of the same name (1,674 metres) marks the climatic boundary between the Mediterranean hinterland of Nice and the mountainous "high country". Olive groves give way to fir, beech and larch forests, which are ablaze with colour in autumn. Throughout this loop, you will enjoy superb views of the entire region, including the Mounier, the Cime du Diable and the Vallon de la Maïris.

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 fairly easy circular with a variety of views over the Vésubie and Var valleys and far beyond...

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.

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.

A short circular forest offering views of the mountains towards the Mediterranean, as well as the peaks of the Mercantour.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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).

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.

This beautiful route, starting from La Gipasse, goes around Mont Inarte via Mont Cima. It offers views of the Var valley, the Estéron valley, Mont Vial, the peaks of the Mercantour and the Tourette-Levens valley.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 the first stage of the Nice hills tour. This semi-urban hike starts at the Libération tram stop in the heart of Nice. It runs alongside the Gare du Sud railway station and then the Chemins de Fer de Provence railway station and railway line with its blue trains. After crossing the Mantega district, below the Palais du Righi, the hike climbs up a somewhat forgotten path on Pessicart hill. After circling Pessicart hill to admire the greenhouses and the Baou de Saint-Jeannet, the hike descends back to Nice. It then crosses the La Clua municipal nature park and passes by the Church of Saint Francis of Assisi in the Saint-Sylvestre neighbourhood, finally arriving at the Comte de Falicon tram stop.

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.

Mont Mangiabo, clearly visible from Breil sur Roya, entices hikers to conquer it. This climb, which is not technically difficult, offers a unique 360° panorama. To the south, the Mediterranean stretches from San Remo to Cannes, passing through Nice and the Var estuary. To the north, the peaks of the Mercantour will catch your eye.

A few kilometres from Sospel, the village of Moulinet offers beautiful mountain scenery. The end of this circular route follows the wooded, sometimes steep banks of the Bévéra Gorges, located in the Mercantour National Park.

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.

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.

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.