Sospel walks

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

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.

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.

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.

A very beautiful hike, mainly through woodland. The Cime de Linière is a pleasant grassy plateau offering a stunning view stretching as far as the Estérel. The return journey past the bunkers brings to life the history of these fortifications, which opened fire during the Italian attack in June 1940.

A route with numerous viewpoints, leading to Les Granges de Cuous. Admire the gorge at Pont de la Founta.

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.

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

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.

Mont Gros (Monte Grosso) is a small peak above the Col de Brouis. It occupies a strategic position on the line separating the Bévéra and Roya valleys. The Monte Grosso fortification was built between 1931 and 1935 and forms part of the Maginot Line, the fortified sector of the Alpes-Maritimes. Beyond its historical significance, this route offers magnificent panoramic views of the Mercantour peaks and the ridges bordering Italy.

A route that takes in the rocky areas near Castel d’Ongrand, before offering views of the wooded Mont Méras massif. The magnificent paved slanting street that leads back offers beautiful views of Mont Ours and the nearby Cime de Baudon.

Trace, in reverse, of the largest lap inside the Parc Départemental de l'Ubac Foran, in Menton. Following this route, you'll take the ascent, passing through shady areas and undergrowth with enough room for one person to pass, then a descent on a wide, sunny track.

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.

Perched above the Roya Valley, the hamlet of Libre has retained a landscape shaped by olive cultivation and, in earlier times, by vineyards and lavender fields, which today give it the charm of villages of yesteryear. La Roche Fourquin, a natural viewpoint overlooking the Roya Valley and the Italian Riviera, is one of the last major peaks before the Mediterranean. It offers an exceptional view stretching from the high, snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour to the sea.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The route starts from the village of Moulinet, which you can visit on your return. At the Saint-Sébastien Chapel, take a steep path that winds its way up to the ruins of L’Avenquet. At the summit of Linière, you’ll catch a glimpse of the peaks around Sospel.

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.

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.

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.

Circular route with a gradual elevation gain, through forests and streams, which will take you to the Siriccoca peak for a breathtaking view of Menton and its surroundings.

A beautiful, long hike that takes you from the hamlet of Monti to the area behind Le Berceau, on the Italian border. A long climb that will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the coast, from Monaco to Bordighera. PLEASE NOTE: following the bad weather in December 2019, the path from Monti to Castellar through the Vallon Obscur has suffered significant damage.

A beautiful and unique hike starting from the village of Airole, in the lower Roya Valley, winding through wild and unspoilt valleys and offering lovely views of the valley as well as some of its hilltop hamlets and villages (Olivetta and Fanghetto on the Italian side, and Piène Haute and Libre on the French side). From the highest point, there is a view of the Ligurian coast and the main peaks of the Menton region (Grammondo and Mulacié) as seen from their Italian slopes.

The Carleva is a small tributary of the Roya. This stream owes its reputation to its long, wild canyon. The route follows the Carleva to the start of the canyon. The trail continues under the ridge on the border with Italy. Crossing several streams adds a touch of coolness to this hike. The trail continues along the left bank of the Carleva to a magnificent bridge that spans it. The final stretch overlooks the Roya to the entrance of the village of Breil-sur-Roya. User comment on 22 February 2025: Trail currently closed between markers 105 and 107.See https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/liste-des-sentiers-fermes-pedestre Therefore closed on the return from marker 107 (9) to marker 105 (3). The route from (S) to point (6): crossing the Carléva remains a beautiful route. In this case, the return journey is via the same route as the outward journey.

A pleasant short walk above Breil-sur-Roya. Once you reach the Cruella Tower, you’ll enjoy a superb panorama of the Roya Valley, the peaks around the Col de Brouïs (Mangiabo, Cime de Bosc...) and a bird’s-eye view of the village of Breil.

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.

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.

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 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 very scenic route that follows part of the Balcons de la Méditerranée and takes you to Mont Gros and Mont Agel for breathtaking views of the coast. February 2021: Please note that the section of the path between point 2 and point 3 is currently blocked by a rockslide and is therefore temporarily closed.

A lovely, challenging hike with no particular difficulties apart from the steep gradient.

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 very beautiful hike, starting with a walk through Breil-sur-Roya, whose narrow streets with vaulted porches are steeped in history. Then, after discovering a dozen crottés (small vaulted shelters), a real local curiosity, as well as the old Cruella watchtower overlooking the village, our route crosses the main areas of biological diversity located on the left bank of the Roya, overlooking the town.

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.

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.

A beautiful, easy circular walk starting from the hilltop village of Castellar, taking you up Roc de l'Orméa (1,132 m) via Cime de Restaud (1,148 m). Enjoy panoramic views of the French Riviera, from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin to Menton, and of the Italian coast. The 360° panorama also offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

This fifth stage will take you from Torri Superiore to the Mediterranean coast at Ventimiglia. Upon arriving in Bevera, you will find yourself at the confluence of the Bévera and Roya rivers. A final climb through the Ventimiglia hinterland will lead you to the Riviera dei Fiori and the town of Ventimiglia.

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.

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

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.

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 beautiful seaside hike with some unusual sights to discover. While the coastal road from Menton to Ventimiglia is well known, the area below this road offers some little-known geographical and historical curiosities.

From the Col de Turini, the trail climbs steadily towards the Cime de la Calmette, alternating between forest and open areas. The ascent is via a wide, safe path to the summit, which offers a beautiful view of the valley. The crossing to the Baisse de Patronel follows a pleasant path. The return journey, along a balcony path, becomes more challenging in places, with a few narrow passages requiring caution. A varied, bright and panoramic route, ideal for hikers accustomed to mountain terrain. Time: approximately 4 hours.

If you enjoy walks in the forest, this one is for you. This route, which runs mainly through a forest of larch, pine and spruce trees, starts at the legendary Col de Turini and takes you, via the Calmette ridge and then the Baisse de Patronel, to the Granges de Suorcas. The return journey is via the Piste de Tardei.

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

A challenging hike offering fabulous views of the Italian, Monegasque and French coastlines, preceded by a path that winds through the greenhouse crops of Grimaldi. At the end of the day, the azure waters of Cap Mortala beach (spiaggia di capo Mortala) near your vehicle will offer you a refreshing swim. December 2025 Please note: a footbridge overlooking the sea is damaged at the start of the hike. It is impossible to walk around it. Start the hike from the village of Grimaldi.

A surprising and very beautiful hike where the sea and mountains, just a stone's throw from the French border, await you. Throughout the route, views of the coastline from Ventimiglia to Monaco, the Italian peaks and the terraced crops are omnipresent.