OVERVIEW
OVERVIEW
Behind the French Riviera’s glamour hide these incredibly beautiful timeless villages that are both nestled in lush Provencal valleys and perched precariously atop rocky crags. The ancient paths wind their way via villages, through forests and follow majestic olive groves. The views are simply breathtaking as you walk straddling the coast high above the sea. From St Agnes, one of the most lauded villages in all of France for its beauty, it is then on to Gorbio.
The centuries-old paths lead straight to the beautiful Italian-influenced town of Menton probably the prettiest town on the Riviera. This walk showcases the diversity of the region and the serene wooded valleys, to lavender fields, ancient villages and ancient architectural treasures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The diverse landscapes of the Alp and the Riviera
- Old stone farmhouses and Bories, walls, and huts along centuries-old paths
- The villages of the Breil sur Roya, Sospel, Sainte Agnes and the magical town of Menton on the Cote d’Azur
- Awe-inspiring vistas over the Mediterranean
- Authentic Provencal villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
- The cultural mix of Italian and French influences
- The beautiful mountain top village of Sainte Agnès
- The “Italian type” town of Menton on the Med Sea
- Finish in style in a 4 star Menton hotel with a well-being space, jacuzzi, sun lounges and gym
AT A GLANCE
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
Moderate
PRICE FROM
$ 905
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 280
per personITINERARY
DAY one
SOSPEL
Make your own way by train from Nice to Sospel and we will pick you up and take you to your accommodation in Sospel. Please advise us of your arrival time in Sospel. This is an ancient town with tall buildings and narrow streets. The stunning ancient footbridge from the 12th century separates the two halves of the town. The heart of the old town of Sospel opens out into a wide sunny square dominated by the colourful facade of the Saint-Michel cathedral. The beautiful Saint Michael Cathedral is in fact the centrepiece of the town. It was built mostly in the 14th Century, however, the bell tower is thought to be from the 11th century. Sospel is far from the bustle of the coastline and surrounded by lush mountains and in a place where time is at a standstill.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: La Chapelle Saint Gervais
Pascale welcomes you at this guest house which is set on a farm in Sospel. You are also invited to take in the views of the mountains from one of the south-facing terraces. All the rooms and the entire property is unique and peacefulness spills out from everywhere. Dinner and breakfast are included and breakfast is served in the dining area or on the terrace on sunny mornings.
DAY two
BREIL SUR ROYA TO SOSPEL
Today we walk from France into Italy returning to Sospel in France. The walk starts with a short transfer to Breil sur Roya. The route travels via Italy and the colourful town of Olivetta and then back again to the medieval town of Sospel. A slight ascent above the village gives you an immediate reward with a wonderful panorama of the valley
Breil sur Roya forms a compact crescent around a narrow rocky spur, nestled in the deep Roya valley. The colourful cobbled streets and ancient buildings are a delight to explore. You’ll hear both languages –French & Italian-and feel both influences in food, culture, and in architecture. It’s worth mentioning that the Breil sur Roya: market is on Tuesday & Thursday morning
There are two choices in paths above the village and we’ve chosen the one less travelled, following abandoned stone terraces, now dotted with olive trees. You reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched high above the valley.
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 5.5 hrs/ +600 / -550M
Meals: Buffet breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: La Chapelle Saint Gervais
DAY three
COL DE CASTILLON TO SAINTE AGNES
There is a short transfer that takes you to the start of the walk. After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest, the summit appears. At well over 1000m above the sea, the majestic views of the Mediterranean appear for the first time as do the southern Alps. You reach the village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. At 800m in altitude, it’s the highest coastline village in Europe. It is worth noting the Sospel market is on Thursday morning.
Walking: Moderate / 10km / 4 hours / +550/ -550m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Saint Yves
Friendly staff and airy clean rooms await you at Hotel St. Yves. It offers en suite accommodations with free Wi-Fi access. Its remarkable view from the terrace gives you the needed relaxation and they offer a tasty buffet breakfast prepared from good quality ingredients.
DAY four
SAINTE AGNES VIA CIME DE BAUDON SAINT AGNES
Today’s walk starts from the quaint village of Sainte Agnès, with a steady climb over the Bausson pass. For 30 minutes you will traverse a small mountain road, mostly used by cyclists, with excellent panoramic views of the ocean as you walk. The Cime de Baudon summit is a highlight with a superb 360-degree view of the region including the surrounding mountain peaks of Sainte Beaume and the Alps.
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 4.5 hrs / +600m / -600m
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Saint Yves
Friendly staff and airy clean rooms await you at Hotel St. Yves. It offers en suite accommodations with free Wi-Fi access. Its remarkable view from the terrace gives you the needed relaxation and they offer a tasty buffet breakfast prepared from good quality ingredients.
DAY five
ST AGNES TO MENTON
The day starts from St Agnes and makes its way through the lost villages of Castellar and Monti. This is the last taste of tranquillity before you hit the Core de Azur the Frech Riviera. It is a slow descent, walking along a deep and scenic valley. Your path eventually leads you to the heart of the town of Menton, the prettiest town on the French Riviera (or Italy as it is on the border) with its colourful streets winding around in never-ending labyrinths. The town is a bit of an unknown corner and the last stop on the Cote d’Azur before Italy. It’s well worth exploring for its architectural treasures, the old port or the museum devoted to Jean Cocteau just for starters.
Walking: Moderate / 14km / 4 to 5 hrs / +250m / -950m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Dauphin
This hotel has a flower garden and soundproof accommodations with free Wi-Fi access and is considered a guest’s favourite part of Menton. The property also features a lounge to make your visit even more pleasant. They serve a daily buffet breakfast and get relaxed with a drink in the hotel’s bar or on the grounds.
DAY six
MENTON
The trip finishes after breakfast. There’s an undercover market here each day which you may wish to explore. Regular trains run from Menton to Nice daily. Au revoir.
Meals: Breakfast
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- 5 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuites, in handpicked hotels or guesthouses
- 5 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch and 2 dinners included
- All transport on and off the track and luggage transfers days 2 to 5
- Our comprehensive set of notes with detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the freshest baguettes, where to taste olive oil or wine)
- Old stone farmhouses and Bories, walls, and huts along centuries-old paths
- Breil sur Roya, Sospel, Sainte Agnes and the magical “Italian type” town of Menton
- Awe-inspiring vistas over the Mediterranean
- Authentic Provencal villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
ACCOMMODATION & DINING
All the accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region. From elegant guesthouses, and small charming hotels, to family-run Auberges, you can be assured that wherever you stay you will be warmly welcomed. The accommodations are 3 stars with an emphasis on location and the ambience of the region. We will endeavour to book all the accommodation listed below, but in the unlikely event we can’t, we will substitute something of equal quality.
Breakfasts are continental Provence style and typical of the region, as are the 3 courses a la carte dinners that are provided.
Importantly, in your notes, we will include a dossier with handpicked real local recommendations for evening meals in restaurants where the locals like to eat.
Since the region is world-famous, we suggest adding a day or two to truly savour all that it has to offer.
Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
GENERAL INFO
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available all year round. Please note there will be an additional supplement if you book in the last week of May to coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix. Please speak to one of our destination consultants if you need more information.
HOW TO GET THERE AND
Travelling to the Start of the walk
The walk starts in Sospel at your first accommodation and ends in Menton on the final morning at your accommodation. Please refer to your itinerary. You will need to get yourself to Sospel, most likely from Nice, and we will pick you up from the Sospel station- so let us know when you will be arriving before departure. From the end of your walk, you will need to organise your travel away from Menton. . To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.
By plane and rail: The easiest option would be to fly into Nice and then catch the train from Nice to Sospel. There are many airlines that fly from Paris to Nice. Below are possible websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.
www.google.com/flights
The train from Nice to Sospel will take around 1hr and will cost around €9.50 or AUD$ 15. Please find below ways to book.
Trainline.com: https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times
TGV: https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv
By rail: It’s also very easy to catch a train from anywhere in France to Sospel. The fastest service is the TGV intercity high-speed rail service. This journey takes about 9 hrs with a connection at Nice. It will cost anywhere from €25 to €100 depending on booking conditions and the class of service chosen.
You can buy a ticket when you get there, however, we recommend pre-booking your tickets online.
Travelling from the End of the walk
By rail: The train from Menton back to Nice takes around 40 min and costs around €5.50 or AUD $9.00.
By plane: There are many airlines that fly from Nice to Paris. Below are 2 websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.
WALKING
The walk is moderate with some small ascents. Full-day walks average about 13km with 4.5 – 6 Hours of walking each day. There is plenty of opportunities to add more walking if you’re up for it. The walking is over very old well-maintained paths via the most scenic pathway to the coast. This is a beautiful area with many fabulous historic attractions on top of the fabulous walking routes. We highly recommend that you incorporate some extra time after the walk to rest but also to fully immerse yourself in Provence and the Cote d’Azur.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice in our FAQ section.
WEATHER
From March the temperature begins to rise so be prepared for warmer days if you walk in summer. Shoulder season is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of having fewer people around in the villages and on the coast (we walk away from the populated areas on the walk so crowds are not an issue.)
See the weather information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com
MAP
DEPARTURE DATES
- DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDetails
- 1 Mar 2023 - 30 Nov 2023AVAILABLEfrom
$ 960
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 310Low season ONLY not between 28 Mar and 7 Oct
- 1 Oct 2023 - 15 Nov 2023AVAILABLEfrom
$ 905
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 280Low Season
- 1 Mar 2024 - 27 May 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$ 1020
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 280Low Season
- 28 May 2024 - 30 Sep 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$ 1130
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 325High Season ONLY
- 1 Oct 2024 - 15 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom
$ 1020
SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 280Low Season
AT A GLANCE
6 DAYS
oderate
$ 905
per person twin/double share
$ 280
per person
TRIP LENGTH
6 DAYS
WALK GRADE
oderate PRICE FROM
$ 905
per person twin/double shareSINGLE OCCUPANCY
$ 280
per person
Overview
Behind the French Riviera’s glamour hide these incredibly beautiful timeless villages that are both nestled in lush Provencal valleys and perched precariously atop rocky crags. The ancient paths wind their way via villages, through forests and follow majestic olive groves. The views are simply breathtaking as you walk straddling the coast high above the sea. From St Agnes, one of the most lauded villages in all of France for its beauty, it is then on to Gorbio.
The centuries-old paths lead straight to the beautiful Italian-influenced town of Menton probably the prettiest town on the Riviera. This walk showcases the diversity of the region and the serene wooded valleys, to lavender fields, ancient villages and ancient architectural treasures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The diverse landscapes of the Alp and the Riviera
- Old stone farmhouses and Bories, walls, and huts along centuries-old paths
- The villages of the Breil sur Roya, Sospel, Sainte Agnes and the magical town of Menton on the Cote d’Azur
- Awe-inspiring vistas over the Mediterranean
- Authentic Provencal villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
- The cultural mix of Italian and French influences
- The beautiful mountain top village of Sainte Agnès
- The “Italian type” town of Menton on the Med Sea
- Finish in style in a 4 star Menton hotel with a well-being space, jacuzzi, sun lounges and gym
Itinerary
DAY one
SOSPEL
Make your own way by train from Nice to Sospel and we will pick you up and take you to your accommodation in Sospel. Please advise us of your arrival time in Sospel. This is an ancient town with tall buildings and narrow streets. The stunning ancient footbridge from the 12th century separates the two halves of the town. The heart of the old town of Sospel opens out into a wide sunny square dominated by the colourful facade of the Saint-Michel cathedral. The beautiful Saint Michael Cathedral is in fact the centrepiece of the town. It was built mostly in the 14th Century, however, the bell tower is thought to be from the 11th century. Sospel is far from the bustle of the coastline and surrounded by lush mountains and in a place where time is at a standstill.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: La Chapelle Saint Gervais
Pascale welcomes you at this guest house which is set on a farm in Sospel. You are also invited to take in the views of the mountains from one of the south-facing terraces. All the rooms and the entire property is unique and peacefulness spills out from everywhere. Dinner and breakfast are included and breakfast is served in the dining area or on the terrace on sunny mornings.
DAY two
BREIL SUR ROYA TO SOSPEL
Today we walk from France into Italy returning to Sospel in France. The walk starts with a short transfer to Breil sur Roya. The route travels via Italy and the colourful town of Olivetta and then back again to the medieval town of Sospel. A slight ascent above the village gives you an immediate reward with a wonderful panorama of the valley
Breil sur Roya forms a compact crescent around a narrow rocky spur, nestled in the deep Roya valley. The colourful cobbled streets and ancient buildings are a delight to explore. You’ll hear both languages –French & Italian-and feel both influences in food, culture, and in architecture. It’s worth mentioning that the Breil sur Roya: market is on Tuesday & Thursday morning
There are two choices in paths above the village and we’ve chosen the one less travelled, following abandoned stone terraces, now dotted with olive trees. You reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched high above the valley.
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 5.5 hrs/ +600 / -550M
Meals: Buffet breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: La Chapelle Saint Gervais
DAY three
COL DE CASTILLON TO SAINTE AGNES
There is a short transfer that takes you to the start of the walk. After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest, the summit appears. At well over 1000m above the sea, the majestic views of the Mediterranean appear for the first time as do the southern Alps. You reach the village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. At 800m in altitude, it’s the highest coastline village in Europe. It is worth noting the Sospel market is on Thursday morning.
Walking: Moderate / 10km / 4 hours / +550/ -550m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Saint Yves
Friendly staff and airy clean rooms await you at Hotel St. Yves. It offers en suite accommodations with free Wi-Fi access. Its remarkable view from the terrace gives you the needed relaxation and they offer a tasty buffet breakfast prepared from good quality ingredients.
DAY four
SAINTE AGNES VIA CIME DE BAUDON SAINT AGNES
Today’s walk starts from the quaint village of Sainte Agnès, with a steady climb over the Bausson pass. For 30 minutes you will traverse a small mountain road, mostly used by cyclists, with excellent panoramic views of the ocean as you walk. The Cime de Baudon summit is a highlight with a superb 360-degree view of the region including the surrounding mountain peaks of Sainte Beaume and the Alps.
Walking: Moderate / 15km / 4.5 hrs / +600m / -600m
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Saint Yves
Friendly staff and airy clean rooms await you at Hotel St. Yves. It offers en suite accommodations with free Wi-Fi access. Its remarkable view from the terrace gives you the needed relaxation and they offer a tasty buffet breakfast prepared from good quality ingredients.
DAY five
ST AGNES TO MENTON
The day starts from St Agnes and makes its way through the lost villages of Castellar and Monti. This is the last taste of tranquillity before you hit the Core de Azur the Frech Riviera. It is a slow descent, walking along a deep and scenic valley. Your path eventually leads you to the heart of the town of Menton, the prettiest town on the French Riviera (or Italy as it is on the border) with its colourful streets winding around in never-ending labyrinths. The town is a bit of an unknown corner and the last stop on the Cote d’Azur before Italy. It’s well worth exploring for its architectural treasures, the old port or the museum devoted to Jean Cocteau just for starters.
Walking: Moderate / 14km / 4 to 5 hrs / +250m / -950m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hôtel Le Dauphin
This hotel has a flower garden and soundproof accommodations with free Wi-Fi access and is considered a guest’s favourite part of Menton. The property also features a lounge to make your visit even more pleasant. They serve a daily buffet breakfast and get relaxed with a drink in the hotel’s bar or on the grounds.
DAY six
MENTON
The trip finishes after breakfast. There’s an undercover market here each day which you may wish to explore. Regular trains run from Menton to Nice daily. Au revoir.
Meals: Breakfast
What’s Included
- 5 nights accommodation in rooms with ensuites, in handpicked hotels or guesthouses
- 5 breakfasts, 1 picnic lunch and 2 dinners included
- All transport on and off the track and luggage transfers days 2 to 5
- Our comprehensive set of notes with detailed walking itineraries, integrated maps and insider tips (where to get the freshest baguettes, where to taste olive oil or wine)
- Old stone farmhouses and Bories, walls, and huts along centuries-old paths
- Breil sur Roya, Sospel, Sainte Agnes and the magical “Italian type” town of Menton
- Awe-inspiring vistas over the Mediterranean
- Authentic Provencal villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains
Accommodation & Dining
All the accommodations have been handpicked to reflect the character and history of the region. From elegant guesthouses, and small charming hotels, to family-run Auberges, you can be assured that wherever you stay you will be warmly welcomed. The accommodations are 3 stars with an emphasis on location and the ambience of the region. We will endeavour to book all the accommodation listed below, but in the unlikely event we can’t, we will substitute something of equal quality.
Breakfasts are continental Provence style and typical of the region, as are the 3 courses a la carte dinners that are provided.
Importantly, in your notes, we will include a dossier with handpicked real local recommendations for evening meals in restaurants where the locals like to eat.
Since the region is world-famous, we suggest adding a day or two to truly savour all that it has to offer.
Alcohol or drinks with meals are not included (except tea/coffee and juice with breakfast).
General Info
AVAILABILITY
This walk is available all year round. Please note there will be an additional supplement if you book in the last week of May to coincide with the Monaco Grand Prix. Please speak to one of our destination consultants if you need more information.
HOW TO GET THERE AND
Travelling to the Start of the walk
The walk starts in Sospel at your first accommodation and ends in Menton on the final morning at your accommodation. Please refer to your itinerary. You will need to get yourself to Sospel, most likely from Nice, and we will pick you up from the Sospel station- so let us know when you will be arriving before departure. From the end of your walk, you will need to organise your travel away from Menton. . To make it easy we have collated some useful information that will assist you in making arrangements for your travel.
By plane and rail: The easiest option would be to fly into Nice and then catch the train from Nice to Sospel. There are many airlines that fly from Paris to Nice. Below are possible websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.
www.google.com/flights
The train from Nice to Sospel will take around 1hr and will cost around €9.50 or AUD$ 15. Please find below ways to book.
Trainline.com: https://www.thetrainline.com/en/train-times
TGV: https://en.oui.sncf/en/tgv
By rail: It’s also very easy to catch a train from anywhere in France to Sospel. The fastest service is the TGV intercity high-speed rail service. This journey takes about 9 hrs with a connection at Nice. It will cost anywhere from €25 to €100 depending on booking conditions and the class of service chosen.
You can buy a ticket when you get there, however, we recommend pre-booking your tickets online.
Travelling from the End of the walk
By rail: The train from Menton back to Nice takes around 40 min and costs around €5.50 or AUD $9.00.
By plane: There are many airlines that fly from Nice to Paris. Below are 2 websites that provide a number of different carriers to choose from.
WALKING
The walk is moderate with some small ascents. Full-day walks average about 13km with 4.5 – 6 Hours of walking each day. There is plenty of opportunities to add more walking if you’re up for it. The walking is over very old well-maintained paths via the most scenic pathway to the coast. This is a beautiful area with many fabulous historic attractions on top of the fabulous walking routes. We highly recommend that you incorporate some extra time after the walk to rest but also to fully immerse yourself in Provence and the Cote d’Azur.
For what to bring please refer to Gear Advice in our FAQ section.
WEATHER
From March the temperature begins to rise so be prepared for warmer days if you walk in summer. Shoulder season is by far the best time as the weather is perfect for walking and the added advantage of having fewer people around in the villages and on the coast (we walk away from the populated areas on the walk so crowds are not an issue.)
See the weather information about average temperatures and rainfall at different times of the year.
INSURANCE
We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.
For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.
We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office. See the FAQ section for more information.
INFORMATION PACK
For nearly 30 years we have taken pride in providing seamlessly organised walking holidays, but we know, even with that in mind, that you’ll have many more questions. You will receive a very detailed information pack and itinerary approximately 6 weeks out from departure outlining all the fine detail and much more.
CONTACT
If you have any questions, feel free to ask one of our destination consultants. You can get in touch with us via our contact form or email us at info@Stroll.com
Departure Dates
- DATESAVAILABILITYPRICESingle OccupancyDETAILS
- 1 Mar 2023 - 30 Nov 2023AVAILABLEfrom $ 960SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 310
- 1 Oct 2023 - 15 Nov 2023AVAILABLEfrom $ 905SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 280
- 1 Mar 2024 - 27 May 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1020SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 280
- 28 May 2024 - 30 Sep 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1130SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 325
- 1 Oct 2024 - 15 Nov 2024AVAILABLEfrom $ 1020SINGLE OCCUPANCY$ 280
ENQUIRE NOW
If you’re looking for further information on any of our walking holidays please fill out the enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.