Located at the gateway to the French Riviera ―in the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast edge of France― Nice brims with charm and natural beauty.
With the sun shining almost 300 days a year, this vibrant city by the sea can be enjoyed all-year-round. Given its easy access through the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport ―the third busiest airport in the country, after the two in Paris―, Nice is the main hub to visit spectacular cities and villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, and one of the top travel destinations in France.
The legendary Promenade des Anglais, the world-famous art museums and the picturesque old town with its narrow streets are definitely among the city’s most popular attractions. But Nice lies where the Alps meet the sea and therefore, is surrounded by many interesting places to explore in short and exciting getaways.
Fabrice, an International Mountain Leader (UIMLA) who lives in Nice, is our local expert to unveil the endless opportunities that the South of France offers for those who want to enjoy an active holiday in nature:
‘The coastline of the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Antibes, Monaco) is just a small part of the huge Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region! There’s so much diversity and so much to see: National Parks, medieval villages and a wide variety of landscapes and atmospheres’.
‘In Nice, you can ski in the morning and swim in the afternoon. That’s what my grandfather ―a ski instructor involved in the Chamonix Olympic games in 1924― used to say’, he recalls.
With such vast terrain, it’s hard to decide where to go. That’s why we asked Fabrice to list the 5 hiking adventures at a short distance from Nice that best represent the diversity of landscapes you can find here. Keep reading to find out which they are!
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1. Mercantour National Park
Mercantour National Park is one of the most famous protected areas in the country, stretching for over 650 square km along the French departments of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes.
Mercantour National Park
Photo courtesy of Fabrice
The first you’ll notice on your way there is how the landscape begins to change: ‘In less than 1.30 hour from Nice, you can go from a landscape full of olive trees to an alpine environment with edelweiss, fir or larch trees, meadows and pasture’, says Fabrice.
The park comprises eight different valleys and a few alpine villages, and it’s a true alpine playground for hikers and outdoor lovers. ‘There are thousands of trails, it would take years to explore it entirely’, says Fabrice.
Some of the attractions in Mercantour include Allos Lake ―the largest lake in the Alps― and the Vallée des Merveilles (Valley of Marvels), which is home to a unique collection of Bronze Age petroglyphs, hailed as the second largest site of rock art in Europe. Other areas, like Tinée and Cian Valley, are known for their ski resorts.
Mercantour National Park
Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
Fabrice proposes several itineraries in Mercantour National Park. One of his favorites is a 1-day hike around the areas of Vésubie Valley and Madone de Fenestre:
‘This itinerary takes us to a nice lake and to the highest peak in the park (Gélas, 3,143 m), where we can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of both the sea and the Alps (once we were able to see Swiss and the Monte Rosa massif!). We can even step on the Italian border’.
From the Italian side, there’s another protected area: the Parco Naturale Alpi Maritime. After years of close collaboration, both parks became the first European natural reserve.
Wild animals like ibex, chamois, marmots or wolves, ignore frontiers between countries, and it’s no wonder to spot them on the park’s many hiking trails. About 50 wolves migrated from Italy during the ’90s and are now protected in a park that can be visited in Mercantour.
This hike is also a great opportunity to get to know small communities in this area, which are mostly dedicated to pasture and traditional cheese production.
‘I can tailor the trip for you, whether you are on a family trip or you are a sporty hiker. There are many trails, so everyone will find something to enjoy!’
In brief:
- Best time for hiking in Mercantour NP: June to October.
- Starting point: the village of Saint Martin Vésubie
- Getting there from Nice: you can easily reach the village by bus (1h 30m). Also, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is 70 km from Saint Martin Vésubie and there’s a bus shuttle service from the airport to the village.
- Explore the area with a local hiking guide: Get in touch with Fabrice (UIMLA certified) to discover La Madone de Fenestre for a day or La Vallée des Merveilles over 2 days.
- Staying for the night: if you look for a place to stay, Fabrice recommends “La Bonne Auberge”, a great hotel located in Saint Martin Vésubie. You’ll be amazed by the food, the charm of this comfy place, and the lovely owner. or try Hotel Relais Saint Louis.
2. Saorge
One of the most distinctive attractions of the French Riviera is its perched villages. These scenic medieval villages (‘the 100 villages’) hanging on the top of a mountain are scattered all along the countryside ―the ‘mid-country’, as the locals say― and were built as fortresses during the Middle Ages.
Saorge, France
Saorge, one of the most beautiful of the perched-villages in the South of France.
‘From all the villages, Saorge is one of the nicest to discover ―says Fabrice. It is perched right above the Roya river and it’s very special because of its spectacular rooftops covered with thousands of beautiful wild orchids’.
Wild orchids are an icon of Saorge and can be best appreciated during the springtime (especially in May).
Other recommended spots to explore in this area are La Brigue village, or Tend, next to the Valley of Marvels, explains Fabrice.
The itinerary he proposes goes through Peiremont route, hiking on narrow steep passageways and discovering the relics of feudal times, like old bridges, Baroque churches, fountains, and monuments. For those with an interest in history and architecture, this hike is something you wouldn’t want to miss!
In brief:
- Best time for hiking Saorge: April-May, September-October.
- Starting point: Saorge parking.
- Getting there from Nice: by train, to Fontan-Saorge station (1h 30m).
- Explore the area with a local hiking guide: Get in touch with Fabrice (UIMLA certified) to discover the perched village of Saorge on a day hiking tour.
3. Peille and Baudon Peak
Hikers in good shape and with a taste for glorious panoramic views will certainly enjoy this hike in the Maritime Alps, starting at only 30 minutes from Nice.
Baudon Peak, France
Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
The medieval village of Peille is the starting point of this itinerary that leads you to Baudon Peak, a 1264 m peak overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. ‘This is a trip recommended to fit people, as the trail is steep and rocky, although not too long. We quickly get to probably the most amazing mountain view around!’. The hike takes around 4 hours and afterward, you have some to wander around the streets of the ancient village of Peille.
Pelle, France
The medieval village of Peille. Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
Peille is (another) perched village located between Monaco and Menton. In the past, it used to be one of the main stops on the old Salt Road that went from the port of Nice to the northern Alps.
In brief:
- Best time for this trip: January-May, October-December
- Starting point: Peille.
- Getting there from Nice: you can get a taxi to Peille (30 min drive), or go by bus (1h) or train (40 min).
Explore the area with a local hiking guide: Get in touch with Fabrice (UIMLA certified) and go with him on a guided hiking trip to Baudon Peak from Peille, or join him on a French Riviera Village Hike that will take you to Eze, La Turbie, and Peille.
4. Baou Saint Jeannet
In the French Riviera, cliffs and hills are known ‘Baous’. This one, a 300 m high cliff in the small town of Saint Jeannet, makes an exciting getaway at only 30 min from Nice.
Saint Paul de Vence, France
Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
‘Very close to Saint Paul de Vence ―one of the most famous villages of the French Riviera, known for its art galleries― we find the village of Saint Jeannet, which is less touristy and hence, more authentic’, explains Fabrice.
This trip is a good option for families and those who want to discover how was ancient life in this rural part of the French Riviera. From the top of Baou Saint Jeannet, which is often visited by locals, you’ll catch amazing sights of Nice, Antibe, Cannes and the alpine mountains of Mercantour National Park.
Saint Paul de Vence, France
Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
In brief:
- Best time for this trip: January-May, October-December
- Starting point: Saint Jeannet Village parking.
- Getting there from Nice: you can get there by taxi (30 min) or bus (around 1h).
- Explore the area with a local hiking guide: Get in touch with Fabrice (UIMLA certified) and discover Baou Saint Jeannet and hike with a local for a day.
5. Esterel
Located at only 30 min from Cannes, the Esterel massif is a group of red volcanic rocks surrounded by forest. The contrast between the intense red of the hills and the blue Mediterranean Sea makes this one of the most scenic landscapes in the French Riviera.
Esterel red rocks, France
Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
‘This place is really enjoyable during Fall, Winter, and Spring. The red rocks give a little touch of a western landscape and we can enjoy the sea as well. It’s a must do, especially in winter! In February, mimosa is blooming and some places are turning all yellow’, recommends Fabrice_._
One of the options he proposes involves climbing to the top of the Cap Roux Peak, where you can find some of the best views in the area.
With many different trails available, this is a great destination for families and sporty hikers. The only advice is to avoid visiting it in the summer months because it can get really hot!
Esterel red rocks, France
Photo courtesy of Fabrice.
In brief:
- Best time for this trip: January-May, October-December
- Starting point: Agay
- Getting there from Nice: by train (1h 30m). There’s also bus shuttle service from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (1h).
- Explore the area with a local hiking guide: Get in touch with Fabrice (UIMLA certified) and explore the breathtaking Esterak Red rocks together with an expert, based there.
While worldwide famous for its majestic coastline, the French Riviera boasts incredible natural landscapes and ancient villages awaiting for you to explore. If Nice is on your radar for the next holidays, make sure to add these recommended hikes to your list!
Read this blog post in French.
