Hiking

The Menton, Riviera & Merveilles destination is home to a wide variety of landscapes making it a magnet for hikers, whether they be leisurely ramblers or keen fitness fans. A whole host of scenery is yours for the taking: seaside, deep gorges, lush valleys, mountains and mountain lakes all brought together in a small region. Whether you fancy an adventure or just want some fresh air, here are our countless routes for all abilities to experience with family, friends or that special someone.

Coast

Hikes between land and sea

The steep mountains around Menton dive into the sea. The Alps get their sea legs on and showcase stunningly contrasting landscapes. What a fabulous backdrop to your walks! Time slows down here to make way for a sensory experience in the peace and quiet. Keen hikers can tackle the cliffs, limestone bastions and Cap Martin as they wind through the Menton area in total calm and a subtropical climate bursting with exotic flora for you to feast your senses on. Around Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, drystone wall terraces planted with Mediterranean species and aromatic citrus fruit cling onto the balconies above the sea.

The coastal path:

an unmissable walk

Make sure you walk the legendary Le Corbusier coastal path that customs officers used to use. With the pine forest and stormy coast in the background, the area around Cap Martin is home to the Mediterranean coast’s most beautiful and immaculate Belle Epoque villas.

All hiking routes

Signage for peace of mind

Get your bearings with the markings and arrows along the paths. Pay attention to the colour code: yellow paint means you’re on a footpath (PR or petite randonnée) whilst red and white paint means you’re on a hiking trail (GR or grande randonnée).

Middle Valley

Unspoilt nature with the "scent of eternity"

The name “Moyen Pays” (middle valley) comes from its location between the Mediterranean and Mercantour peaks but there’s nothing middling about it! Step into a region with personality, whose landscapes switch from untamed to smooth and whose villages celebrate traditions and simple pleasures. The Alpes-Maritimes’ Middle Valley takes hikers on a trip back in time: the magical towns and their farms capture bygone times and take you back to the mountain’s glory days. You can hike here all year round: it’s ideal for a springtime picnic or autumn walk amongst the rusty colours.

Hiking

heaven:

The Roya and Bévéra Valleys are a goldmine of mid-mountain hikes. The oak forests are home to secretive wildlife whilst garrigues bursting with lavender, thyme, rosemary and broom cover some of the sun-drenched hillsides. Ideal for visitors who want to soak up idyllic landscapes and switch off from the daily grind.

All hiking routes

Our hiking guides

30 routes to hike around the area: from the Balcons d’Azur to the Roya’s peaks.

OUR HIKING GUIDES

Upper Valley:

the heady peaks

The highest Southern Alpine mountains peak at over 3000m here. Keen hikers and mountain lovers will adore this playground teeming with summits and jewel-coloured mountain lakes. It’s a humbling experience standing amongst such majestic surroundings… Around Mont Bégo, travel back in time in the Valley of Wonders. It’s home to 40,000 Neolitic cave paintings forming an incredible legacy. These exciting and cultural hikes are literally wonderful!

Hiking in the Vallée des Merveilles

Incredible landscapes and

experiences

The Giassanasque loop takes you into the skies a stone’s throw from Tende. You’re bound to meet chamois, stags and deer with the karstic Punta Marguareis on the Italian border. Fitness fans can tackle Mont Saccarel (2145m) starting from La Brigue on a route with a 1000m elevation. No pain, no gain: 360° views of Liguria, Piemonte, the Alpes-Maritimes and the sea.

All hiking routes

Deep in Mercantour Nature Park

The Upper Valley lies deep in the Mercantour Nature Park, home to a wide variety of stunning flora and fauna. Like all national parks, yellow signs mark the paths.

To reach the Roya Valley

Roya Valley Access
Storm Alex hit our area hard on 2nd October in 2020. Please note that access to some Roya Valley towns and villages has been seriously affected.
To ensure you have a great time, whether at mid or high altitude, we strongly recommend contacting the Tende Tourist Information service prior to your visit: +33 4 83 93 98 82 or tende-tourisme@menton-riviera-merveilles.fr.
Roya Valley Access

Hiking

Coast

The coastal path:

an unmissable walk

FAMILY HIKES

Middle Valley

Hiking

heaven:

Upper Valley:

Incredible landscapes and

experiences

Useful information

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