The nature of the hinterland between Grasse and Menton has preserved its nativeness and offers wonderful paths with fantastic views. Mountains and the sea, in the background the high peaks of mountain Mercantour and the broad view onto the deep blue Mediterranean Sea, a wonderful contrast. The climate is divine and fauna and flora therefore diversified: Mimosa, yew trees, orange-lemon- and olive groves. The villages, which nearly cannot be identified from the bottom, are hanging in the mountains. The steep canyons as the canyon 'du Loup' are fantastic and impress through gorgeous waterfalls. And the sun is always shining at the shiny coast of Southern France.
More details and information about the hiking regions in the South of France.
Short bus ride to the start of the hiking trail to Pont du Loup, which leads high above Grasse to the mountain village of Bar sur Loup. Take your time to visit the church, the altar from Brèa from the 15th century is very impressive and the painting “Dance macabre” in the back of the church, from 15th century too, tells the story of earl Bar.
The “path of paradise” leads to the medieval village of Gourdon. You will be rewarded with an unforgettable view for your climb. The village with its palace up on 760 m is overlooking the whole hinterland of Cannes. The path built into the rocks of the Wolf Canyon is adventurous. It leads to the charming village of Courmes, which lies directly above a waterfall.
In the early morning you walk up to the peak of mountain Courmettes, enjoy the fantastic panorama view from Nice to Mandelieu, via Mercantour and the Mediterranean Sea. It is one of the most impressing views over the whole region. Above the edge of Puy de Tourette the lime plateaus of Caussols, Vence, du Cheiron are looming. Behind the villages of Cipière, Gréolières, and Coursegoule are hidden. During your walk down to Vence the characteristic Mediterranean landscape is bewitching you.
Baou des Blancs, Baou des Gris or de Saint Jeannet is the headlands, which rise over the coast. After a short transfer you start your walking tour via limestone through Mediterranean vegetation and past medieval farm buildings. You manage the deep canyon of Cagne via a steep track, afterwards you reach the village Saint Jeannet. Wonderful views are accompanying you the whole day.
In the morning a short transfer to La Turbie. From there the hike goes with great views over Monaco to medieval Roquebrune, Cap Martin and Menton. On the peak of mountain Baudon (1.200 m) the panorama view onto the mountains and the Sea is fabulous. The climb up to Sainte-Agnès passes the old village of Gorbio, which is the highest point of this area.
On your last hiking stage the fantastic descent to Menton awaits you! Until 1935 there was no other access to the sea, besides this footpath. This route leads with view onto the sea through the diversified forms of vegetation, with always changing smells. Menton attracts with its old city and a bath in the sea.
ca. 3.5 hours
10 km
250 m
920 m
Day
8
Departure or extension
Characteristics of the route
Tours of easy to medium level with 3.5 to 5.5 hours walking time. Hiking and culture can be combined very good at this tour. The very diversified ridgeways, walking paths and side roads are good to walk-on. You should be in good shape for the longer tours.
Diese Tour war eine der schönsten Wanderungen die wir bislang gemacht haben. Die einzelnen Etappen sind zwar teils fordernd, aber mit guter Grundkondition gut schaffbar. Landschaft und Aussichten waren grandios, ebenso wie das Essen und die guten Weine.