Hiking in Provence - Sospel to Villefranche

Travel easily to Sospel by train from Nice (train ticket not included). Upon arrival, your accommodation is only about 800 meters from the station, a short and pleasant walk through the small village. If you have time - take the opportunity to discover the town! The most striking monument in Sospel is the fortified bridge Pont Fortifié, which was built in the 12th century. The streets in the old town are very narrow with tall buildings. Place Saint Michel is by far the most colorful and picturesque place in Sospel. Dinner is included tonight.

The day begins with a short transfer to Breil, if you arrive here on a Tuesday or Thursday there is a market you can visit in the morning. You then leave Breil sur Roya on foot, which gives you a wonderful panoramic view over the valley. There are two choices of trails above the village and we have chosen the one that follows stone terraces where olive trees grow. You reach the fantastic ghost town Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched above the valley. Your path then takes you to Italy – to the colorful town of Olivetta – before you return to France and to the town of Sospel. Dinner is also included tonight.

A short taxi transfer takes you to the beginning of today's hike, if you are here on a Thursday there is a market you can visit in the morning. After a gradual ascent through a scenic beech forest you have majestic views over the Mediterranean from a thousand meters altitude at the Col de Castillon pass. You finally reach the village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, which is located at 800 m altitude. It is the highest coastal village in Europe.

Starting from Sainte Agnès it is a steady climb over the Bausson pass. For about 30 minutes you walk on a small mountain road with panoramic views over the sea (this small road is not particularly busy with cars but is mostly used by cyclists). The summit of Cime de Baudon offers an exceptional 360° view over the entire region and the surrounding mountain peaks, you can see as far as the summit of Sainte Beaume and the Alps. Today includes a picnic lunch.

Again you leave Sainte Agnès on foot, and walking along a deep and scenic valley you reach the lost villages of Monti and Castellar. Castellar offers picturesque streets and restaurants. Your path leads you to the heart of the town of Menton, the most beautiful town on the French Riviera with its colorful streets winding around in endless labyrinths and with several architectural treasures.

Every morning there is a market in Menton, you can start the day by visiting this if you want. Then you take the train with your luggage from Menton to Villefranche, it is a short, scenic train journey of 30 minutes (the train ticket is not included but costs about 4.20€ per person). You leave your luggage at your hotel and begin your hike around the famous peninsula St Jean Cap Ferrat, a beautiful 3-hour coastal walk. You can also add a detour and walk around the eastern part of the peninsula as well, it takes about an hour more.

After breakfast you take a 5-minute train ride from Villefranche to Eze (the ticket costs a couple of euros). Eze is a medieval village located on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean. The old village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th century castle on a narrow rocky peak. The castle area hosts the well-known garden Jardin Exotique, and from the top you have a good view over the coast. After today's hike you take the train back to your hotel.

The trip ends after breakfast, unless you want to treat yourself to an extra night or two to enjoy swimming or perhaps a visit to Nice or Monaco.