Coastal hikes
Port-Pin and Port-Miou,
the first two calanques from Cassis
Half-day
Rich in heritage, this colorful walking path allows a soft approach of the eastern calanques : an ideal cocktail to discover and appreciate all the peculiarities of the Calanques National Park, while being fond of the beauty of Provence seascapes. Starting from the bustling fishing port of Cassis, from where you will enjoy the scenic view on the towering cliffs of Cap Canaille, you will reach the pebble little beach of Calanque de Port-Pin, this so pretty pine fringed inlet. On your way back, you will be walking along Calanque de Port-Miou and its natural marina.
Walking time : 3 hours
Rating : leisurely (stony ground)
The charm of the Cap Ferrat peninsula
Half-day
So close to Nice and Monaco and yet so remote from everything, this little forested peninsula is the perfect place for those who look for peace and beauty : ramble along the pleasant coastal footpath all around the peninsula and take in magnificent views of the craggy coastline and the cobalt waters of the sea. If you wish, it is also possible to follow little streets and stairways up to the top of the peninsula that provides panoramic views and where a semaphore rises to 132m.
Walking time : 2.5 hours
Rating : easy
Above the Riviera’s Grande Corniche
Half-day
One of the most famous road in the world, the Grande Corniche between Nice and Monaco is visible in Hitchcock’s ‘To Catch a Thief’ and the James Bond‘s ‘Goldeneye’. On this half-day hike, you will surely enjoy some of the finest views on the whole of the Riviera. It begins in La Turbie, small town perched on the heights overlooking Monaco. You follow the Grande Corniche before rising to Cime de la Forna, 350 feet higher. Walking then on the track built on the crest, capping the cliffs, you take in the superb coastal panorama. The steep descent on a pretty path down to the medieval hill town of Eze offers plunging views over the village and the Cap Ferrat peninsula. You rapidly cross the Grande Corniche before meeting further down the Moyenne Corniche and reaching Eze.
Walking time : 3.5 hours
Rating : challenging (strenuous descent)
The 3 capes hike: the wildest part
of the coast pathway near St Tropez
Half-day or Full day
This half-day hike, which starts 3 miles away from Ramatuelle, this beautiful hillside town located in the heart of the St Tropez peninsula, follows the coastline over its full length ; so, this is a point-to-point trail. The three capes that you will see are Cap Camarat, Cap Taillat and Cap Lardier. The last two are the most impressive. They are located in an area protected from the real estate pressure. That is probably one of the reasons why the hike offers around there such diversified scenery and so stunning views ; this natural landscape would make you believe that you are dozens of miles away from the glamourous St Tropez.
Walking time : 3 hours (6 hours with the return)
Rating : easy
Port d’Alon, a corner of paradise
Full day
In winter, nothing beats a walk on this coastal pathway between Bandol and Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer. Leaving the pretty little port of La Madrague, you enjoy scenic views over the beautiful bay of La Ciotat. Once you have passed the first two points, the path offers you the opportunity to look at the sea as far as the eye can see. From February onwards, a growing number of plants blossom, bringing a very colorful touch to the hike, in this season. Halfway along the route, you reach the highlight of the hike, the charming cove of Port d’Alon, its pebbly little beach and its cabanons. The feeling of having been worlds away !
On your way back, your local guide leads you through the vineyards of the area, whose well-known wine appellation is Bandol.
Walking time : 4 hours
Rating : moderate (stony sections)
The Frioul islands :
peaceful beauty, in front of bustling Marseille
Full day
After jumping on a boat, you can travel from downtown Marseille to the Frioul archipelago within 20 minutes. Once landed, you explore the two largest island that offer an outstanding heritage, both natural and cultural. Located in the Calanques National Park, they are genuine and wild. And their microclimate makes the local flora very specific : many plants that live there do not exist in other parts of the world, except on the stretch of coastline to the east of the Marseille Bay. Moreover, the islands are considered as a major European site regarding the reproduction of seabirds. 5 species are remarkable, among which the European Shag and the Yelkouan Shearwater. During this hike, your guide also interprets the Frioul Islands‘ human legacy. And this cultural heritage is both military (two ruined forts and numerous batteries of cannons) and sanitary (a two-century-old hospital, partly restored): a few centuries ago they were the quarantine islands for France in the Mediterranean.
Walking time : 3.5 hours (the tour lasts 4.5hrs because of the boat trips)
Rating : leisurely