On the French Riviera, it’s pleasant to walk by the sea when the weather is nice. Several coastal paths exist in Nice, Cap d’Ail, and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.
If you enjoy strolling and walking, you might already be familiar with the coastal trails. Join us to escape; it might give you some ideas. Weather conditions should be checked before heading out, for your safety and to ensure the access is not closed.
### From Cap Ferrat to Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Just on the peninsula of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, there are three trails.
The Promenade Maurice Rouvier is the easiest, on a protected and accessible route. It starts at the beach of the Baie des Fourmis in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, passes in front of the Royal-Riviera and Delcloy hotels, to the port of Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat for over a kilometer. From the port beach, you can see the Pointe Saint-Hospice.
Beautiful villas are visible, such as the famous Villa Kerylos, which is a museum.
The trail of Pointe Saint-Hospice begins at the famous Paloma Beach, which you reach by descending steps. It covers two kilometers of limestone rocks and vegetation, leading to the Jardin de la Paix.
The hardest and longest trail is the Tour du Cap. From Passable Beach, five kilometers are needed to go around Cap Ferrat. The path is very narrow in places, slippery, and unsecured. So, you need to be careful not to fall into the water and be adequately equipped. It runs below the Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat and the lighthouse. The scenery is nonetheless very beautiful and worth the trip. Signs indicate the species of wildlife and flora present.
### From Nice to Villefranche
The Cap de Nice trail starts at the port, after the restaurant “la Réserve,” by the “Coco Beach” beach.
It winds along the seaside up to the Palais Maeterlinck, where stairs must be taken. This is only the beginning since you must take more stairs to see the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer.
After more than two kilometers, you arrive in the town.
### Cap d’Ail
For this one, you’ll need to be really patient as it runs along the Pointe des Douaniers, Cap Rognoso, and Cap Mala for almost four kilometers. The Pointe des Douaniers features volcanic rocks.
The steep descent (or ascent) of the legendary stairs of Plage de la Mala is a challenge to overcome to traverse the cape. The Eden Palace, or former grand hotel of Cap d’Ail, is on the path.
Finally, you will reach Marquet Beach, close to Monaco.
### Cap d’Antibes
Starting from Garoupe Beach, the adventure begins to round Cap d’Antibes for five kilometers. The panorama over Antibes is not to be missed.
Winding along the cliffs, the hike allows you to glimpse the famous Villa Eilenroc, from where the trail can also start. It is developed and protected but includes stairs.
