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Along the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) with Nice

Quiet side of the French Riviera
Combine walking and sightseeing for a leisurely discovery of the Côte d'Azur, finishing in elegant Nice. Your luggage is transported from one 4-star hotel to the next, as you explore self-guided, with plenty of time to appreciate the art, gardens and easy coastal paths.
What is included
  • 8 nights
  • 8 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes
  • GPS navigation
  • Along the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) with Nice
    Quiet side of the French Riviera
  • Menton & its marina
  • Menton
  • Botanical gardens, Menton
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer
  • Old streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer
  • Market, Villefranche-sur-Mer
  • Cap Ferrat
  • View to Villefranche-sur-Mer from Cap Ferrat
  • Cap Jean path along the coast
  • Espace Massena, Nice
  • Flower market, Nice
What is included
  • 8 nights
  • 8 breakfasts
  • luggage transported
  • route notes
  • GPS navigation

Holiday information

A walking holiday along the Côte d’Azur to Nice

Renowned for its exceptional quality of light – inspiring artists, writers and countless others – the French Riviera remains a magnet for lovers of art, culture and, of course, natural beauty. The luminous coastline, year-round sunshine and fabulously scenic paths also make this a dream destination for walkers – especially those who prefer trails that are as gentle on the legs as the far-reaching sea views are on the eyes.
Your holiday begins in the charming coastal town of Menton, where there are ochre and honey-coloured houses, lovely botanical gardens and signature Russian Orthodox and Baroque churches to explore. Villefranche makes an equally picturesque second base, with its Romanesque chapel, wonderful coastal paths and popular beach. From here, it's just a leisurely stroll along the unspoiled coastline to the beautiful and Italianate city of Nice, a showcase for the Baroque and Belle Époque. Art lovers will be rewarded by visits to the museums of Marc Chagall and Matisse, both situated just above Nice and easily reached on foot or by bus, while the elegant streets of the city itself are home to a sumptuous cathedral and Opera house, countless museums and galleries, and daily flower, fruit and vegetable markets offering local crafts and gourmet specialities.



Itinerary

The key to Inntravel holidays is flexibility. You can start on the day of your choice, and are free to add extra nights.

Pay locally for public transport to and from walks.
  • The average maximum daytime temperatures and monthly rainfall relate to the nearest weather station and are intended as a guide only.
    Average temperatures and rainfall
      Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
    °C 11 11 13 15 19 22 26 26 23 19 14 12
    mm 77 79 74 66 61 46 22 43 65 104 101 78
  • Arrival in Menton
    Night 1: at Hotel Prince de Galles (the first of three nights here).
    As your first night’s accommodation is on the day of travel, Day 1 is your first day of walking. Pay locally for public transport to and from walks.
  • Menton town trail
    We suggest you start by following our town trail, during which you can stop for lunch at one of several shady squares. First, pause to admire pretty gardens, an art museum and a Russian church close to your hotel before continuing into Menton itself where you will find picturesque squares and colourful markets Then ascend through Vieux Menton (the old town) itself, perhaps visiting the Baroque churches that dominate the skyline, before winding through narrow streets to an atmospheric, hill-top cemetery. Here there is a faded Russian Orthodox mausoleum and the graves of various well-known British former residents (William Webb Ellis, the ‘inventor’ of rugby, is one such occupant). From here, descend via botanical gardens to reach the Jean Cocteau museum, housed in the bastion and former custom house, before taking time to explore Menton’s many shops and to stroll along its pleasant, sea-front promenade.
    Botanical gardens, Menton
  • Choice of walks from Menton: 3.5km to 10.5km

    Circular walk via Cap Martin: 10.5km, 3.5hrs; ascent/descent 280m; return by train: 7.5km, 2.5hrs; ascent/descent 280m
    Follow the scenic coastal path around Cap Martin to the beaches of Pointe de Cabbé. Either return across the headland via Parc du Cap Martin with its impressive ancient olive trees, or by train from Roquebrune-Cap-Martin station at Cabbé.

    To Monaco: 3.5km, 1.5hrs; ascent/descent 140m
    Board a train to Monaco to follow our trail through the old town (avoiding all casinos!). You take in the Prince’s Palace and cathedral, and explore Monaco's narrow, characterful streets – the window shopping here is a treat and there’s no shortage of places for refreshment. Return by train. (You could save this walk for Days 4-5 during your stay in Villefranche – see below – as it can be done from either hotel.)
    Circular walk via Cap Martin: 10.5km
    Monaco trail: 3.5km
  • Beaulieu to Villefranche-sur-Mer: 10km, 3.5hrs; ascent 250m/descent 240m; shorter option: 7km, 2.5hrs
    Leaving Menton behind, catch a train west to Beaulieu, where you join a footpath to circuit the small cape of St-Jean with its wild coastline. Stop at the port or village of St-Jean for a sophisticated lunch, or make a short detour to Villa Rothschild to admire the gardens and fabulous art collections, perhaps taking tea on the terrace. From outside the villa gates, you can catch the bus to Villefranche and shorten the day's walk, or continue on foot via Villa Nellcote – where the Rolling Stones recorded Exile on Main Street – before circling the sandy bay into town. You stay for three nights at the Welcome Hotel.
    Cap Jean on the route from Menton to Villefranche
    Beaulieu to Villefranche-sur-Mer: 10km
  • Choice of walks from Villefranche: 1.5km to 9km
    We offer a choice of walking routes from Villefranche-sur-Mer, from where you also have the option to take the train to explore Monaco, as described under Day 2.

    Villefranche town trail: 1.5km, 1hr; ascent/descent 40m
    Our town trail enables you to amble among Villefranche’s grid of evocatively named streets (we love the tunneled Rue Obscura), before visiting the Romanesque Chapelle de Saint-Pierre des Pêcheurs (known as ‘Cocteau Chapel’ due to the artist’s floor-to-ceiling murals), and the 16th-century Saint Elmo Citadel.

    Circular walk from Villefranche: 9km, 3hrs; ascent 390m/descent 290m shorter option: 6km, 2.5hr
    The whole of the unspoiled cape of Cap Ferrat, like much of the rest of this coastline, has been circled by a footpath. Beginning with a bus journey to St-Jean, this walk follows the coastal footpath along the old route of the customs officers, to pass below the historic Ferrat lighthouse. The scenery here is particularly beautiful, scented by pines and with views towards Nice and Villefranche. Return to Villefranche on foot (or catch the bus again to shorten the route). Once back in Villefranche, take time to relax in this beautiful coastal town, no doubt finding it easy to relate to Cocteau’s immortal words: “When I see Villefranche, I see my youth again. Pray Heaven it may never change.”
    Cap Ferrat on the route around Villefranche
    Circular walk from Villefranche: 9km
  • Villefranche to Nice: 9km, 3hrs; ascent 280m/descent 270m
    Your walk on to Nice is a wonderful coastal route, affording views back towards Cap Ferrat and its lighthouse. If you'd prefer an easier day, there is the option to travel between Villefranche and Nice by taxi or local train.

    Once in Nice, you stay at either La Villa Victoria in the heart of the city or at La Villa Nice Promenade, just a few minutes away from the sparkling seafront and the iconic Promenade des Anglais.
    Nice
    Villefranche to Nice: 9km
  • Explore Nice: 5km, 2hrs; ascent/descent 65m
    There’s no denying the distinctly Italian feel of Nice’s architecture and cuisine, but the holidaying English and Russian upper classes who spent winters here during the Belle Epoque also left their mark in the form of the sweeping seafront promenade (the Promenade des Anglais) and the onion-domed Orthodox cathedral. Much of what attracted northern European aristocrats, not to mention artists such as Matisse and Chagall, is still relevant today – plentiful sunshine, swaying palm trees, the proximity of mountains and sea, the elegance of the Baroque palazzi, the clarity of the light – and is now supplemented by a range of fascinating museums devoted to art, different periods of the city’s history, and more.
    View over Nice

Accommodation

You stay at three high-quality hotels. In both Menton and Villefranche, these face the sea (and we include sea-view rooms with a balcony), whereas in Nice you’ll either be centrally located, close to the Old Town, or just a few minutes’ walk from the seafront.

In some places, we work with more than one hotel, as/if shown below. All are hand-picked by us and, unless there is a price implication (in which case we will contact you to discuss your options), we will tell you which one we have booked for you on your booking confirmation.

Options to extend or shorten your stay

Prices & travel options
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
Currency converter

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  • 8 nights: 01 February 2026 - 15 July 2026, 01 September 2026 - 31 October 2026, 01 February 2027 - 15 July 2027 & 01 September 2027 - 31 October 2027

    Start any day | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Price *
    1 - 30 Sep 2026 From £1901
    1 - 3 Oct 2026 From £1746
    4 - 11 Oct 2026 From £1681
    12 - 23 Oct 2026 From £1656
    1 - 28 Feb 2027 From £1207
    1 - 31 Mar 2027 From £1181
    1 - 31 May 2027 From £1643
    1 - 30 Jun 2027 From £1836
    1 - 7 Jul 2027 From £1836
    1 - 30 Sep 2027 From £1836
    1 - 6 Oct 2027 From £1576
    7 - 23 Oct 2027 From £1576

    * Final price is subject to change due to the customisable nature of our holidays and is dependent on accommodation availability for the dates selected. We will contact you to confirm the final price. Single supplements are applicable on many of our holidays. Please contact us for full details.

    Includes accommodation, meals and services integral to the holiday as described, plus walking notes, but no travel from the UK, nor any connecting travel from the airport unless stated below.

    Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route and times to suit you. Please contact us to find out more about our flight booking service. We can also book connecting travel - see below.

  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Nice
    As an alternative to flying, we can arrange rail travel from London

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Nice. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book flights and onward connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Belfast Intl. - Nice easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Birmingham - Nice jet2 
    Birmingham - Nice (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Nice easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Nice easyJet 
    Edinburgh - Nice (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Glasgow - Nice (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Leeds Bradford - Nice jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Liverpool - Nice easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    London City - Nice British Airways 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Nice British Airways,  easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Nice British Airways 
    Heathrow - Nice (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Luton - Nice easyJet 
    Outward route Airline
    Stansted - Nice Ryanair 
    Stansted - Nice easyJet,  jet2 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Nice British Airways,  easyJet,  jet2 
    Manchester - Nice (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Newcastle - Nice easyJet 
    Newcastle - Nice (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Norwich - Nice (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Outward route Airline
    Southampton - Nice (via Paris) Air France 
    Outward route Airline
    Teesside International - Nice (via Amsterdam Schiphol) KLM 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  we recommend flying via Nice. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated in the connecting travel section, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Please do not book your flights until we have confirmed your accommodation to you. Alternatively, our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice and to make flight bookings for you for any of the options listed above. We charge £35 per person for our flight booking service. Your flights are then covered by our package-booking conditions, which give you greater protection in the event of delay or cancellation, as well as providing ATOL cover.

  • Prices below are based on 2 people travelling together. If you are travelling solo or as a party of 3 or more and our arrangements include a taxi, please contact us for prices; additional passengers often pay less.

    Unless otherwise stated, connecting travel by rail or bus tends to be from the city centre station, rather than from its airport, and connections between the two should be paid for locally.

    Where a price range is given, the price you pay depends on your date of travel.
     

    Connecting travel options - flying via Nice

    Outward route Price per person Latest flight
    arrival time
    rail Nice airport to Carnolès (0h40), taxi (0h05, pay locally) or walk (0h10) to hotel TBA 2100
    airport bus Nice airport to Menton (1h15, pay locally) pay locally 1900
    direct taxi Nice airport to hotel (1h15) TBA flexible
    rail Nice Ville to Carnolès (0h35), taxi (0h05, pay locally) or walk (0h10) to hotel TBA 1945
    Homeward route Price per person Earliest flight
    departure time
    arrange own travel from the hotel to the airport pay locally flexible
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

Please note: any reference to maps in customer reviews is now out of date – we no longer provide these. For information on this, please see our FAQs page.


 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • We can book a wide range of routes from the UK with a variety of airlines. As well as being more convenient for you to book all elements of your holiday together, it also means that we’ll accept liability for your travel arrangements, so if things go wrong, such as the airline going bust, we’ll make suitable alternative arrangements for you. The fee for this service is £35 per person (£15 for children aged 2-11). More information on flights >
  • We can’t book flights that originate outside the UK, but if you wanted to book your own flights to London (or elsewhere in the UK), we can make all onward travel arrangements (including flights) from there. Alternatively, if you are booking your own flights to an airport in continental Europe that’s appropriate for your holiday, we can book onward rail travel and/or taxis. More information about how we can tailor holidays for customers outside the UK >
  • Since our holidays are self-guided, we recommend calling us for a chat about your plans before making a booking, especially if it’s the first time you’ve booked with us.
    The price panel shows the supplement for a single room and also the single traveller charge (this covers (luggage) transfers and other costs which are usually shared between two people).
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can incur a five or six-figure bill.

    Many insurers offer travel insurance (you can find details on our insurance page of a policy that you may like to consider if you are a UK resident), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    When you purchase a policy, be sure to check that it covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs.
  • The official language is French. The currency is the Euro. French time is GMT/UTC + 1. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 1.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to France, but not a visa (please note, however, that a new travel authorisation system is being introduced). If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
  • You are the best judge of your child’s/children’s capabilities. We are happy to take bookings for families of older children/teenagers if they walk regularly, love the outdoors and are comfortable with the distances and ascent/descent involved. Please note that the bedrooms at most of the accommodation we use will normally only sleep a maximum of 3 people, and sometimes only 2.
Along the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) with Nice
8 nights
Along the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur) with Nice
8 nights
Hotel-to-hotel walking
Grade: Easy
Last fetch time is : 9/4/2026 11:51:17 AM

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