Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

447 Views
8 Days
From

$2623

$2235

Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

8 Days Starting and ending in Menton

Visiting: Menton, Carnolès, Èze, Nietzsche path, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco Hercules harbour, Nice, Monaco, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat, Serre de la Madone, Sainte-Agnès

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TEK

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

5 - 15

Physical rating:

Leisurely / Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Special diets catered:

Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Activities:

Sightseeing, Trekking

From:
$2623
$2235 (USD) Operator discount: -$388 -15%

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Located on the Franco-Italian border, on the edge of the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how it earned its nickname 'The Pearl of France,' combining a city of gardens, seaport, beach resort and a paradise for hikers all rolled into one! With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the level of French/Italian border, it is also an ideal location for an Exodus guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.

Highlights

  • Centre based in the heart of the Côte d’Azur

  • Coastal paths and mountain trails

  • Beautiful gardens and picturesque mountain villages

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Start Menton
Location: Menton
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: No Meals

Our start point is a comfortable 3-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a

short stroll from the train station, beach and shops, it is ideally located

for a week of centre-based walking. In the evening our guide will hold a

welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and

answer any questions.



Day 2 : Walk To The Cap Martin Peninsula, Visit Carnoles Garden, Bursting With Colourful Citrus Trees; Those That Wish Can Explore The Palais Carnoles, An Art Museum With A Priceless Collection. 
Location: Carnolès
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we discover the region. Starting from the hotel we stop at the local

market where we discover local food ingredients, then we take the train or

the public bus to Carnoles. From there we will start our walk around the

beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for picnic lunch. After lunch we

will visit Carnoles Garden, originally surrounding the summer residence of

the princes of Monaco. It is one of the notable gardens of France, known for

its citrus trees.



Day 3 : Discover Eze; Visit The Exotic Garden. Walk Down The Nietzche Path To Join Eze Plage. 
Location: Èze, Nietzsche path
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: Breakfast

We begin our day by taking the train for a 20 minute journey to Eze plage,

and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th

century, offering magnificent views over the coast. From there we will have

the option to walk to Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views

before we visit the Exotic Garden which is built 429 meters above sea level

on the site of an ancient fortress. It is overlooking the Provencal hill

village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various

Mediterranean species. After some free time in town we will walk down the

Nietzsche path to join Eze plage.



Day 4 : Train Or Bus To Carnoles; Walk To Roquebune. Take The Ferry Shuttle To Cross Monaco Harbour; Discover Monaco Old Town. 
Location: Carnolès, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, Monaco Hercules harbour
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we take a train or bus to Carnoles followed by a walk to Roquebrune

where we enjoy stunning views. Then we walk down to Monaco where we will take

the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We will discover Monaco’s old

town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings as well as the Casino are

before we take the train back to Menton.



Day 5 : Free Day To Explore Menton Old Town, Take A Trip To The Chic Principality Of Monaco Or Visit One Of The Many Exotic Gardens In The Area.
Location: Nice, Monaco
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: Breakfast

On your free day you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th

century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and

villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the

Saint-Michel and Conception squares as well as the Saint-Michel Basilica

façade. Alternatively you could visit one or more of the 8 gardens of Menton

or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market

as well as the 'Promenade des Anglais'. Monaco also has much to offer,

particularly its exotic garden which is hanging over the 'Rocher' giving a

beautiful view over the city and the sea.



Day 6 : Train To Villefranche Bay; Walk To Cap Ferrat And To Saint Hospice Peninsula. 
Location: Villefranche-sur-Mer, Cap Ferrat
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we take the train to Villefranche from where we will walk to the

Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We will

continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we will be charmed by the beauty of

Villa de Rotschild.



Day 7 : Optional Visit To Serre De La Madone Garden Showcasing Rare Subtropical Plants, Followed By A Visit To Sainte Agnes. 
Location: Serre de la Madone, Sainte-Agnès
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Mediterranee
Meals Included: Breakfast

In the morning there will be an option to take the public bus to the Serre de

la Madone garden for a visit (payable locally). In the morning we will take

the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir

Lawrence Johnston he turned terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright

with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will

collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town,

this village is registered as "one of the most beautiful French villages". It

hides picturesque streets and artist studios. Perched at 800m of altitude, it

offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the

bus or walk back to the hotel.

 



Day 8 : End Menton
Location: Menton
Meals Included: Breakfast

After a relaxed breakfast we say our goodbyes.



What's Included

  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

  • All accommodation 

  • All transport and listed activities

  • All breakfasts

  • Tour leader throughout

What's Not Included

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

  • Travel insurance

Food


In the itinerary we state which meals are included on each day (7 breakfasts
are included). There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed
lunches and Menton brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal.
There is plenty of choice for all budgets and palletes, including traditional
French cuisine, fresh seafood and delicious Italian restaurants (influenced
by the proximity to the Italian border).

Accommodation

Just a three-minute walk from the sea yet still in the heart of Menton, this comfortable hotel makes the perfect base for a week of walking. It has a restaurant, bar-lounge, 24-hour reception and a rooftop terrace with sun loungers. All rooms are en suite and come with air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar, coffee maker and hairdryer. Underground parking is available at an extra cost and wifi is available throughout.



Single supplement available on request.

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Check out our Q&As

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.

  • Are vaccinations required for this tour?

    There are no specific health risks.



  • What is the maximum group size?

    14

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Minimum 16 year age people can go on this tour.

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    International flights are not included with this tour.

  • Who is Exodus Travels?

    At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes.

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    No visa required for British passport holders.



  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Menton

This was another delightful walking trip with a go

This was another delightful walking trip with a good group. The leader Jessica was born locally and is passionate about the history of her region, so that we now know all about the mountain paths along which the donkeys carried the salt over to Italy. Hotel Mediterranee is very comfortable, and close enough to the sea that we were able to have some lovely evening meals in a variety of French and Italian restaurants. on the front.

Beautiful Riviera

I wanted to try something different this year and

I wanted to try something different this year and this certainly ticks the box. It's a much better way to see the Riviera than a tour bus or cruise ship.

Walking The French Riviera 2017

Perfect break away - good capable leader - perfect

Perfect break away - good capable leader - perfect hotel and wonderful location in Menton. We had a good week and walked to some super places. We enjoyed great meals out in the evening and altogether with the super October weather experienced a truely wonderful holiday

Enjoyed every minute

My first solo walking holiday surpassed expectatio

My first solo walking holiday surpassed expectations. Every day was different. The walks varied from rocky steep mountain trails to flat coastal paths. The scenery was beautiful. The views of the Riviera from clifftops were spectacular. Wandering through quaint , quiet villages was a delight. An added bonus was the friendly company of everyone in the group and the laughter and different stories about life in other countries at dinner in local restaurants.

Walking French riverra

Excellent guide, Sandrine. Exodus must retain her

Excellent guide, Sandrine. Exodus must retain her!! Routes, excellent variety, interest and length. Good hotel. Below average breakfast. I had a very good room, but too much vegetation outside window!! Very good roof top bar. Good transport. Flights, don't like late day flights.

La Cote d'Azur est tres belle

This was my first walking holiday and I really enj

This was my first walking holiday and I really enjoyed it. The Riviera is beautiful. The walks along the spectacular coastline, up in the hills and through the seemingly timeless villages were all excellent. It's hard to believe that some people live there all the time. The other people on the holiday were all nice and friendly, so I should not have worried before booking.

Wonderful hiking trip, great guide Stephanie

The trip was great, really nice group of people a

The trip was great, really nice group of people ands very knowledgable guide with a great sense of humour. The location was beautiful and the hikes very satisfying.

WALKING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

I would certainly  recommend this walking holiday,

I would certainly  recommend this walking holiday, it proved very interesting.The location is marvellous  with the hotel front overlooking the sea and the  hills behind encompassing these wonderfull walks with such splendid views.

Walking the French Riviera

Wonderful holiday in stunning scenery. Menton is a

Wonderful holiday in stunning scenery. Menton is an ideal place for a base - its so easy to visit other places on the Cote D Azur from here. There is a great train and bus service and within an hour you can be in Monaco, Nice or even Italy. The walks are great with some wonderful views of the hills and coastline.

Walking the French Riviera

Stunning scenery. Walks a little slow as we stoppe

Stunning scenery. Walks a little slow as we stopped a lot to look at the flora but sufficiently challenging.

Read all 16 reviews

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 01, 2024 - Jun 08, 2024
$2698 $2430 (USD)

Operator discount: -$268 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 15, 2024 - Jun 22, 2024
$2623 $2235 (USD)

Operator discount: -$388 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024
$2698 $2565 (USD)

Operator discount: -$133 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024
$2698 $2565 (USD)

Operator discount: -$133 (USD)

Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

May 31, 2025 - Jun 07, 2025
$2775 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Jun 14, 2025 - Jun 21, 2025
$2775 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 13, 2025
$2925 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Saturday

Oct 04, 2025 - Oct 11, 2025
$2925 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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