Provence from the Alps to the Sea

Arrive on your own by train from Nice. Located along the banks of the river Roya, your walking holiday begins in the picturesque town of Breil sur Roya, far from the bustle of the coastline. You’re surrounded by lush mountains and in a place where time is at a standstill. The town forms a compact crescent around a narrow rocky spur, nestled in the deep Roya valley. The colourful cobbled streets and ancient buildings are a delight to explore. You’ll hear both languages –French & Italian-and feel both influences in food, culture, and in architecture. It’s worth mentioning that the Breil sur Roya: the market is on Tuesday & Thursday morning.

Walking: No scheduled walking for today
Accommodation: Breil sur Roya in an ensuite room

Today we walk from France into Italy returning to Sospel in France. The walk starts in Breil sur Roya with a slight ascent above the village giving you immediate reward with a wonderful panorama of the valley. There are two choices in paths above the village and we’ve chosen the one less travelled, following abandoned stone terraces, now dotted with olive trees. You reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, more Italian than French, perched high above the valley. Your path then takes you to Italy –to the colourful town of Olivetta – before returning to France and to the town of Sospel. Sospel is an authentic medieval mountain town with an old stone toll bridge crossing the Brévera river. It is worth noting the Breil sur Roya market is on Tuesday & Thursday morning

Walking: Moderate / 15kms / 5.5 hrs/ +600 / -550M
Meals: Buffet breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Sospel in an ensuite room

There is a short transfer that takes you to the start of the walk. After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest, the summit appears. At well over 1000m above the sea, the majestic views of the Mediterranean appear for the first time as do the southern Alps. You reach the village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. At 800m in altitude, it’s the highest coastline village in Europe. It is worth noting the Sospel market is on Thursday morning.

Walking: Moderate / 10 kms / 4 hours / +0 / -550m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: St Agnes in an ensuited room

From Sainte Agnès there’s once again a first off climb up towards the Col de Bausson pass, through a landscape of wild lavender and with great views of the village as you leave. Beyond the pass, you enter a valley to the north and wild slopes of pine forest and wildflowers. A steep, zigzagging descent leads you to the village of Gorbio, worth a lengthy visit. On the main square, you’ll find two restaurants for lunch, one refined and the other casual (full information and recommendations for all non supplied meals in walking notes). You return to Sainte Agnès along a shorter and easier route – the GR 51 –with views of the coastline accompanying you along the way.

Walking: Moderate / 10kms / 4 hrs / +450m / -450m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: St Agnes in an ensuite room

Once again you leave Sainte Agnès by foot, but this time with a slow descent, walking along a deep and scenic valley you reach the lost villages of Monti and Castellar. Castellar offers quaint streets & restaurants. Your path eventually leads you to the heart of the town of Menton, the prettiest town on the French Riviera (or Italy as it is on the border) with its colourful streets winding around in never-ending labyrinths. The town is a bit of an unknown corner and the last stop on the Cote d’Azur before Italy. It’s well worth exploring for its architectural treasures, the old port or the museum devoted to Jean Cocteau just for starters.

Walking: Moderate / 14kms / 5 hrs / +250m / -950m
Meals: Breakfast and picnic lunch
Accommodation: Menton in an ensuite room

The trip finishes after breakfast. There’s an undercover market here each day which you may wish to explore. Regular trains run from Menton to Nice daily. Au revoir.

Meals: Breakfast