Hilltops of the French Riviera (self guided)

Day 1: Breil sur Roya

Your trip starts with your arrival in the town of Breil sur Roya. At 300 metres in altitude, Breil sur Roya is a town divided between mountains and sea. Located close to the Mediterranean Sea, it is also a gateway for beautiful walks up in the hills. The town is formed like a crescent below a rocky spur and has a definite feel of a centuries-old mountain village. The Baroque church in the centre of town is a testament to its Italian heritage, as the region belonged to what is now Italy for 600 years before it was annexed by France in 1860. Please make your own way to the joining hotel which is centrally located (further details are in your travel documents). Whilst at your discretion, we recommend arriving and departing by train where possible within Europe due to this method of transport's minimal carbon emissions. Breil sur Roya is easily accessible from Nice - a short and scenic train ride away. Our joining hotel is a 10-minute downhill walk from the railway station. On arrival your route notes outlining everything you need to know for the week ahead will be waiting for you at the hotel reception. Tonight you enjoy an included dinner in Breil sur Roya. Meals included: 1 dinner

Day 2: Breil sur Roya – Saorge - Breil sur Roya

Leaving Breil by foot, you take scenic pathways through the timeless and pristine hills and up to the magnificently perched village of Saorge. Its high and narrow houses date from the 15th to 17th centuries and sit vertiginously atop a rocky spur, while views from anywhere in the village are simply spectacular. The scenes of the rushing white water below are topped only by those of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Enjoy a coffee break in town before descending back into the valley. You return to Breil via an included short 10-minute transfer on the ‘Train des Merveilles’. Overnight in Breil. (Walking: 5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 3: Breil sur Roya – Sospel

Today you depart Breil on foot and head south on an ancient and panoramic path that was once a salt trading route. The mountain landscapes form a stunning backdrop as you arrive in the village of Sospel, nestled in the foothills. An authentic mountain town, Sospel harbours a 12th century stone toll bridge for crossing the Brévera River, complete with a covered guard tower. Sospel’s high stone homes and narrow streets offer a distinct medieval feel as well as cool shade, even in the hottest of summers. (Walking: 5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 4: Sospel – Sainte Agnès

After a short taxi transfer you continue on your southern route near the Italian border and to the perched village of Sainte Agnès. Located vertiginously at 700 metres over the Mediterranean Sea and, ‘as the crow flies’, only 3 kilometres from the water itself, the entire French Riviera is laid out for you to see. Sainte Agnès’ pink stone houses are separated by ancient cobbled streets with vaulted passages leading all over town. You can walk up to the ruins of the castle, perched above the village and now housing a pleasant and curious medieval garden. Sainte Agnès is listed amongst one of the most beautiful villages in France. Tonight dinner is included at the hotel located in the heart of the medieval town. (Walking: 5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

Day 5: Sainte Agnes - Menton

From Sainte Agnès you make your way through the thyme and rosemary-laden hills to the coast. With the Mediterranean always in view, you arrive at what is probably the prettiest town on the French Riviera, Menton, known for its exquisite gardens, lemon trees and magnificent medieval centre with lovely houses and Baroque churches. Menton will be your base for the next two nights and the French Riviera ambiance provides a nice contrast to your earlier mountain experience. (Walking: 5 hours) Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Day 6: Menton (Free Day)

Today is a free day in Menton to explore the town and the coastline, indulge in its cafés and the homemade ice cream shops, and perhaps the chance for a well-deserved swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 7: Menton

The trip ends in this morning after breakfast in Menton. From here there are onward train connections to Nice and other towns with connections elsewhere. Meals included: 1 breakfast