Internationale groepsreis Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

After a relaxed breakfast we say our goodbyes.