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Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 5 nights in 2-4 star hotels
  • 2 nights gîte
Meals
  • 4 Dinners
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1550USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: UFR

Trip highlights


  • Discover the high trails above the Riviera on foot
  • Explore the perfume town of Grasse
  • Walking to the hill top village of Gourdon with views to the Gorges du Loup
  • Soaking up the atmosphere in Vence, famous for its artistic heritage
  • Enjoying the fantastic cuisine of the region on the trip

The French Riviera is well known for its glitz and glamour. This tour explores some of the places that collectively add character and a more relaxed charm to the region. Beginning in Grasse, perfume capital of the world with its Fragonard factory, you follow some amazing paths to hilltops and across plateaus with sweeping views to the coast and beyond. Visit the beautiful village of Gourdon and walk through farmland and Mediterranean forests. Be enchanted by Vence with its colourful flowers and markets that have inspired many famous artists, painters and sculptors including Matisse and Dufy. Wonderful food and hospitality complement a visit to this eternally panoramic part of Provence.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

Grasse is the perfume capital of the world and a gateway to many walking trails. Check in at your hotel, located in a quiet area with bus access to the town centre. This evening, enjoy dinner at leisure in a local restaurant of your choosing.

Meals:  Nil

Before setting out on your walk, we recommend visiting the famous Fragonard Perfume factory, museum and shop. Setting out, the walk takes you up to the village of Bar-sur-Loup, an old, lovingly restored perched village with a church and 13th century castle. Finish the day's walk at the gateway of the Gorge du Loup in the village of Pont du Loup. You stay in a small hotel in the village and enjoy the evening meal at the hotel. Walk: 14km/8.7mi, 300m/984ft ascent, 5-6hrs including breaks

Meals:  B,D

Today starts with a relatively steep ascent, which will be very quickly rewarded when you reach Gourdon. Rated one of the most beautiful villages of France ('Plus Beaux Villages of France'), Gourdon is really worth exploring. You can choose to stay in the village for an extended visit or keep walking up to the plateau (at 1000m) and enjoy more fabulous views of the Gorges du Loup. Return to your hotel in Pont du Loup for dinner and overnight. Walk: 8km/5mi, 850m/2788ft ascent to the plateau, 5hrs including breaks

Meals:  B,D

Today you will walk at the foot of Pic de Courmettes on quiet roads and easy paths, with nice views over the Loup valley. Arrive in Courmes, another lovely village of the Maritime Alps, where you dine and spend the next 2 nights in a welcoming gite. Walk: 14km/8.7mi, 425m/1395ft ascent, 6hrs including breaks

Meals:  B,D

Today's walk takes you to the top of the Courmettes mountain, where you can discover rich flora and a panoramic view down to the Riviera, to Cagnes-sur-Mer and Antibes and possibly even Corsica on a clear day! Return along the same path and enjoy the views from a different angle down to the Gorges Du Loup. Dinner and overnight in Courmes. Walk: 10km/6.2mi, 600m/1969ft ascent, 6hrs including breaks

Meals:  B,D

After a relatively steep and short ascent, you will enjoy the views of the Saint Barnabé plateau. Over 1000m high, it feels like you're in the Alps, and yet so close to the busy French Riviera! Some deep valleys will bring you gently down to the charming town of Vence. Many famous artists such as Matisse and Dufy were inspired by the area and spent some time in Vence, and it remains popular with artists and writers today. It is also a big market town with markets every day (the two largest are on Tuesday and Friday mornings). Tonight you will stay in a comfortable 3 star hotel. Walk: 12km/7.5mi, 450m/1476ft ascent, 6hrs including breaks

Meals:  B

Vence is also a gateway to many walking trails, so today you can choose to walk to the majestic village of Saint Paul de Vence (moderate), do a loop walk to the medieval village of La Tourettes-sur-Loup (active), or climb the Baou des Blancs / Baou des Noirs (challenging) and enjoy the breathtaking views over the coast and the Riviera. Return to Vence in the evening. Walk, dependent on your chosen option: from 4-14km/2.5-8.7mi, from 150-600m/492-1969ft ascent, up to 6.5hrs including breaks

Meals:  B

The trip concludes in Vence after breakfast. You can enjoy the local market before departing for Nice or beyond.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts and 4 dinners – continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee, tea and juices. Dinners will be 2-3 courses with a main plus entree and/or dessert. The dinners are based on good quality cuisine using local ingredients.
  • 5 nights in 2-4 star hotels, 2 nights gîte on a twin share basis
  • Luggage transfers
  • Information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per room booked
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to Grasse and from Vence
  • Lunches daily, dinners on day 1, 6 & 7 and all beverages
  • Entrance fees to museums, parks and archaeological sites
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tour guide – this is a self guided trip
  • Travel insurance

Grading

introductory to moderate  

This trip involves 6 days walking usually along coastal trails. You need to be sure footed as some tracks have rolling stones which requires care and a good balance; also the descents may be tiring for the knees. The trip requires a good level of fitness to fully participate in this adventure. During the walking stages you will need to carry your daily requirements in a day pack such as water bottle, camera, waterproofs and lunch.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Mar to 24 Jun & 1 Sep to 1 Nov

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1550USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$680
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$900
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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