From Mountains to Sea Provence France Start your hike in Sospel, surrounded by beautiful mountains, and make your way towards the Mediterranean Coast and the charming town of Menton. Most of the trip takes place in the mountains, behind the glamour French Riviera, where few tourists venture.  Follow ancient paths through forests and majestic olive groves. HIGHLIGHTS Genuine villages nestled in wooded valleys, surrounded by high mountains The cultural mix of Italian and French influences Walking Tour Meeting: Sospel Airport: Nice Transfer: Riders: Min 2 riders Max 6 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Transfer and Other Charges:

Transfers are not available for this trip. You need to make your own way to Sospel on Day 1.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival on your own in Sospel and transfer from the Sospel train station to your guesthouse (transfer included from train station to accommodation).
Sospel is located in the Bevera valley 20km north of Menton near the Italian border.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Sospel

Day 2: Breil sur Roya to Sospel
After breakfast short transfer to Breil to start your walk.
You leave Breil sur Roya by foot, giving you a wonderful panorama of the valley. Take a little used path, following abandoned stone terraces, dotted with olive trees. You will reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute, perched above the valley. Your path then takes you to Italy – to the colourful town of Olivetta – before returning France and to the town of Sospel. Sospel is a genuine and medieval mountain town with an old stone toll bridge crossing the Brévera river.
Hiking about 15 km (5h30) +600m/-550m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Sospel

Day 3: Col de Castillon to Sainte Agnes
A short taxi transfer takes you to the start of our walk.
After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest the summit appears and perched well over 1000m above the sea, you get amazing views over the Mediterranean and the southern Alps. You eventually reach the perched village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, and sitting at 800m high.
Hiking about 10 km (4 h) +/-550m
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Sainte Agnes

Day 4: Cime de Baudon
Starting from the perched village of Sainte Agnès, it is a steady climb over the Bausson pass. During about 30 minutes you walk on a small mountain road with a panoramic view of the sea (this small road is not very busy with cars and is mostly used by cyclists). The summit of the Cime de Baudon offers an exceptional 360° view of the whole region and the surrounding mountain peaks.
Afternoon transfer from Sainte Agnes to Menton.
Hiking about 15km (4h20) +600m/-6000m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Menton

Day 5: End of trip
Your trip ends this morning after breakfast. We suggest you visit the covered market (held every morning) in Menton before leaving.

                                            Sospel area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	50	50	54	57	64	70	76	716	71	64	57	52
Average Low Temperature (°F)	42	41	44	48	54	61	66	66	62	56	49	44
Average High Temperature (°C)	10	10	12	14	18	21	25	25	22	18	14	11
Average Low Temperature (°C)	5	5	7	9	12	16	19	19	17	13	9	7
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	5	4	4	5	4	3	1	2	3	6	6	5

Source: NOAA

Seasons
The Provençal climate is characterized by the bright and ever-present Provençal sun. The winds and rains are sporadic year-round.

Winters are most often mild and sunny, with incredibly clear skies. This is a great season with incredible lighting.

Autumn & Spring, with their mild weather, can sometimes bring with them more abundant rains. 

Summer months can be very hot and dry, with occasional thunderstorms that cool the air. 

We recommend visiting between March and June or September and November, when the mild temperatures are ideal.


Mistral Wind
The mistral is a strong and turbulent wind that blows in gusts. It cools the hot summer temperatures and produces a brisk chill in the winter. 
It is always accompanied by the sun, an intense blue sky, and spectacular visibility.

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Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: La Chapelle St Gervais in Sospel
Night 3: Hotel St Yves in Ste Agnes
Night 4: Hotel Lemon in Menton

La Chapelle St Gervais in Sospel
This charming guesthouse is surrounded by nature and offers 3 bedrooms. Each room has views of the valley and includes private facilities and free Wi-Fi access.

Hotel St Yves in Ste Agnes
This hotel offers 15 rooms with magnificent sea and mountain views and private bathroom.

Hotel Lemon in Menton
Ideally located in the heart of Menton, this hotel offers 16 recently renovated bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, free Wi-Fi internet, a TV and a fan (no air conditioning). 



Meals
All breakfasts and most dinners (only dinner on Day 4 is not included) are included in your package.

Breakfasts and dinners will be provided by the accommodations.

Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Level:		(2 out of 5)    Easy to Moderate
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 6 riders

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:

(a) 1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Passport Note

France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.



Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:

(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;

(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.

Passport Required?
British	Yes
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	1
Visa Required?
British	No
Australian	No
Canadian	No
USA	No
Other EU	No
Return Ticket Required?
British	No
Australian	Yes
Canadian	Yes
USA	Yes
Other EU	No

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.