Perched Villages

Introduction
Provence France
Behind the French Riviera’s glamour hides timeless villages, nestled in lush valleys and atop rocky crags, ancient paths wind through forests and follow majestic olive groves.
Perched high above the sea, the views are stunning and breathtaking.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cultural mix of Italian and French influences in the architecture
• Perched village of Sainte Agnès
• Stunning coastal walks along the Mediterranean sea and Villefranche sur Mer

Accomodation

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
Night 5 & 6: Le Provencal in Villefranche sur Mer

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). 

Le Provencal in Villefranche sur Mer
This family run hotel, has been owned by the same family for 4 generations. Ideally located, it has 43 comfortable rooms, with sea view or village view, and a shady and quiet terrace on top of a Mediterranean garden.
The rooms are simply decorated and all come equipped with air conditioning, ensuite bathroom, phone, TV and Wi-Fi service.


Meals
All breakfasts are included as well as 1 lunch (on Day 4) and two dinners (on Day 1 & 2).

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
You enjoy regular exercise, are keen to set off on all-day walks and can handle walking uphill (slowly) for up to two hours at a time.
Walks are generally under 5 hours, on various types of terrain - though nothing technically difficult - with up to 600m/2000ft of climbing per day.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival on your own in Sospel. Please advise arrival time so we can organize the taxi pick up from the train station to your guesthouse.
The most striking monument in Sospel is the fortified bridge built in the 12th century and used as a toll bridge for travelers. On the Bévera, Sospel is grouped into two
distinct old towns: one on each side of the river. The streets of the old towns are very narrow with tall buildings. The Place Saint Michel is by far the most colourful and picturesque site in Sospel.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in Sospel

Day 2: Breil to Sospel
Short transfer to Breil in the morning. You leave Breil sur Roya by foot, giving you a wonderful panorama of the valley.
Above the village you follow a hidden path, walking along abandoned stone terraces dotted with olive trees. You reach the stunning ghost town of Piène Haute,
with Italian influences, perched 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.
Walking about 15 km (5h30) + 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 your walk, at Col de Castillon. After a gradual climb through a scenic beech forest, the summit appears. From here, at over 1000m above the sea, you get beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea and the southern Alps. You then reach the perched village of Sainte Agnès, listed among the most beautiful villages in France. At 800m high, it is the highest coastline village in Europe.
Walking about 10 km (4 h) + 550m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Sainte Agnes

Day 4: Hike to Cime de Baudon
Starting from the perched village of Sainte Agnès, it is a steady climb over the Bausson pass. During about half an hour, you follow 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. Once back in Sainte Agnes, you can relax at the guesthouse. 
Walking about 15km (4h20) + 600m / 600m
Meals included: Breakfast & Picnic Lunch
Overnight in Sainte Agnes

Day 5: Castellar to Menton
Transfer after breakfast to Castellar
The town of Castellar, with its quiet streets, sole grocery store, bar and two restaurants, is a last bastion of tranquility before arriving on the Riviera. From Castellar you find an old path winding down, and soon you've reached a set of ancient steps set directly above the old village of Menton. Menton is rightfully listed as the prettiest town on the Riviera with colourful and very well restored homes, and with rich and interesting religious architecture. The microclimate around Menton, even more mild than the rest of the French Riviera, is favorable for growing citrus fruit. The local economy these days is based around high-end tourism, but the local lemons and lemon products are still to be found.
Walking about 9km (2h)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Menton

Day 6: St. Jean Cap Ferrat
After breakfast you take the train with your luggage from Menton to Villefranche, it’s a short 30 mins. scenic train ride (train ticket at your own expense). You leave your luggage at your hotel and start your first walk around the famous St Jean Cap Ferrat beautiful coast. You can also add a detour and walk around the Eastern arm of the peninsula (add one hour).
Walking about 11km (3h)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Villefranche sur Mer

Day 7: Eze village
After breakfast you take a 5 min short train ride from Villefranche to Eze (tickets at your cost). Eze is a medieval village perched like an eagles nest on a narrow rocky peak overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The ancient fortified village is still crowned with the ruins of its 12th-century fortified castle (torn down in 1706), sitting on a narrow rocky peak. The castle grounds host the well-known Jardin Exotique, and from the top (429 m) you'll have an good view of the coast.
After your walk you take the train back to your hotel (not included).
Walking about 2h + 400m / 400m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Villefranche sur Mer

Day 8: Departure 
End of trip in Villefranche sur Mer after breakfast.

Rates and Dates for Perched Villages

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Sospel
Airport: Nice
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Sospel area