Grasse to Vence

Introduction
Provence France
Experience the charm of the villages hidden in the back country of the French Riviera.

From the world’s perfume capital, Grasse, your hikes lead you through rolling hills covered with olive groves, rosemary & thym, sun kissed plateaus, chestnut forests and canyons to some of the most beautiful perched villages: Gourdon, St Paul de Vence & Tourrettes sur Loup.

Immerse in the natural landscape, enjoy the wide sweeping views from the snow-covered peaks of the Alps to the deep blue Mediterranean Sea. 
This 6-day tour is rich in fascinating historic and architectural treasures but also blessed with stunning landscapes, Mediterranean climate and mouthwatering food.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Discover the hidden gems in the backcountry of the French Riviera
• Explore some of the most beautfiul perched villages of the Pays de Grasse
• Charming Provencal landscapes

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: Hotel in Grasse
Night 2 & 3: Auberge in Pont du Loup
Night 4 & 5: Auberge in Vence

Hotel in Grasse
This 4-star hotel offers 62 modern bedrooms, each equipped with an ensuite bathroom, an electric kettle, air conditioning, a TV and free Wi-Fi internet.
Guests can relax by the pool or go exercise in the gym.

Auberge in Pont du Loup
This family-owned hotel welcomes guests since 1991. The recently refurbished rooms feature a comfortable bed, a flat-screen TV, a phone, free Wi-Fi access and a fully equipped private bathroom.

Auberge in Vence
This old relay station has been renovated in order to provide comfortable accommodation to guests. You will stay in one of the 6 bedrooms. The rooms all have private facilities and charming wood furniture.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfasts will be provided by the accommodations.

Lunches and dinners need to be paid extra locally.

Riding

Hiking Difficulty: Moderate
You will walk on different types of terrain, from 8 to 18km, average +300m/-650m. A good level of fitness is required. You should not mind scrambling a little bit to get to some stages of the itinerary, walking uphill is not an issue for you and you can walk over different types of terrains.
There are no technical difficulties, but we highly recommend good hiking boots & walking poles. There are a few loop hikes so you can also relax on some days to recover and just relax and explore the villages.

Gear
We recommend using walking poles. Our itineraries are more often than not way marked and on well defined paths, tracks, and sometimes back country roads. The trails can be rocky; good boots with ankle support & walking poles are highly recommended. You will be in a zones where water is scarce; you will have to bring enough water with you each day.

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Grasse. From Nice airport, you can catch the 650 bus to Grasse (1h ride) or from Nice center a 1h10 train to Grasse. We can also organize a private taxi transfer (price upon request). The hotel is situated a 15-20 mins walk from the train station.
Grasse is well known for its perfume industry. You can visit the International perfume museum and the cathedral which houses works of art by some of the great masters of painting including Rubens.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Grasse

Day 2: Grasse to Pont du Loup
From Grasse, you make your way up onto the heights and soon follow pretty paths through the woodlands before enjoying a gentle walk on a wide path with stunning views. The steep climb towards the village of Bar sur Loup is rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. You descend to Bar sur Loup, where you can stop for lunch or a picnic before continuing along a forested track to Pont du Loup, your base for the next two nights.
Hiking about 18 km / +760m/-930m - Possible to shorten the walk with a transfer (not included) 12km +443m/-850m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Pont du Loup

Day 3: Gourdon Hike
From the village, follow the well known Sentier du Paradis up to Gourdon labelled “one of the most beautiful villages in France “. It’s a steep climb but all worth it. Enjoy a hearty meal and admire the magnificent views from the edge of the village all the way to the Mediterranean sea and the famous Gorges du Loup where the river cuts through the deep gorges.
If you are up for more walking you can add a short loop taking you above the village. Then return down to the village on the same path.
Hiking about 4 km / +550m/-30m - Possible add extra loop and double the walking distance 
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Pont du Loup

Day 4: Courmes to Vence
After breakfast a 15 mins transfer takes you into the heart of the Gorges du Loup, to the tiny hamlet of Courmes. From here, you climb up above the gorges on a steep and winding path with breathtaking views. You reach the beautiful Plateau St Barnabé, and the hamlet of the same name with just a scattering of houses before beginning the descent to Vence, the sea glistening in front of you as you descend.
You arrive in the bustling historic centre of Vence where you’ll spend the next few nights.
Hiking about 14 km / +395m/-690m - Possible add extra loop and double the walking distance 
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vence

Day 5: Hike around Vence (several options)
Today you have many options, either relax and take a break from hiking or choose one of the following hikes below.
1. Easy Hike to Saint Paul de Vence (4,5km +95m/-236m and bus back to Vence - bus ticket not included)
Starting in the historic centre of Vence, you head out of the town and enjoy a gentle stroll through the Sine woods. From here you alternate between forested path and paved road on a fairly flat terrain. The view of St Paul de Vence as you get closer is stunning and you can admire a series of small chapels as you approach.
2. Easy to Moderate Hike to Tourettes sur Loup (8km +320m/-280m and bus back to Vence - bus ticket not included)
Tourrettes is a picturesque medieval village backed by a range of hills, the path between Saint-Paul de Vence and Tourettes-sur-Loup goes through the woods. What you must see in Tourettes-sur-Loup: the city all and its museum, Bastide aux violettes, Church of Saint Grégoire and artists’ workshops.
3. Challenging Loop Hike to Baous (12KM +/-712M)
A challenging hike for experienced hikers but all worth the effort as the views are outstanding spreading from the snow covered peaks of the Alps to the Mediterranean. A Baou is a tall, steep hill with a flat top.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vence

Day 6: End of trip
End of the program after breakfast. You can catch bur #9 to Cagnes sur mer (30 mins ride) and from there either head to Nice, Antibes or Cannes and discover the Lérins islands, just a 15 minutes boat ride away from Cannes.

Rates and Dates for Grasse to Vence

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Grasse
Airport: Nice
Transfer:

Climate:
                                            Grasse area