Hiking in Vence country in the French Riviera (Southern Alps)

The ancient village of Vence. Photo: Paula Soler Moya (Flickr)

Hiking in Vence country in the French Riviera

Fabrice, an UIMLA Mountain Leader, takes you on a hiking day trip with amazing views, in the countryside near the medieval village of Saint Paul de Vence, very close to the French Riviera.

1 Day

Jan - May, Sep - Dec

Intermediate

Description

A milennial oak tree, a beautiful medieval village perched above the French Riviera, great views from the hilltops, shepherds and farming life, and many surprising evidences of 4000 years of human life, from the Copper Age to the Middle Ages or from even more recent times are the higlights of this hike.

Baous is the local name for the little hills and cliffs in Provence and in the southern French Alps nearby Nice, Cannes and the very famous village of Saint Paul de Vence on the French Riviera.

Located about 40 minutes from Nice, the main city of the French Riviera, this is a nice wilderness gateway into the Alps in spring or fall, avoiding summertime as it would be too hot.

From there we can enjoy broad views on the Mediterranean coastline and the high alpine peaks of the large Mercantour National Park in the north.

Landscapes are quite diversified with oak tree forest, very Provencal limestone hills covered of rosemary, thyme and Sage and ancient terraced fields.

We can propose you two hiking options, one for beginners and the other for more fit hikers.

Easier option: We can hike one Baou (small moutain), 4 hours and about 450 feet ascent.
Intermediate option: We can hike two B_aous_, la Gaude and St Jeannet, 5 hours and about 550 feet ascent.

If you wish to do just a half day hike, I offer a shorter option in the same area of about 3 hours and 450 feet ascent. In this case, you have to be a bit fit to keep the pace, as the trail is a little steep.

You will be amazed by the views on these hikes, embracing the Mediterranean Sea to the southern French Alps and all the French Riviera coastline.

So what are you waiting for? Send me a request, book your trip and come discover this hidden jewel in the French Riviera with a great hiking tour. If you are looking for more hiking options, you could check out my profile link.

Price includes

Guiding fee

Price details

A small snack is included in the price.// Price per person from 8 to 10 people: 30 EUR From 10 to 12 people: 25 EUR.

Details

More info

-Picnic can be provided for 10 € per person. -Transportation may be proposed from Cannes, Nice, Monte Carlo or any other French Riviera cities (Please contact us for prices and more informations).

Check List: Walking shoes or boots. Breathable Jacket Micro fleece and mountain t-shirts, if possible avoid cotton t-shirts. Cap. Water bottle (1 liter/pers). Sun protection cream, sunglasses

Meeting point

Saint Jeannet Village parking. 30 minutes from Nice, 1 hour from Cannes or Monte Carlo

About the guide

Fabrice

5.0

(21)

Mountain Leader

I am a hiking guide (International Mountain Leader) who has been working all over France (including Provence and the Alps), Italy and Portugal since 2001. I speak fluent English due to my frequent trips to Taos Ski Valley (in New Mexico, USA where my family runs a great hotel and ski school), and my hiking trips in the American Southwest.

I live mainly in Nice (French Riviera), but I also move all over the Alps working in different alpine valleys. I often visit Martinique (French Caribbean island), where I enjoy rainforest and tropical hikes.

When I´m not guiding, I also work as a photographer, and like to climb, ski, play tennis, or kitesurf in my spare time. Additionally, I really enjoy botany and history.

I can guide you for a half day or for as many days as you like. I´ll take you to discover my favourite French Riviera alpine region, and the wild and large Mercantour National Park (counting 8 different valleys) near Nice, Monte Carlo and Cannes.

In my region we can enjoy the Mediterranean landscape at sea level. As we move into higher altitudes, we will discover alpine lakes, larch or pine forests, orchids and alpine flowers, open meadows, spectacular medieval perched villages and old baroque chapels and churches, with great historic value.

We can also discover the hiking hotspots in Provence such as Calanques National Park, Verdon gorges, Sainte Victoire and the Var region, with Saint Tropez a particular highlight.

I also love to hike in Italy in the very famous world heritage Cinque Terre (the amazing national park of the "Five Lands"), or in Liguria near San Remo.

And finally, I always enjoy taking my guests to the northern Alps: to Chamonix and Mont Blanc´s amazingly large panoramas or to the great Vanoise National Park, the largest in the heart of French Alps.

Languages

French | English

Certificates

UIMLA

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