CAP DE NICE TRAIL
The starting point is Jardin Félix Rainaud, located after the famous restaurant La Réserve, overlooking the iconic Coco Beach. From the very first steps, you will be amazed by a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean, with its infinite shades of blue. The path winds through Mediterranean vegetation and elegant properties, offering stunning panoramas.
After rounding Cap de Nice, you can admire the imposing Palais Maeterlinck, perched on the cliffs. A long flight of stairs awaits you to reach Basse Corniche on Boulevard Maeterlinck.
Once on the boulevard, walk about 800 meters to find the trail again, which resumes on your right at the entrance of a staircase. You will pass in front of the blockhouse of Pointe des Sans-Culottes, restored and secured, before continuing on a path with alternating ascents and descents. Sculpted into the rock, these staircases lead you to spectacular viewpoints over the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer. Facing you stands Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, an incredible sight that words cannot do justice to.
You can extend your walk to the heart of the city by following the port of La Darse, where you’ll find shipyards and the National Center for Scientific Research. Then, continue along the majestic Citadel Saint-Elme, a remarkable 16th-century relic.
Distance: About 6 km / 2 hours
Starting point: Jardin Félix Rainaud, Cap de Nice
Ending point: Port de la Darse, Villefranche-sur-Mer
Difficulty: Medium
MAURICE ROUVIER
For a family-friendly walk, opt for the Promenade Maurice Rouvier, which connects Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat to Beaulieu-sur-Mer over a distance of just over one kilometer. This flat, paved path is perfectly suited for strollers and people with reduced mobility.
Along the way, you can admire exceptional properties, such as the elegant Hôtel Royal-Riviera and the villa “Lo Scoglietto”, now called La Fleur du Cap, where actor David Niven once resided.
This promenade is very popular with runners, pet walkers, and those learning to rollerblade. It was a favorite childhood and teenage hangout, whether with family on weekends or after school with friends from Collège Jean Cocteau in Beaulieu, heading towards the coves.
Distance: About 1.5 km / 30 minutes
Starting point: Baie des Fourmies, under Hôtel Royal Riviera, Beaulieu
Ending point: Center of Saint-Jean
Difficulty: Easy
SAINT-HOSPICE
For a nature-focused walk, head to the Pointe Saint-Hospice trail, which begins at Jardin de la Paix, just above Anse des Fossettes. Throughout your walk, interpretive signs introduce you to the richness of the local fauna and flora. In this enchanting setting, you’ll be surrounded by maritime pines sculpted by the wind and “witch’s claw” succulents, all overlooking the sea.
The trail winds through limestone rocks and leads you to the legendary Paloma Beach, where the walk ends. For an even more spectacular view, don’t miss climbing Traverse Edmund Davis, which takes you to the summit of the Pointe (about 100 meters of elevation gain). There, you will discover Chapelle Saint-Hospice, an impressive bronze Virgin Mary statue, and the Belgian military cemetery, erected in memory of soldiers who fell during World War I.
Distance: About 1.8 km / 50 minutes
Starting point: Jardin de la Paix, Saint-Jean
Ending point: Paloma Beach, Saint-Jean
Difficulty: Easy
CAP FERRAT TOUR
This trail starts at Chemin de la Carrière and ends at Passable Beach—or vice versa. The route follows the coastline, winding between limestone rocks sculpted by the relentless waves. You will pass below the magnificent Club Dauphin pool, part of the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel****, as well as near the majestic lighthouse that watches over the peninsula.
On the western side, the landscape becomes wilder. Small coves with crystal-clear waters appear, inviting you for a swim or a picnic under the Mediterranean sun. The panorama stretches across the stunning bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer and its old town, colorful and full of charm.
Distance: About 5 km / 1h30 minutes
Starting point: Chemin de la Carrière, Saint-Jean
Ending point: Passable Beach, Saint-Jean
Difficulty: Medium