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Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

1-800-267-3347

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  • Holiday code
    W07FR
  • Holiday type
    Guided walking
  • Duration
    7 nights
  • Accommodation
    single-centre
  • Activity level
  • From $2479per person, tour only
  • Departures
    Selected Saturdays from 26 Aug '23 to 28 Sep '24
  • What's Included?
  • All breakfasts
  • All accommodation 
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)
  • Key Information
  • This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • 7 nights comfortable hotel with en suite facilities
  • 5 days centre-based walking
  • Low altitude throughout
  • Altitude maximum 751m, average 350m
      from 3 reviews

Miss Witham says...
Overall, an excellent holiday with a varied walking itinerary, comfortable well located hotel and great weather. The local walking guide, Sandrine, was ...
Read reviews »

France: The French Riviera

Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

  • Operated by our sister company, Exodus
  • • Centre based in the heart of the Côte d’Azur • Coastal paths and mountain trails • Beautiful gardens and picturesque mountain villages

On the Franco-Italian border, by the warm Mediterranean sea, Menton is a delight for any visitor. It is easy to see how it earned its nickname the Pearl of France, combining a city of gardens, seaport, beach resort and a paradise for hikers into one. With the Alpine chain dropping into the sea at the level of France-Italy border, it is also an ideal location for a guided walking holiday. Many of the trails start directly from the town and gain altitude in a short distance, offering some of the finest views of the French Riviera.



We're here to help

If you have any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com

Typical holiday itinerary



We're here to help

If you've any questions about this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 , or email usa@exodustravels.com

Day 1: Start Menton

Our start point is a comfortable 3-star hotel in Menton. Situated just a short stroll from the railway station, beach and shops, it is ideally located for a week of walking. In the evening, our guide will hold a welcome meeting to discuss the week ahead, give advice on the local area and answer any questions.

Day 2: Walk to and around Cap Martin Peninsula, through Menton and Carnolès

Starting from the hotel, we stop at the market where we discover local food ingredients, then take the train or the public bus to Carnolès. In the grounds of the Palais Carnolès and Musée des Beaux-Arts, we find a renowned collection of citrus trees. After some time exploring the gardens, we start our walk around the beautiful Cap Martin Peninsula where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Cap Martin olive groves then walk or take the bus back to Menton.

Day 3: Discover Eze; visit the Exotic Garden. Walk down the Nietzche path to join Eze plage

We begin our day by taking the train for a 20 minute journey to Eze plage, and carry on by bus to Eze, a medieval village established in the 14th century, offering magnificent views over the coast. From there we will have the option to walk up to Mont Bastide castle ruins to admire amazing views before we visit the Exotic Garden which is built 429 metres above sea level on the site of an ancient fortress in Eze village. It overlooks the Provençal hill village providing home for cacti, succulents, xerophytes and various Mediterranean species. After some free time in the village, we walk down the Nietzsche path to join Eze plage, before taking the train back to Menton.

Day 4: Train or bus to Carnolès; walk to Roquebrune. Take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour; discover Monaco old town

Today we take a train or bus to Carnolès followed by a walk to Roquebrune where we enjoy stunning views over Monaco. Then we walk down to Monaco where we will take the ferry shuttle to cross Monaco harbour. We will discover Monaco’s old town with tiny streets and beautiful buildings as well as the Casino, before we take the train back to Menton.

Day 5: Free day to explore Menton old town, take a trip to the chic principality of Monaco or visit one of the many exotic gardens in the area

On your free day you could choose to explore Menton old town. During the 19th century, the British and Russian aristocracy met here in fabulous palaces and villas. The architecture is stunning with the unique baroque style of the Saint-Michel and Conception squares as well as the Saint-Michel Basilica façade. Alternatively you could visit one or more of the 8 gardens of Menton or head further afield to Nice by train or bus and visit its renowned market as well as the Promenade des Anglais. Monaco also has much to offer, particularly its exotic garden which is hanging over the 'Rocher' giving a beautiful view over the city and the sea.

Day 6: Train to Villefranche bay; walk to Cap Ferrat and to Saint Hospice peninsula

This morning we take the train to Villefranche from where we will walk to the Gavinette point to admire the spectacular view of Villefranche bay. We will continue our walk to Cap Ferrat where we will be charmed by the beauty of Villa de Rothschild and its gardens.

Day 7: Optional visit to Serre de la Madone garden showcasing rare subtropical plants, followed by a visit to Sainte Agnes

In the morning there will be an option to take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit (payable locally). In the morning we will take the public bus to the Serre de la Madone garden for a visit. Created by Sir Lawrence Johnston he turned terraces of vines and olives into a garden bright with drifts of agapanthus and strelitzia. After our visit, a private bus will collect and take us to the village of Sainte Agnès. High above Menton town, this village is registered as 'one of the most beautiful French villages'. It hides picturesque streets and artist studios. Perched at 800m of altitude, it offers a breath-taking view over the blue Mediterranean Sea. We then take the bus or walk back to the hotel.

Day 8: End Menton

After a relaxed breakfast we say our goodbyes.

Where you stay

This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.

To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com

Hotel Mediterranee

Situated just a 3 minute walk from the sea whilst being in the heart of Menton, this comfortable hotel makes the perfect base for a week of walking. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, 24 hour reception and a rooftop terrace with sun loungers. All rooms are en suite and come equipped with air conditioning, TV (with satellite channels), minibar, coffee maker and hair dryer. Underground parking is available at an extra cost and Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Single supplement available on request.


Meals

In the itinerary we state which meals are included on each day (7 breakfasts are included). There is a nearby supermarket and boulangerie to buy packed lunches and Menton brimming with restaurant choices for your evening meal. There is plenty of choice for all budgets and palletes, including traditional French cuisine, fresh seafood and delicious Italian restaurants (influenced by the proximity to the Italian border).

Travel

Our aim is to provide holidays that are unbeatable for choice and flexibility. We've listed our most popular travel options below, however you aren't limited to these - we can tailor-make virtually any holiday to suit.

To find out more about the travel options available call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com

Transportation

All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions or where a client may choose to curtail a group walk. Airport transfers will be by private coach and throughout the week public transport including buses and trains will be used.

Joining Instructions

8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat

The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

UK Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving onany other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non‐group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office.

Several low cost carriers fly to Nice. From the airport it is a simple journey to our hotel in Menton. If you are unable to arrive in time to join the group transfer you will need to take the public bus - number 99 from the airport to the centre of Nice and then take the train directly to Menton. The train station is conveniently located just a short walk from our hotel.

You can also take a bus directly from the airport to Menton (approx €20 one way). Please see here for further details:

http://uk.niceairportxpress.com/timetables.html

If you wish us to book a private transfer for you the cost will be approximately €90 one way for a taxi.

This Trip can be combined!

With so much to see and do in the world we know how hard it is to settle just on one destination. That's why we have put together a handy guide of trips you are able to do back‐to‐back.

This trip aligns with most departures of the TEA: Highlights of Provence and TEH: Walks of the Cinque Terre & Portofino. To transfer between the 2 destinations:

TEK Nice (Menton) ‐ TEA Marseille ‐ For logistical ease we suggest you join the Provence trip first. You will then be able to join the return group transfer to Marseille airport from where you can take a bus (they run every 20 minutes) to the train station. From here you can take the train to Menton (the hotel is a short walk from the station).

TEK Nice (Menton) ‐ TEH Pisa (Moneglia) ‐ You can take the train via Genova (approx 5hrs) to Moneglia.

Please note: both departures need to guaranteed for these trip combinations to be confirmed.

Reviews

Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.

Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.


Miss Witham, 11/09/2019

Overall, an excellent holiday with a varied walking itinerary, comfortable well located hotel and great weather. The local walking guide, Sandrine, was also excellent.


Mrs Compton, 28/09/2018

Excellent variety of mountain and countryside walking combined with experiencing local towns and villages. This holiday rates at the top end of the '2 boot' category with some tough ascents and at least one descent which verges on treacherous (down to Eze). However, our guide Jessica Viale, was an exceptional leader - her local knowledge was encyclopaedic and her mountain and countryside experience made each day's walk a pleasure. She found us wonderful restaurants each evening and was a charming and entertaining dinner companion. She really made the holiday a wonderful experience.


Ms Jenkins, 14/09/2018

Daily hikes from a base is a great way to go. Very scenic area plus resort amenities nearby if wanted.



Dates and prices

You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.

This 7 night guided walking holiday includes:

All breakfasts

All accommodation 

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)


How to book:

To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button below.

To book this holiday call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' button below.

Departure date Tour only Prices Single supplement  
26th Aug 2023 US$2479 US$704 Tour only: US$2479
Single supp: US$704
Check availability
Check availability
2nd Sep 2023 US$2479 US$704 Tour only: US$2479
Single supp: US$704
Check availability
Check availability
30th Sep 2023 US$2479 US$704 Tour only: US$2479
Single supp: US$704
Check availability
Check availability
1st Jun 2024 US$2749 US$768 Tour only: US$2749
Single supp: US$768
Check availability
Check availability
15th Jun 2024 US$2649 US$768 Tour only: US$2649
Single supp: US$768
Check availability
Check availability
7th Sep 2024 US$2749 US$768 Tour only: US$2749
Single supp: US$768
Check availability
Check availability
28th Sep 2024 US$2749 US$768 Tour only: US$2749
Single supp: US$768
Check availability
Check availability

The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.

Key information

This holiday is operated by our sister company, Exodus

7 nights comfortable hotel with en suite facilities

5 days centre-based walking

Low altitude throughout

Altitude maximum 751m, average 350m

Transportation

All transport mentioned in the itinerary is included, except for optional excursions or where a client may choose to curtail a group walk. Airport transfers will be by private coach and throughout the week public transport including buses and trains will be used.

Joining instructions

8 days, normally depart London Sat, return Sat

The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before departure.

UK Regional Flights

The Flight Inclusive price is based on a London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional airport. Please visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for expert advice.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note that transfers are not included for clients arriving onany other flight, even if Exodus has booked it. Those arriving from London on non‐group flights should read the airport transfer section below for information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus office.

Several low cost carriers fly to Nice. From the airport it is a simple journey to our hotel in Menton. If you are unable to arrive in time to join the group transfer you will need to take the public bus - number 99 from the airport to the centre of Nice and then take the train directly to Menton. The train station is conveniently located just a short walk from our hotel.

You can also take a bus directly from the airport to Menton (approx €20 one way). Please see here for further details:

http://uk.niceairportxpress.com/timetables.html

If you wish us to book a private transfer for you the cost will be approximately €90 one way for a taxi.

This Trip can be combined!

With so much to see and do in the world we know how hard it is to settle just on one destination. That's why we have put together a handy guide of trips you are able to do back‐to‐back.

This trip aligns with most departures of the TEA: Highlights of Provence and TEH: Walks of the Cinque Terre & Portofino. To transfer between the 2 destinations:

TEK Nice (Menton) ‐ TEA Marseille ‐ For logistical ease we suggest you join the Provence trip first. You will then be able to join the return group transfer to Marseille airport from where you can take a bus (they run every 20 minutes) to the train station. From here you can take the train to Menton (the hotel is a short walk from the station).

TEK Nice (Menton) ‐ TEH Pisa (Moneglia) ‐ You can take the train via Genova (approx 5hrs) to Moneglia.

Please note: both departures need to guaranteed for these trip combinations to be confirmed.

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