Here in the South of France, Côte-d’Azur region has thousands of kilometers of hiking trails to explore. To examine the origins of hiking, we have to travel back in time 5000 years to when Otzi the Iceman is believed to have climbed up the Alps. The first recorded trek, however, was attributed to the Roman Emperor Hadrian to Etna, an active stratovolcano near Sicily, in the year 125.
Fast forward to the 1400s and 1500s and the Incans regularly trekked the Andes for religious reasons. They miraculously built the sacred city of Machu Picchu 8000 feet above sea level during this period. Fast forward to 1953, New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepali-Indian Sherpa Tenzing Norgay famously summited Mount Everest.
Today, the benefits of walking outdoors are well documented. Firstly it lower stress levels, enhances mental wellbeing and reduces the risk of heart disease. Secondly, it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels and also improves bone density. With a variety of long distance and shorter routes with access to spectacular landscapes there is plenty to choose from. Here are our top three recommendations:
The ‘Tire-poil’ footpath in Cap d’Antibes
7-minute drive from Parc du Cap
Tucked away from the more urban areas of Antibes lies the coastal path known as ‘Tire-poil Path’, translated from French as ‘hair pull’. Located at the south end of the Cap d’Antibes, the walk will fill you with wonder during the two hours it takes to complete. Enjoy the sounds of the sea, wind and seagulls as you follow the 200-year-old path. You will pass by the Garoupe Castle built in 1907 and overlook the Château de la Croë. This château was once the house of the Duke of Windsor and wife Willis Simpson.
Biot to Valbonne hiking trail
20-minute drive from Parc du Cap
This is a stunning three-hour hike from medieval hilltop town Biot to Valbonne, along the Brague river valley. Walk through wooded hills, filled with alder, hazel and ash trees. With waterfalls along the way, you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into an enchanted forest. It’s worth making time to browse Biot first, a village renowned for its crafts, pottery and glass blowing.
Tour of Cap Ferrat
1-hour drive from Parc du Cap
A former fishing village, the tour of Cap Ferrat trail starts in Saint-Jean and winds its way around the edge of the peninsula, following the limestone cliffs and passing alongside several millionaires’ villas. This two-hour hike is one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the French Riviera coastline. It provides an exquisite contrast between the lush green of Cap Ferrat and the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean where you’ll spot divers and fisherman alike. Ensure you allow time for beach swims!
For more details of these walks and more, visit www.activeazur.com/hiking/south-france.
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