Strolling along the French Riviera from Menton to Nice

Angela Tadd on 10 September 2022
Let’s explore the breathtaking beauty of the French Riviera, from the charming town of Menton to the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo, before returning to the cosmopolitan city of Nice.

I am fortunate that my ‘niece lives in Nice’ and she recommended a stunning, coastal walk. Our day started with a train ride from Nice to Menton, a picturesque town where you will find painted buildings of pink, oranges and several shades of lemon. Menton is just a very short drive from the Italian border. We set off on foot along the scenic coastal path that offers breathtaking views of the sea. As we make our way towards Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, we enjoy the warmth of the September sun, listening to the sound of the waves and appreciating the sea breeze as we walk along the coastline. It’s a moderately challenging walk and took us around 4 hours from Menton to Monaco. We paused for a while in Monaco, where we enjoyed a refreshing drink before taking in the sights and sounds of this iconic destination. Well - when in Nice – surely a beachfront ‘pitstop’ needs to be included! Southwest of Monaco, you come to the picturesque town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, which offers an alternative beach day to Nice. The beaches in Nice are impressive but, do bear in mind they are all pebbly. Villefranche-sur-Mer has tranquil, sandy beaches that you may prefer, and they are either a bus ride or a short train ride away. The walk is beautiful and it’s well worth taking the time to stop along the way.

Nice is a wonderful city to consider as a city break but do take the time to visit the nearby towns or maybe take a day trip to Italy!