There was an error with your log in
Check out Early bird options for best sellers here
hiking stunning french riviera

Hiking the French Riviera: Côte d’Azur & the Golden Islands

7 days | Easy to Moderate
From $1,685 ()
Book a call

Most people experience the French Riviera from the beach. We take to the trails. This 7-day hiking trip puts you on coastal trails that actually earn the views, climbing above the sea, cutting through pine forests, and dropping into coves you don’t just stumble upon. We move between places like Bormes-les-Mimosas and the Golden Islands, where the Riviera feels raw, not polished. Two full island days on Porquerolles and Port-Cros—some of the most protected land in France—make this trip unlike anything else on the coast!

Adventure Highlights

  • Coastal France at its best: Hike along cliffs, through pine forests, and down to hidden coves on some of the most scenic trails on the French Riviera
  • Golden Islands escape: Explore Porquerolles and Port-Cros, protected Mediterranean islands with wild landscapes, clear waters, and far fewer crowds
  • Guided or self-guided?: Choose between a fully guided version with a local expert leading every step, or go self-guided with GPX files, luggage transfers, and support on call—same trails, same hotels
Duration
7 days
Season
September through June
Group size
Up to 12 people
Accommodation
Comfort: Hand-picked 4-star hotels
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate: Good fitness required, hiking up to 15 km (9 mi) & 4-6 hours per day, with up to 600 m (2,000 ft) of elevation gain
What's included
Lodging, breakfasts, boat crossings, tourist taxes, private transfers (& more with guided or self-guided edition)

The adventure, day by day

This 7-day guided hiking journey follows the quieter edge of the French Riviera, where the coastline feels far removed from its glossy reputation. Each day brings a new stretch of trail, from cliffside paths and shaded pine forests to island crossings and hidden coves only reachable on foot. The pace is steady and immersive, with time to swim, pause, and take it all in. With all meals, luggage transfers, and carefully chosen 4-star stays arranged in advance, the experience stays simple, letting the landscape and the rhythm of walking lead the way.

Day 1: Arrival transfer to Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes les Mimosas village

After landing in Nice or Marseille Airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hilltop village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, our base for the next couple of nights. After settling into our hotel, there’s time to relax, explore the village’s flower-lined streets, or simply take in the first views of the Mediterranean. In the evening, we gather for a welcome dinner and a short briefing on the week ahead.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Eden Rose Grand Hôtel, Bormes-les-Mimosas (or similar)

Day 2: The Roussel Ridges
Bormes les Mimosas street

A short morning transfer takes us to the start of the hike near Col de Gratteloup. From here, we follow the Roussel ridges, climbing to over 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. The ascent leads us along Pierre d’Avenon with wide-open panoramic views, then continues across the Landon and Caguo Ven passes. It’s a steady and scenic day along exposed ridgelines and Mediterranean terrain. By the end of the hike, we return to Bormes-les-Mimosas, a former medieval village known for its vibrant floral displays.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Eden Rose Grand Hôtel, Bormes-les-Mimosas (or similar)
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi), approx. 3.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +430 m (1,410 ft) / -630 m (2,065 ft)

Day 3: Coastal Trail – Fort Brégançon
Fort in France

We take a short morning transfer to the start of the hike. The trail begins near Fort Brégançon, set on a rocky promontory above vineyards, and leads us along the coast toward secluded sandy coves. Throughout the day, the Mediterranean stays in view, with Porquerolles and the island of Levant visible on the horizon. The hike ends near Château des Bormettes, where we enjoy a wine tasting before transferring to our hotel on the Giens Peninsula.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), approx. 4 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +180 m (590 ft) / -180 m (590 ft)

Day 4: The Giens Peninsula: La Madrague and the Bay of Niel
Beach walking in France

We set out on a loop hike around the Giens Peninsula, starting from the small fishing port of La Madrague and heading toward the port of Niel via the calanque of Arboussière. The route shifts between higher sections 50 to 100 m (165 to 330 ft) above the sea and stretches right along the shoreline. Along the way, we take in views of Porquerolles and the peninsula’s distinctive headlands.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 11.5 km (7 mi), approx. 3.5–4.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m (1,300 ft) / -400 m (1,300 ft)

Day 5: Porquerolles Island
Sea and boardwalk in France

We take a public boat shuttle from La Tour Fondue to Porquerolles, one of the Golden Islands. Once there, we hike across the island toward the Langoustier isthmus, set between two sandy beaches. The island offers a preserved natural environment with typical Mediterranean vegetation throughout. After the hike, we return to the mainland by boat.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 10.5 km (6.5 mi), approx. 4 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +220 m (725 ft) / -220 m (725 ft)

Day 6: Port-Cros Island
Boats and sea in France

We begin with a transfer to Hyères harbour and take a public boat to Port-Cros. The hike takes us through protected landscapes of forest, scrubland, and coastal paths, with coves and small beaches along the way. The island is part of a national park, known for its preserved environment and clear waters. After exploring, we return to the mainland and transfer back to the hotel for our final dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 10.5 km (6.5 mi), approx. 3.5 hours
Elevation gain/loss: +400 m (1,315 ft) / -400 m (1,315 ft)

Day 7: Departure
Stone path near sea on a sunny day

After breakfast, we depart from the Giens Peninsula with included transfers to Nice or Marseille airport, marking the end of this walking holiday.

Meals: Breakfast

This 7-day self-guided hiking tour traces the quieter edge of the French Riviera, moving between the medieval village of Bormes-les-Mimosas and the protected Golden Islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. You set your own pace across five days of coastal trails—cliffside ridgelines, pine-shaded paths, and hidden coves only reachable on foot—with luggage transferred between hotels so you carry nothing but a daypack. Nights are spent in 4-star hotels chosen for their location and comfort, and all breakfasts are included. Boat crossings to both islands, two private transfers on Day 3, a digital travel pack with GPX files, and telephone support are all taken care of—everything you need to navigate the route independently, without the planning.

Day 1: Arrival in Bormes-les-Mimosas
Bormes les Mimosas village

You arrive on the French Riviera and make your way to Bormes-les-Mimosas, a flower-draped hilltop village that will be your base for the next two nights. Transfers can be arranged on request—see the getting there section for how to reach the village by train, bus, or taxi. After settling into your 4-star hotel, there’s time to explore the medieval streets, take in the first views of the Mediterranean, and get oriented before the hiking begins.

Accommodation: 4-star Eden Rose Grand Hôtel, Bormes-les-Mimosas

Day 2: The Roussel Ridges
Bormes les Mimosas street

A short morning transfer from the hotel takes you to the start of the hike near Col de Gratteloup (included, about 15 min). From here, you follow the Roussel ridges, climbing to over 400 m (1,300 ft) above sea level. The ascent leads along Pierre d’Avenon with wide-open panoramic views, then continues across the Landon and Caguo Ven passes—a steady and scenic day along exposed ridgelines and Mediterranean scrubland. By the end, you return to Bormes-les-Mimosas, a former medieval settlement listed among France’s most beautifully flowered villages.

If you’d prefer a longer day, it’s also possible to start directly from Bormes-les-Mimosas for a fuller 15 km (9.3 mi) route—let your guides know at the time of booking.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star Eden Rose Grand Hôtel, Bormes-les-Mimosas
Hiking: 9 km (5.6 mi), approx. 3.5 hours
Elevation: +430 m (+1,410 ft) / -630 m (-2,065 ft)

Day 3: Coastal Trail – Fort Brégançon
Fort in France

A short morning transfer takes you to the start of the hike near Fort Brégançon (included, about 15 min). The trail sets out from the fort—perched on a rocky promontory above vineyards—and leads along the coast toward secluded sandy coves. Throughout the day, the Mediterranean stays in view, with Porquerolles and the island of Levant visible on the horizon. The hike ends near Château des Bormettes, where you can stop for a wine tasting (not included) before the transfer to your hotel on the Giens Peninsula (included, about 40 min).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 10 km (6.2 mi), approx. 4 hours
Elevation: +180 m (+590 ft) / -180 m (-590 ft)

Day 4: The Giens Peninsula: La Madrague and the Bay of Niel
Beach walking in France

You set out on a loop hike around the Giens Peninsula, starting from the small fishing port of La Madrague and heading toward the port of Niel via the calanque of Arboussière. To reach the start, take the public bus (not included, around €3/person). The route shifts between higher sections 50 to 100 m (165 to 330 ft) above the sea and stretches right along the shoreline. Along the way, you take in views of Porquerolles and the peninsula’s distinctive orange-tinted headlands all the way to Pointe des Salis.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 11.5 km (7 mi), approx. 4–5 hours
Elevation: +400 m (+1,315 ft) / -400 m (-1,315 ft)

Day 5: Porquerolles Island
Sea and boardwalk in France

You take the public bus to La Tour Fondue pier (not included, 10–30 min depending on the hotel), then board the boat crossing to Porquerolles—one of the three Golden Islands and a true Mediterranean gem (boat crossing included, 15–25 min). Once there, you hike toward the Langoustier isthmus, set between two sandy beaches—one black, one white—through a magnificently preserved landscape of cork oak, Aleppo pine, and typical Mediterranean scrub. There are no roads on the island, only dirt paths, and the trails loop across the entire island so you can lengthen or shorten the day as you like. Return to the mainland by boat shuttle (included).

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 10.5 km (6.5 mi), approx. 4 hours
Elevation: +220 m (+725 ft) / -220 m (-725 ft)

Day 6: Port-Cros Island
Boats and sea in France

You take the public bus to Hyères harbour (not included, 10–30 min), then board the boat crossing to Port-Cros (included, 45 min to 1 hour). The smallest national park in France and the oldest marine park in Europe, Port-Cros protects 690 hectares of land and 1,800 hectares of water—forests of myrtle and heather, freshwater springs, and coves with small beaches perfect for a swim. You explore the island via Port Man and the ridges, on a walk that feels remote and unhurried. Shorter and longer options are available. Return to the mainland by boat (included) and transfer back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 4-star Le Provençal, Giens Peninsula (or similar)
Hiking: 10.5 km (6.5 mi), approx. 3.5 hours
Elevation: +400 m (+1,315 ft) / -400 m (-1,315 ft)

Day 7: Departure
Stone path near sea on a sunny day

After breakfast, you depart from the Giens Peninsula. Transfers on departure can be arranged on request (not included).

Meals: Breakfast

Adventure Architect
Let’s build something unique. Design your own adventure from the ground up and let us handle the rest.
Start Designing

Photo gallery

Lodging & food

Adventure, packed to go

Adventure brochure
Download to share and explore full itineraries, key info, FAQs, and guide details.
Download now

Things to know

  • Included in the guided version:

      • An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
      • 7-day French Riviera walking holiday (5 days of hiking)
      • Accommodation for 6 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
      • All meals: 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
      • Airport transfers on Day 1 & Day 7 to/from Nice or Marseilles airports to/from hotels
      • Boat crossings to/from Porquerolles and Port-Cros
      • Wine tasting at Château des Bormettes
      • Private transfers as noted in the itinerary
      • Tourist taxes

    Included in the self-guided version:

      • 7-day French Riviera walking holiday (5 days of hiking)
      • Accommodation for 6 nights in 4-star hotels (double occupancy)
      • 6 breakfasts
      • Boat crossings to/from Porquerolles and Port-Cros
      • 2 private transfers on Day 3
      • Tourist taxes
      • Digital travel package
      • Smartphone travel app with GPX files
      • 24/7 support

    Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):

      • Single occupancy room
      • Extra night(s) in Bormes les Mimosas or Geins Peninsula (before or after the tour)— leave a note at checkout if interested
      • Private airport transfers if joining the self-guided option — leave a note at checkout if interested

    Not included:

      • Travel to/from Nice or Marseilles (flights, train, bus, etc.)
      • Airport transfers other than Day 1 or Day 7 starting or ending at Nice or Marseilles airports (or no airport transfers at all if joining the self-guided version)
      • Drinks
      • Lunches & dinners in the self-guided version
      • Guide in the self-guided version
      • Personal expenses
      • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section above
      • Insurance — recommended, available to add at checkout
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • This trip is best suited for hikers with a good level of fitness who are comfortable being active for several hours a day. Expect hiking up to 15 km (9 mi) & 4 to 6 hours per day, with up to 600 m (2,000 ft) of elevation gain

    On most days, you’ll be walking 2 to 4.5 hours, with 180–430 m (590–1,410 ft) of ascent and 180–630 m (590–2,065 ft) of descent. Trails are non-technical, ranging from easy coastal paths to moderately challenging sections on uneven terrain. 

    Weather can play a role here: on days with strong winds or rough seas, coastal routes (especially around the Giens Peninsula) may be adjusted for safety.

    If you’re joining a self-guided tour, you’ll be navigating independently using GPX files so some basic experience reading trails is helpful—nothing technical, but comfort with self-navigation makes the days smoother.

    Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more hiking and walking holidays in France here!

  • Clothing:

      • Hiking boots/shoes — waterproof, sturdy molded sole, deep tread and ideally well broken in
      • Hiking socks — one pair for every day or two days of the trip (hiking/sport specific padded socks, no cotton please)
      • Sun hat — wide brimmed hat or baseball cap/bandana combo
      • Warm hat & gloves — lightweight beanie and light-to-mid weight fleece or wool gloves
      • Hiking shirts — non-cotton, breathable short sleeve and/or long sleeve shirts
      • Warm top — mid-weight sweater or pullover of wicking material such as merino wool, fleece or polypropylene
      • Insulating jacket — down-fill or synthetic-fill insulated “puffy” jacket or warm, heavy weight fleece jacket
      • Hiking pants & shorts — nylon pants and shorts, zip-offs or leggings
      • Base layer/long underwear — 1 pair of wicking tops and bottoms that are lightweight to midweight, synthetic wicking materials such as polyester, polypropylene, merino wool, etc.
      • Rain gear — waterproof jacket and pants or high-quality poncho, breathable fabric such as Gore-Tex® or coated nylon (for the pants look for side zippers that will easily allow pulling them over footwear)
      • Casual clothing & footwear – comfortable clothes and shoes to wear in the evening after activities.

    Gear:

      • Backpack — a 30–45 liter sized comfortable pack with a waterproof cover for use day-to-day while hiking
      • Personal luggage — small duffel bag, rolling suitcase or backpack
      • Hydration system — 2+ liters capacity, either water bottles or bladder/hose system and an additional water bottle
      • Trekking poles — telescopic/adjustable poles to help reduce the impact on joints and support hikers in steep and/or rocky terrain (strongly recommended)
      • Headlamp — preferably with an L.E.D. bulb that works with AA or AAA batteries
      • Picnic/lunch kit — knife, plate or bowl, box with closeable lid, utensils, etc.
      • Phone, charger, power bank
      • Waterproof travel case or pouch — used to keep important documents (i.e. passport, health/travel insurance, etc.) & phone safe from weather/water
      • Sunglasses, sunscreen, & lip balm
      • First aid kit — your guide carries emergency gear and a comprehensive kit, but pack whatever you feel you need (if doing a self-guided tour, please bring your own)
      • Personal toilet paper kit — toilet paper, wet wipes, sanitizer & sealable plastic bag(s) for carrying out used paper/wipes
      • Toiletries
      • Contact lenses & glasses
      • Prescription medication — with emergency back-up supply
      • Cash in local currency

    Optional items:

      • Face masks — 2–3 recommended
      • Travel power adapter — electric power voltage in France is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are type C & E
      • Support braces — joint braces if currently needed or from past injuries (e.g., knee, ankle, elbow)
      • Sleep mask & ear plugs
      • Bug repellent
      • Quick drying towel or bandana(s)
      • Swimsuit

    Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • Guided departures:
        • The usual client-to-guide ratio is 9:1.
        • It takes a minimum of 4 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.
      • Self-guided departures:
        • Due to safety reasons, it takes a minimum of 2 people for this tour to operate. Solo hikers are not allowed to join. The maximum group size is set at 12 participants.

    A French Riviera walking holiday can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the French Riviera walking holiday on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • The price for this French Riviera walking holiday is based on twin-share rooms, but a single occupancy room can be arranged at an additional fee. You can add it to your booking at checkout.

  • The starting point of your French Riviera walking holiday is Bormes les Mimosas, a small, historic hilltop village (considered one of the most beautiful villages in southern France). To get there, most people fly into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) or Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).

      • If joining a guided tour, from Nice or Marseille Airport, you will be transported to Bormes les Mimosas. Check-in at the hotel is available after 3 pm. You will meet your guide at 6 pm in Bormes les Mimosas on Day 1.
      • If joining a self-guided tour, arrival to the first night’s hotel in Bormes les Mimosas is at your arrangement. You can reach it by public transport or take a taxi.
  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.

    Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

  • Deposits

    Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.

    Basic

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a 70% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 89 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 90 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60-89 days before departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, no refund will be issued.

    Super Flexible

      • If cancelled within 48 hours of booking, a full refund will be issued.
      • If cancelled 60 or more days before departure, a full refund of the total trip price will be issued.
      • If cancelled within 59 days of departure, a 50% refund of the total trip price will be issued.
Have more questions?
Our team is here to answer your questions and plan with you.
Book a call

Book This Adventure for a Private Group

Book a fully private 57hours adventure for your group. We customize dates, group sizes, terrain, guides and accommodations — so your adventure fits your people and your goals.
Talk to an Adventure Planner
From $1,685 ()
Get free trip Brochure

Check your inbox.

Schedule a call with our adventure experts and let us help planning your dream adventure.

Book a call

Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • NZD - NZ$
    New Zealand Dollar