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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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
Included in the guided version:
Included in the self-guided version:
Add-ons (pricing shown at checkout):
Not included:
Should you need to make any changes to your booking after confirmation, please be aware that a €50 administrative fee applies to each modification.
Please note that occasionally, the itinerary needs adjusting—usually due to logistics like fully booked accommodations, trail closures, or bad weather. Any changes are always made with your safety and comfort in mind.
Accommodation can shift too, though rarely, depending on availability. If an alternate accommodation is used for a given night, it’ll always be in the same star range as advertised.
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:
Gear:
Optional items:
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Group sizes and pricing
A French Riviera walking holiday can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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).
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.