Coastal walk Nice – Villefranche-sur-Mer

This coastal walk from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer is one of the most beautiful coastal paths along the French Riviera. Starting in Nice and ending in the incredibly picturesque little port town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, you’ll be treated to breath taking sceneries that are long remembered.

The waterfront in Villefranche-sur-Mer — *The terminus of this walking tour, the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, is one of the most picturesque coastal towns in the area – ©cityxee.com*

Tour Description: coastal walk Nice – Villefranche-sur-Mer 5.5 km

This hike is one of the most natural and picturesque coastal trails, going from the old port of Nice, along the coast, to the colorful and picturesque little town of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The trip is pleasantly varied, as you briefly leave the coastal path to follow the main road past the Maeterlink mansion, before heading back along the coast all the way to the harbor promenade in Villefranche-sur-Mer.

And what’s better than ending the tour with a lunch at one of the restaurants along the waterfront promenade, overlooking the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Length: 5.5 km
Difficulty: Easy (not suitable for people with walking difficulties)
Duration : 1.5-2 hours
Elevation: +/- 78 m

Walking tour start Nice – Villefranche

The tour starts in Nice’s old port of Port Lympia, at the historic and restored barracks buildings. From here you follow the coastal road along the boulevard Franck Pilatte for about 900 meters until you reach the small garden – Jardin Félix Rainaud. Here the coastal path starts and you just follow stairs down to the path.

restaurant Le Plongeoir, Nice — *On the way along Bd. Franck Pilatte you will meet the iconic restaurant Le Plongeoir – ©cityxee.com*

The first 1.9 km walk along the sea offers beautiful views, rock formations and stone benches that you can take up residence on and enjoy life. This part of the path ends on the decking of Cap de Nice.

From here, it goes relatively steeply up a number of stairs, which lead you up to the main road, Boulevard Maurice Maeterlinck.

Mansion Maeterlinck — *The impressive and beautiful Maeterlinck mansion – cityxee.com*

From here, follow the main road head east for about 900 meters. On the way, you will meet the impressive Maeterlinck mansion. Today the complex Maeterlinck is divided in 18 luxury apartments. The name comes from the Belgian poet and writer Maurice Maeterlinck, who in 1930 bought the place for his wife, the actress Renée Dahon. Maeterlinck then gave the estate the name Villa Orlamonde.

Shortly after the Maeterlinck mansion, the coastal path starts again. It is clearly marked and you simply follow the stairs / path down to the sea, where the trip continues all the way into Villefranche-sur-Mer.

The coastal path from Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer — *On the way down from the main road to the coastal path towards Villefranche-sur-Mer – ©cityxee.com*

The last part of the trip towards Villefranche-sur-Mer is characterized by green slopes and varied flora. And, as you approach the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer, you pass the old hospital, the Darce barracks and the citadel of Saint-Elme.