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.
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.
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 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.
Return to Nice
If you do not have the courage to walk back to Nice, then there are several really good options with both bus and train.
By Tommy Sverre – updated 2025
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