Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

Most Inspirational Moment

The exotic gardens at Eze, and the views over the coast.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Extremely friendly and well organised - goodness knows what she put in her huge back-pack each day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Not really - the Trip Notes are very accurate and say it all.

Suggestions

Already thinking about where to go next year...

Most Inspirational Moment

Walks up high in on coastal hills, with views down to sea. Narrow hillside tracks, walking amongst special plants. WWII underground area at top of hill - sitting on top of a gun turret, eating lunch with a 360 deg view, reflecting! Being in and exploring the old towns Day in Monaco. Our guide Sandrine was inspirational in her enthusiasm and knowledge

Thoughts on Group Leader

Outstanding - see above.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Embrace the situation and explore the differences!

Suggestions

Prefer earlier flight times No meals included and quite a pricey holiday

Most Inspirational Moment

Views and visiting Eze which was optional at lunch stop. Medieval streets in small castle, very worth visiting.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very helpful, explained everything clearly each day, knew the area well and pointed out all the towns and bays etc.

Most Inspirational Moment

Repeated moments as walked up to 14km. in a day and was able to repeat this day after day willingly and relatively effortlessly - this was inspirational for future holidays of a similar nature

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader was very capable - socialised and communicated well and we felt with her

Advice for Potential Travellers

Use Exodus - take a fair quality camera - a sunhat and a good pair of stout shoes and UVA & B lotion factor 30-50 even in October

Suggestions

A lovely location on The Riviera and a great time to go - it seemed like endless summer..

Most Inspirational Moment

The hike to the Italain border in the hills Overlooking the great views of the sea and the French Riviera and Italy was beautiful and peaceful. Also the walks around Menton in early evening were very scenic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader was very good. Highly knowledgable and supportive. She had a fun sense of humour and lot's of Stories and history of about the area and the plant life.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Lot's of sunscreen and enjoying the lovely French countryside

Suggestions

Overall, very good holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably Roquebrune but it was all good. On Saturday morning in Menton I saw Chris Froome, Tour de France winner.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Sandrine is a great guide. She has lots of knowledge of the region, was always friendly and cheerful and was always well organised. I like her taste in coffee.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I got a few insect bites but insects love me, so others might have no problems.

Suggestions

Coming home was disappointing. No mountains, seaside or pain au chocolat.

Most Inspirational Moment

I was very pleased to make the steepest ascent and descent of 460 metres on tricky mountain Paths.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephanie was always cheerful and professional. I always felt confident as she guided us along many different paths and taught us how to negotiate some difficult terrain. The whole holiday was well organised, including evening dinners . A definite plus for solo travellers.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't hesitate to step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself, at any age. Our ages ranges from mid 40's to late 60's . Despite a few aches and pains we all coped well. It is wise to train before hand, including walking up and down steps!

Suggestions

I am looking forward to my next holiday and plan to do a slightly more challenging walk next time.

Most Inspirational Moment

Having packed lunch bought from the local bakers in Menton overlooking fabulous views in the sunshine

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephanie was excellent, she looked out for things of interest on the walk and gave us lots of information about the area. Exceptionally helpful and organised with very clear instructions when needed.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I would thoroughly recommend the trip, excellent walks and very good food in the many various restaurants in Menton. I went in April and the weather was lovely for the whole week, although raining on the day we left. I found the walks were generally moderate standard and a couple can be done in trainers, however a couple of tricky downhill parts on other walks so bring good walking gear too.

Most Inspirational Moment

Probably the walk down to the charming village of Eze.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Stephanie was great - nothing was too much trouble. She was informative and had a wonderful sense of humour.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just go and enjoy!

Most Inspirational Moment

Although I've joined the Ramblers, I'm not an experienced walker. It's a fantastic feeling at the top of the hill looking down onto the Riviera. Some of the slopes are quite steep but at the end of the holiday, having managed to keep up with everyone and no scrapes or injuries, I returned home with a great sense of achievement that money can't buy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

The group leader was excellent. I was travelling on my own and the flight was delayed. I made my way to Menton on the local bus where it was dark on arrival and I was so glad Stephanie came to meet me. On the walks, she was extremely helpful and gave lots of advice. She also explained well the local history of the area.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I went in September because I thought it would be cooler but it was still quite warm and you need to drink plenty of water. This is not a problem as the water is good to drink and there are plenty of public taps in all the local villages. The route is accurately described as rocky and you need walking boots rather than shoes. Also take a swimming costume as the beach is just across the road from the hotel.

Suggestions

I enjoyed sampling the local cheeses with hotel dinner and there is a small Carrefour near the hotel where you can buy some to take home. Instead of sandwiches, there is an excellent patisserie near the hotel where you can buy lovely quiche for lunch and it travels well in your backpack. Also the local honey is delicious and the soaps sold in the local market is a bargain. On the free day the basilica is worth a visit and the the Cocteau museum is a 'must do' and is just across the road from the hotel. Menton is very easy to find your way around and if you get lost just head for the promenade. There is a very reasonably priced and regular rail service to Monte Carlo or Nice if you want to go further afield on your free day.