Walking from the Alps to the Mediterranean

Experience the transition from mountain to coastal landscapes on this enjoyable and varied walk. In the bright, warm light of the Mediterranean, pretty villages cling to wooded hillsides. Pleasant footpaths link the Italian settlements, offering breath-taking views of mountains, gorges and valleys. The final, southernmost Alps plunge dramatically into the sea at the Italian border near Menton. The walk comes to a close on the Riviera, in cosmopolitan Menton, a well-known resort since the late 19th century and inspiration to many artists, who were drawn by the clarity of the light. This whole border region is an interesting blend of French and Italian cultures.

Indeed, the Upper Roya Valley – which the first part of the holiday explores – remained part of Italy long after surrounding parts were given over to France – the Italian government persuaded Napoleon that it should remain Italian so that the king could continue to hunt there, and this remained the case until after the Second World War. In the villages through which you'll pass, you are just as likely to hear Italian spoken as French, and the local cuisine is a wonderful mix of Provençal and Italian influences.

Accommodation:

Hotel Mirval, La Brigue Owned by the Dellepiane family, this fine old building enjoys a lovely riverside location. Bedrooms are pleasantly decorated, while the restaurant offers a good choice of tasty dishes. Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, La Brigue is a small village with a charming medieval atmosphere and vaulted streets.

Auberge Provençale, Sospel Set just outside Sospel, the hotel, complete with Baroque-style restaurant, enjoys lovely views over this pretty village and to the mountains beyond.

Hotel Paris-Rôme, Menton Attractive and with comfortable bedrooms, the Paris-Rôme faces the sea from its location just 500 metres from the Italian border. Choose to dine at the hotel's excellent Michelin-star restaurant or take your pick of places to eat in the town centre, a 15-20 minute stroll away (pay locally in both cases).

Traveller Reviews of This Trip

The optional trip to the Vallée des Merveilles was outstanding and with an excellent guide (Sebastian). Overall - the scenery on the walk was splendid. We have done seven walks with Inntravel and this was probably the best one. Dr D Davidson, Dunblane, Perthshire, 20/09/2011

The highlight was walking in the mountains in absolute peace – we didn’t see anyone on our routes and there were plenty of wild flowers by the tracks and a profusion of butterflies. The walks and waymarking were excellent. Mr Longhurst, Gloucestershire, 13/07/2011

The best thing of all was the walking area. Inntravel had found for us an area we knew nothing about. It proved to be delightful. The walking notes were superb and the maps supplied very good and clear. Mr R Perkin, York, 01/06/2011

For more reviews of this trip, see: Reviews of Walking from the Alps to the Mediterranean