Internationale groepsreis Walks & Gardens of the French Riviera

WALKING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

This is a wonderful way to experience a beautiful part of France and includes small villages, mountains and the seaside.  There is more moderate than easy walking involved but it is well worth the effort.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Looking down at the views from mountain tops. Enjoying fun and laughter with a group of like-minded people and a fantastic leader, Stephanie.

What did you think of your group leader?

Stephanie was fantastic.  She was happy to share her knowledge of her country with us.  She was patient and thoughtful.  She became part of our group, sharing laughs with us and special moments.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have done a little walking before the time.  On day 2, you do 1 hour of continuous climbing and this can be difficult if you do no exercise regularly. With some preparation, this is a wonderful tour where you can focus on the spectacular views rather than worrying about your physical wellbeing.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Breathe in the mountain air, enjoy the views and embrace a wonderful experience!!!  Your friends will be amazed when you tell them where you are going!!!

WALKING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Lovely part of France, excellent guide who tried to cater to everyone's ability. Hotel was in lovely position . I personally was not happy as the grade of the walks got reduced without an email from exodus telling me. I may have decided to choose a different walk.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The views

What did you think of your group leader?

Stephanie was very knowledgeable and as stated above tried to cater to everyone.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Check out exactly what you will be walking, and make up of group. If you are a solo traveller I would advise a single room as rooms are not that big.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think Exodus should ask more questions about the ability of the walkers. We had a lady who had only ever walked 5 kms 2 years previous and she expected the others to walk at her pace and stop every 10 minutes . Fortunately she was not allowed to continue with any more of the walking after day 1 .

WALKING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

It was a lovely trip and I would do it again.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the town of Sospel was a highlight as well as seeing the WW2 bunkers.

What did you think of your group leader?

She was awesome and I would love to take another walking trip with her as the guide.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring a pair of water shoes if you plan to swim in the Med as the beach is quite rocky.  If you plan to stay an extra day before/after the tour book directly through the hotel as it's quite a bit less expensive than booking through Exodus.  I used walking sticks and I was glad to have them.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nothing more to add, just book the trip and enjoy!!

WALKING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

Beautiful villages to explore with spectacular views and a hotel right on the beach - what more could you ask for?!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Realising our hotel was overlooking the sea. It was wonderful to be able to walk from the hotel and stroll along the promenade whenever I wanted. It was also fantastic to finally see the sun!

What did you think of your group leader?

Stephanie is a superb leader, extremely knowledgeable and experienced, we all felt very lucky to have her as our guide. Her English is brilliant but she is very happy to chat in French for those who wish to practise their language skills.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There is lots to see and do in Menton, several of our group visited the Jean Cocteau museum and reported back that it was great. There is also a fantastic food market and limoncello shop so leave room in your case if you want to take some treats home.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Make sure you have lots of space on your camera for photos as there are masses of beautiful views!

WALKING THE FRENCH RIVIERA

I would certainly  recommend this walking holiday, it proved very interesting.The location is marvellous  with the hotel front overlooking the sea and the  hills behind encompassing these wonderfull walks with such splendid views.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The lunch spot on  the last walk, friday, sitting on the ridge in pine trees in the plesant sun with views  to the south down to Menton and north to the southern Alps  with their snowy tops.  A most beautifull location to be at.!

What did you think of your group leader?

Could not be bettered ! Plesant, well informed, French.  Stephanie looked after us so well. The prepared pack of local information was comprehensive. On the one slight medical concern we had on a walk she acted very confidently...she is excellent. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The walks are not for the weak willed, the ascents need grit, and this could be harder  as the summer progresses. I used a walking pole and was very glad I had taken it with me.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The local history is amazing relating to the world wars.....I would like "reference" to any novels which encompass  some of the local history.

Walking the French Riviera

We are both keen walkers and this holiday fully lived up to its expectations. A good mixture of coastal and mountain walking. Spectacular views every day. Menton is a great location from which to walk, being on the coast and just under the Alps. It is an attractive resort with lots to see and do outside walking time, e.g. gardens, museums, old quarter, churches and of course, the beach and marina. Made all the more enjoyable by fantastic weather!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

First time we've done a guided walk together and this has inspired us to do another sometime soon. The views, the coastal resorts and the pretty mountain villages, along with the super weather, have made us want to come back to this area again. We chose to travel to Menton by train and can thoroughly recommend the journey from Paris to Nice, passing through lovely countryside and along the coast east of Marseilles, which was spectacular.

What did you think of your group leader?

Stephanie was fantastic. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about every aspect of the walks (the local geography, wildlife and history) which made them so much more interesting. Great sense of humour and fun, and great at including everybody in the group, both on the walks and at the group evening meals. She was a major factor in making the holiday a success for us personally.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Good advice on walking kit is given with the joining instructions. Good boots, a waterproof top and lots of water were needed daily; walking poles were very useful on most days. Don't underestimate the 'leisurely' grading of this holiday. If you plan to use the beach opposite the hotel, bring towels and rubber shoes/flip flops to cope with the shingle/stones!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All the public transport arrangements (bus or train) were well organised. Great to have use of a tour guide like Stephanie who was brilliant at planning and decision making, leaving us walkers stress free to enjoy the holiday. NB. Our itinerary had slight variations from that publicised - on day 4 we took a train to Monaco, then a bus and walked from La Turbie to Eze then Eze-Bord-de-Mer; and on day 6 we took a bus to Castellar and walked to the Italian border and back to Menton. But we were given a revised itinerary which showed these changes.

Fantastic trip

A fantastic group walking holiday in the scenic South of France exploring hidden gems in the countryside. Our guide, Stephanie was absolutely great, organising us and looking after the well being of everyone. Menton was a good choice for base as it was a vibrant and pretty town, with a good beach (though stony), many shops and restaurants along with an interesting museum.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The trip combined local walking with using the areas transport system. It was lovely to explore on the local buses and trains and visit medieval villages in the hillsides. Having group lunches together overlooking a fantastic view of the riviera or a small hidden village was wonderful. Good team spirit in the group resulting in very chatty and lively group dinners.

What did you think of your group leader?

Stephanie was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. She welcomed us with a smile and was friendly and encouraging to all throughout the trip. Her organisational skills were superb and she was keen to give choices on the walks if some of the group wanted to visit a particular location. Stephanie was very knowledgeable about the area and always willing to answer questions and give advice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

There was quite a lot of downhill walking, so worth practising if you don't like going downhill.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel was in a lovely position on the seafront, very friendly but the rooms were quite small.

Beautiful Riviera

I wanted to try something different this year and this certainly ticks the box. It's a much better way to see the Riviera than a tour bus or cruise ship.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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.

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any 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.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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.

Walking the French Riviera

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking the French Riviera

A lovely holiday staying in Menton with the chance to visit Monaco and Italy on either side. Hotel was quiet and clean, very near the beach so always easy to locate. Some lovely walks with impressive views, and visits to picturesque old towns and villages.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any 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.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoyed every minute

My first solo walking holiday surpassed expectations. Every day was different. The walks varied from rocky steep mountain trails to flat coastal paths. The scenery was beautiful. The views of the Riviera from clifftops were spectacular. Wandering through quaint , quiet villages was a delight. An added bonus was the friendly company of everyone in the group and the laughter and different stories about life in other countries at dinner in local restaurants.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any 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!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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

Walking the French Riviera

Wonderful holiday in stunning scenery. Menton is an ideal place for a base - its so easy to visit other places on the Cote D Azur from here. There is a great train and bus service and within an hour you can be in Monaco, Nice or even Italy. The walks are great with some wonderful views of the hills and coastline.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Probably the walk down to the charming village of Eze.

What did you think of your group leader?

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

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go and enjoy!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

La Cote d'Azur est tres belle

This was my first walking holiday and I really enjoyed it. The Riviera is beautiful. The walks along the spectacular coastline, up in the hills and through the seemingly timeless villages were all excellent. It's hard to believe that some people live there all the time. The other people on the holiday were all nice and friendly, so I should not have worried before booking.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

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

What did you think of your 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.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

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

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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