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Walking Routes in Cannes — 11 of Our Favourites

Discover the top Cannes walking trails and routes

Not many people think of the Rivieria as a hiking destination, but there are some fantastic trails to suit everyone from casual ramblers to adventurous trekkers.

Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Cannes Hiking & Walking Guide.

A small island in the middle of a large body of water

1. Circuit de l'Aiguille

A short walk with a small climb taking in the best the bay has to offer. Towering red rocks, deep vegetation and crashing blue waves make this walk a must for all the family.

The rugged landscape formed from volcanic rock from the end of the primary era gives way to a beautiful pebble beach sheltered from the sometimes strong, mistral winds. These small beaches and coves were once the prime location for smugglers to come ashore. The cave of Gardanne was named after one lucky smuggler who managed to escape by taking refuge in the coves.

An aerial view of a castle surrounded by water

2. Ile Saint-Honorat

The small island off the coast of Cannes was uninhabited until Saint Honoratus founded a monastery on it sometime around the year 410. The island has seen many invaders who over the years have driven out and even massacred the monks, but they have returned and today the island is home to 30 Cistercian monks. 

The island is a popular tourist attraction offering pleasant woodland surroundings. The island has a number of disused chapels erected by the monks, and the Abbey of Lerins and the 15th century fortified monastery are all open to visitors. The monks also produce wine and honey on the island that is available to buy.

A dirt road with trees on the side of it

3. Circuit de Peygros

Hike up to the watch tower at 301m, used for the protection against forest fires in the summer months. The route runs mostly on trails in the Peygros Forest where the abundance of Pine allowed the 18th century villagers to fund the construction of the Parish Church of Auribeau.

A wooden post with a sign on it that says

4. Circuit du Grand Duc

Walk amongst wild Mimosa which lights up the hillside and remains a symbol of the French Riviera. It is the only flower that brings its brilliant colours to the middle of winter. Not only visible in winter, its scent travels the valley on a hot summers day.

A view of a mountain range with pine trees in the foreground

5. Crete des Grues

Nestled in the alpine foothills of Grasse, this walk takes you from the coast to the top of Grosses Grues 440m. Climbing through vegetation, along rivers, over volcanic formations and past large oak trees, this walk has a lot to offer someone wanting a taste of the outdoors.

A stone tunnel in the middle of a forest surrounded by trees

6. Tour de la Marbriere

Location
Grasse

Escape the town of Grasse an climb up to 895m to gain an amazing view point over the town and the Siagne basin.

The area is well know for perfume, and since the early 19th century the banks of the Var have been specialising in the cultivation of fragrant plants. Jasmine, tuberose, may rose and violet make up a large percentage of the plants seen here.

A photo of a viewpoint taken by french riviera secrets.com

7. Circuit Magagnosc

Location
Grasse

In 1513, Louis XII stopped the buildint of homes near the wall to retain its defensive character. However, many small hamlets were built along its walls to house the growing population. 

A view of a city from the top of a mountain

8. Mont-Saint-Martin

Nestled in the large forested valleys just a short drive from Cannes lie amazing trails. These protected trails sit in an area that combine large orange and red rock towers, clear rivers, multiple species of wildlife and fragrant Mediterranean scents, all together resulting in a breathtaking place to be.

A large body of water with a city in the background

9. Circuit de Cordula

The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.

A view of a coastline with mountains in the background

10. Circuit de l'Esquillon

Steep cliffs and secret beaches line the coast around Col de l'Esquillon. This walk takes you up into the hills where you can gaze at the surrounding landscape with uninterrupted views of the coast and the hills inland.

An aerial view of a small island in the middle of the ocean

11. Ile Saint-Marguerite

Location
Cannes

A 15 minute boat ride from Cannes brings you to the small island of St. Marguerite. With dense woodland covering most of the island there is plenty of shade. 

The village of St. Marguerite consists of roughly twenty buildings, mostly homes to the local fishermen. The historic Fort Royal is now a youth hostel and a Museum of the Sea, featuring many recovered items from Roman and Saracen shipwrecks. Visitors of the Fort can take a tour of the prison cells which once were occupied by the Man in the Iron Mask.

About Hiking & Walking in Cannes

Not many people think of the Rivieria as a hiking destination, but there are some fantastic trails to suit everyone from casual ramblers to adventurous trekkers.

Hikes in the Alpes-Maritime region can generally be split into two categories: coastal and mountain.

The coastal routes are all very accessible and mostly very easy, more like strolls than hikes, but still worth doing for the unbeatable views of the coastline and access to fabulous beaches along the way.

The mountain trails take a little more effort to get to, but many can be reached by bus or train. They are a great way to explore the terrain behind Cannes and the many medieval villages that are dotted around the countryside.