When people think of the French Riviera, they usually imagine glamorous beaches, luxury yachts and charming seaside towns. But beyond the famous coastline, the Cote d’Azur is also a home to some of the most beautiful easy hikes in Europe. It’s perfect for families looking to combine outdoor adventure and stunning Mediterranean views and those looking for coastal hikes.
From coastal paths above turquoise water to peaceful island trails and scenic walks through lemon groves, the French Riviera allures. Many trails are short, well-marked and suitable for children, making a relax day with the whole family.
Whether you’re visiting Nice, Cannes, Antibes or staying near Monaco, there are plenty of accessible walks. Kids can here explore nature, spot boats, climb rocks or simply enjoy a picnic with a sea view. You can follow even further in Provence towards the pretty town of Cassis and its splendid Calanques.
In this guide, I’m sharing some of the best family-friendly hikes on the French Riviera. They’re all easy to moderate, scenic and memorable for both adults and children.
Eze Village & Nietzsche Path
One of the most iconic spots on the French Riviera is the medieval village of Eze, perched high above the sea. The full Nietzsche Path is cozy to enjoy, taking 1h from the train station Eze-sur-mer. I was only walking down, trying to squeeze more in a day, and took a bus from Monaco.
It’s only 1h going straight and uphill/downhill, thus making a fantastic retreat after the beautiful Eze. Catching the sunset during the hike was my win, while admiring the beach and the scenery.
Exploring the cobblestone streets of the Eze village will take you back to medieval times. Stopping by the colourful souvenirs and catching the best photos is so rewarding after the hike.
One of the rare places to enjoy the spectacular view is Château Éza, a 5-star hotel small enough to feel like royalty. Also, the Exotique Garden offers a stunning view, but unfortunately, they were already closing at 17h.
Ile Sainte Marguerite- Cannes
Just a short ferry ride from Cannes, Île Sainte-Marguerite is a peaceful retreat to enjoy the beach.
Covered in pine forest and easy walking trails, you can easily spend a few hours here.
While you can take a simple island route, take time to absorb the island and visit the fort. The circular coastal path is flat and perfect for kids with crystal-clear water all around.
With no cars around, you will be in no rush for the family adventure.
Costing 17€ for a 15-minute boat ride, it might be a bit expensive, but so worth it.
If you have more time, there’s also another Lerin island to visit. Ile Saint-Honorat unveils the beauty of an incredible abbey.
Menton- Lemon Trail & Mimosa Hike
One of the most unique walking experiences is Menton Lemon Hike, a city where lemons define life. Exploring the hills above town through citrus groves feels like stepping into the heart of the region’s identity.
I joined a hike during the Menton Lemon Festival, costing 27€ and it was worth it for the local insight. Accessing to the places I probably wouldn’t have found on my own is priceless. However, if you’re planning a trip, it’s good to know that guided tours are available throughout the year.
We walked through beautiful hillside paths with panoramic views over Menton. Along the route, we passed a peaceful park filled with ancient olive trees above Menton-Garavan.
One of the highlights was visiting a traditional lemon farm while enjoying the stunning views.
Mimosa hike on the opposite side is another scenic area with a completely different atmosphere. During February, the hills can be covered in bright yellow mimosa blossoms, adding even more colour to the landscape.
Cap d’Antibes Coastal Walk
The Cap d’Antibes coastal walk is one of the most scenic family-friendly hikes on the French Riviera. Combining dramatic sea views, rocky coves and exclusive villas, it’s an amazing glimpse into the coast life.
Located between Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, Cap d’Antibes is a lush peninsula famous for its pine trees and crystal-clear waters. As you follow the coastal path, you’ll walk past hidden gates, elegant stone walls on the Cote d’Azur.
This area has long attracted celebrities, artists and wealthy residents looking for spectacular sea views.
The trail itself follows the coastline, with plenty of places to stop and admire the turquoise waters. One of the most popular section is the Sentier de Tirepoli, where path winds right beside the sea.
Cap Martin Coastal Walk, near Monaco
Just east of Monaco, the coastal path around Roquebrune-Cap-Martin is one of the most scenic hikes on the French Riviera.
This loop trail circles the Cap Martin peninsula and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean, hidden coves and elegant seaside villas. It’s a relaxed walk rather than a challenging hike, making it perfect for families.
You’ll be walking through pine trees, along quiet cliffs and constantly rewarded with views of Monaco, shimmering in the distance.
The reason to choose this trail is that it is mostly flat with beautiful seaside views almost the entire way.
Shortly About Monaco- A City of Cliffs, Gardens & Sea Views
Monaco is one of the most unique places on the French Riviera. Besides being a tiny independent city-state, it lies dramatically on the cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. What makes it so special is how everything feels stacked between sea and sky. Among elegant buildings, winding roads and endless viewpoints overlooking the harbour, you can feel so glamorous.
At the heart of Monaco is the legacy of the Grimaldi family and Prince Albert II of Monaco. The old town sits high on the rock and feels almost like a different world compared to the modern marina below.
One of the highlights of visiting Monaco is simply walking through its beautifully maintained gardens and terraces.
Monaco is also rich in culture and nature. You can explore interesting museums such as the Oceanographic Museum and the famous Exotique garden.
Despite its reputation for luxury, Monaco also has a surprisingly peaceful side- especially in its gardens. It’s a place where nature, architecture and sea views all come together in a very compact way.
Bonus hikes on the French Riviera
If you have more time, there are many more beautiful hikes beyond the coast. Explore the red rock trails of Massif de l’Estrel, alpine scenery in Mercantour National Park.
Near Cannes, the green hills of Croix-des-Gardes offer easy walking trails with beautiful views over the bay. Tanneron, lying between Grasse and Cannes is known as the largest mimosa forest in Europe.
Head on the countryside walks near Grasse to explore its gorges or panoramic trails above Nice. For the more alpine adventure, especially in winter, consider visiting Auron. It was awesome to explore the pretty town of Grasse, famous as the cradle of perfume industry.
For a unique day trip, the scenic Train des merveilles will take you to Teide, to blend with the picturesque scenery.
Final thoughts
The French Riviera offers so much more than beaches and luxury scenes. From coastal paths and island walks to mountain escapes and charming hilltop villages, this region is full of family-friendly hikes.
Whether you’re travelling with children or simply looking for an easy scenic adventure, there are every type of trails here. Add a few of these walks to your itinerary and you’ll discover a completely different side of the Côte d’Azur.
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Looks so beautiful, I can’t wait to explore some day.
The variety of trails (especially the lemon hike) looks amazing. Being able to extend this into the national park makes this such a wonderful hiking base.
This is such a great reminder that the French Riviera is not just about beaches but also amazing hikes. I love how you included family-friendly options—those coastal views around Eze and Cap d’Antibes look incredible. The mix of easy trails, islands, and even the Menton lemon hike sounds perfect for a relaxed but active day. Definitely adding a few of these to my list for a future trip!