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Day 1 |
Arrive in La Brigue - we recommend the railway journey from Nice as a mini-highlight, as much looping inside the mountain as clinging to the side of the valley. Freshen up, wander round the old village and eat well tonight. |
| Day 2 |
Around La Brigue. A circular walk. Over to Tende, to get lost in its maze of medieval alleys and have a glass of something before returning to La Brigue. (4 hrs, CUSs 520m)
Note: Those choosing the Sospel Option should walk EITHER day 3 or 4 below, using the train to transfer as necessary. |
| Day 3 |
La Brigue to Fontan Gare. A steepish walk through woodland to the hamlet of Granile (a good stop for a picnic). An afternoon through magical leafy glades far above the Roya to the villages perchés of Berghe, before returning down to the Roya at Fontan. (6 hrs, CUSs 620m – plus a visit to Saorge if you are missing out Day 4 below). Alternatives – 7½ hrs great hill walking. (CUSs 760m) |
| Day 4 |
Fontan Gare to Breil. From the station, wind up the old corniche to unforgettable Saorge, where you may be tempted to stay for an early lunch before a tough afternoon walk to the old town of Breil. (5 hrs, CUSs 700m) |
| Day 5 |
(Classic Route) (day 4 Sospel option). Breil to Sospel. Up onto the valley sides again to the hilltop village of Piène Haute for lunch, then the Sentier Botanique of the Gorge de Bévéra before arriving at the medieval town of Sospel. (5 hrs, CUSs 500m) |
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Day 5 |
(Sospel Option) - for free spirits or the determinedly relaxed a chance to explore the little town in more depth with the aid of an excellent guide book (included), or some free walking advised by Mark and Patrick, your hosts, who will give you suggestions and directions. |
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Day 6 |
Sospel to Ste. Agnes. Through the Mediterranean woodlands to the Col de Castillon for a picnic, then along forest tracks to a final thrilling approach up a cobbled path to Ste. Agnes, high above the Mediterranean. (5½ hrs, CUSs 500m) Alternative - taxi ride plus 2½ hrs. |
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Day 7 |
Ste. Agnes to Roquebrune (and Menton). Your final walking day along the mountainside to the beautiful vieux village of Roquebrune where we recommend a celebratory lunch at the Restaurant des Deux Frères, overlooking the Mediterranean, and a train to Menton or (if you're still in walking mood) a stroll along the seaside path of Cap Martin, the full promenade of Menton, and your comfortable hotel. (2½ hrs to Roquebrune Gare, 4½ hrs to Menton, CUSs 150m) |
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Day 8 |
Depart hotel (or choose to stay further nights). |