The most impressive mountains to visit in France

The Gorges du Verdon is the jewel in the crown of the French Riviera’s backcountry. The dramatic ‘Grand Canyon of Europe’ and its emerald-coloured lakes and river offer all manner of activities for anyone looking to escape the heat and crowds; in under just two hours, you can leave behind the busy beachfronts and streets of the Riviera and find yourself in this sanctuary of nature.

A hiker’s paradise

Lace up your hiking boots and head aloft or trace the meandering Verdon River, where you will be able to pause and enjoy a ‘beach’ picnic prepared by your charter yacht crew in total privacy. The Blanc-Martel Trail will see you pass through two eerie pitch-black tunnels (head torches are advisable) and trace the river’s pathway on a relatively accessible hike.

The Imbut Trail is one of the most famous in the region but, as a more technically challenging route, it is better suited to more confident hikers. If you make it to the top of the hiking trail at Falaise des Cavaliers you can reward yourself with a cold beverage at the Hotel Grand Canyon du Verdon while taking in the spectacular views. 

Take a dip in the Verdon lakes

Set your own pace with watersports on the rivers and lakes of the Verdon region. Try white water rafting, stand up paddleboarding and waterskiing, or simply enjoy a refreshing swim in the turquoise Lac de Sainte-Croix, and Castillon.

With charming cafés and restaurants dotted along the shorelines, you will have plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the vistas.

Explore Mercantour National Park

Described by National Geographic as the ‘unsung side of the French Alps’, the Mercantour National Park is less than an hour from Nice by car, and even less by helicopter. Designated a protected national park four decades ago, it was saved from being developed into a ski resort like other mountainous parts of France. With some 600 kilometres of marked trails across eight valleys sprawling across 2,000 square kilometres, you can expect to discover a treasure trove of biodiversity in the Alps’ last ‘terre sauvage’.

At higher altitudes, the landscape can seem barren and otherworldly, while in the lush, green valleys you will find a local community of montagnards who enjoy a slower pace of life, living off the land as shepherds, beekeepers and cheesemakers. April and May are a popular time of year to explore the Mercantour National Park.

Earn your views by hiking up to the lake at Allos, for example, which will reward you with beautiful scenery and crisp, clean air; the bravest among your group might even venture into the gin-clear lake for a dip in the rejuvenating water.

Experience the cobbled streets of the ‘perched villages’

While visiting the Mercantour National Park, be sure to take a tour of the ‘villages perchés’, a clutch of hamlets teetering on the mountainsides that provide superb views and a chance to experience the unique mountain culture. Take in the remarkable panoramas of the Gordalasque Valley from the winding, cobbled streets of Belvédère; bask in the warmth of colourful houses and the terracotta landscape of recently restored Rimplas; and bring a head for heights to the vertiginous Roubion, presiding over the Tinée Valley.

Book a guided tour of the Vallée des Merveilles

On the border between France and Italy, you will find the Vallée des Merveilles, which translates as ‘Valley of Wonders’. It hosts one of Europe’s largest collections of open-air petroglyphs from the Bronze Age. Here, tens of thousands of rock engravings depict ancient symbolism and a bygone way of life, with the greatest concentration being found on the side of Mount Bégo. On your tour, be sure to bring along an experienced guide who can decipher the drawings of everyday objects like daggers, scythes and axes, as well as horned animals, anthropomorphic figures, suns, stars and spirals.

Visit the Var Valley

Not to be confused with the Var region to its west, the Var Valley is one of the largest valleys leading to the Mediterranean Sea near Nice.

With the Var River rapidly flowing right next to the road and a large number of tunnels cutting through the vertiginous cliff faces, enjoy a half-day trip in the up the valley by car to explore the picturesque towns and beautiful landscape, or continue on towards the Mercantour National Park.

Venture higher up the slopes of the valley to villages like Gilette and La Roquette for some of the best elevated views of the sea in the locality.

Travel by Train

Step back in time and enjoy a unique locomotive tour on the Train des Pignes, named after the pine cones that were once used as tinder to start the steam engines.

Running from Nice to Dignes-les-Bains, the 151 kilometre track takes you on a three-hour voyage through the Var Valley, passing through deep tunnels carved out of the mountainsides, bordering the Verdon River and heading past the fortified town of Entrevaux, before terminating in Digne-les-Bains, the capital of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region that sits some 600 metres above sea level.

During the summer months, part of the journey can be taken on a steam train with elegantly refurbished old carriages to add another element of fun to the trip.

Enjoy the views from Carros

A great way to reach Carros from the coast is by bike, or those who prefer a more leisurely day out can jump in a car. Head inland at Cagnes-sur-Mer and make your way past the picturesque town of St Paul de Vence before winding your way up the Col de Vence, a notorious climb for both professional and amateur cyclists living nearby.

At the top of the ascent, make your way through the sparse and rocky landscape past Coursegoules and Bouyon before turning south towards Carros for great views of the Var Valley below.

Hike and bike through the Maritime Alps

As you might guess from the name, the Alpes-Maritimes are literally on your doorstep during a yacht charter along the French Riviera. If you are a keen cyclist or hiker, these peaks offer various appealing challenges and you will be richly rewarded by views that are out of this world.

Scale the Peille and Baudon peak

Embark on a four-hour hike from the medieval hilltop village of Peille to the peak of Cime de Baudon peak for an unforgettable view of that spans 100km of coastline along the French and Italian Rivieras.

Take in the local flora and fauna as you make your way along the challenging trails past grazing sheep and goats, reflecting on the beauty of this relatively unpopulated area that is just a short distance from Nice and Monaco. The loop path is challenging, covering 620 metres’ ascent, and should only be undertaken by those with some previous experience, a good level of fitness and suitable hiking boots.

Perfect for finding panoramic views

If you are looking for a great view of the coastline without travelling too far from your French Riviera charter yacht, the charming elevated villages of La Turbie and Èze are within easy striking distance of Monaco and Beaulieu.

Make like James Bond and travel up the Moyenne Corniche in style behind the wheel of a classic convertible car, and why not take a short tour of the Fragonard perfumery in Èze while you are nearby? For the fittest hikers, the Nietzsche Path takes you from sea level to the edge of Èze village on a winding and rocky trail; this one is not for the faint hearted.

Book your yacht charter and start exploring, either in the French Riviera or in any one of many amazing destinations. Enquire now.