Hiking and Mountain Biking in the Estérels

Summer is still here! With the hot weather, the options for outdoor activities expand as attractions and sightseeing operators open for the season. However, some of the best family-friendly activities are free and right on our doorstep!

Around 40 minutes’ drive from where I live is the start of the Massif de l’Estérels, a coastal region sculpted by rust-red porphyry rock, scrubby vegetation, inland lakes, valleys, pebbly coves with clear water and a vineyard here and there.

…Continue reading here for details on hiking and biking options in the Estérels, easily accessible from the Cote d’Azur.

Family Friendly Côte d’Azur

Villeneuve Loubet is located between Nice and Antibes and for tourists it may not seem instantly appealing with fewer restaurants and accommodation than other French Riviera towns. However, there is plenty to see and do with lots of free activities and paid attractions that will keep your family happy on a weekend or holiday.

The area is divided into 2 main areas:  Marina Baie des Anges on the coast, and Villeneuve Loubet Village situated 10 minutes drive inland.  The town also takes care of Parc Vaugrenier and Parc Natural Rives du Loup.

Parc Phoenix is one of our favourite family attractions on the French Riviera. Located at the L’Arénas complex near the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, it’s a great place to spend a few hours if you have kids of varying ages.

Three hikes near Saint-Raphael: There are many reasons why we love the Cote d’Azur. One of them is because of the hiking possibilities. For a family that loves the mountains and the sea, these three (3) family-friendly hikes along the French Riviera coastline. The Lakes of Villepey in Saint-Aygulf, the Sentier du Littoral along the coastline in Saint-Raphael, and the hike towards the ‘Pont des Tuves’ the Pays de Fayence countryside.

Hiking Tips

Whether you are hiking near the French Riviera or elsewhere, always take the appropriate safety precautions. Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, wear proper shoes, and take extra layers. Never hike alone, or if you must advise someone of your departure and expected return time.

Rebecca Whitlocke

New Zealand born and raised, Rebecca moved permanently to the French Riviera when she fell in love with an Englishman working on a super yacht.

With 10+ years background in the travel industry, she left the rat race and founded Access Riviera after realising there was a lack of travel information in English for expats and tourists.

Access Riviera is her blog providing general travel advice regarding sightseeing, transport and festivals focusing on families and persons with reduced mobility mixed in with a healthy dose of posts about 'la vie en France' as an expat.

When not writing for her blog and collaborating with companies such as FlipKey, Lonely Planet Kids and Wanderant, Rebecca consults globally in tourism and media. She enjoys stand up paddleboarding on the Riviera coastline, and searching for the best tarte aux citron in the region.

You can connect with Rebecca via her blog Access Riviera.