The hinterland of Nice: another facet of the French Riviera
When we think of the French Riviera, we naturally imagine the Mediterranean, the beaches, Cannes, Nice, Antibes or Monaco.
But you only need to head north to discover a completely different landscape.
In just a few dozen kilometers, the sea gives way to hills, hilltop villages and mountain valleys.
It's thehinterland of Nice : a territory where you can go from a medieval village to an alpine valley, from a small winding road to a spectacular panorama of the Mediterranean.
And all of this remains accessible from Jasmins Studio.
The hilltop villages
One of the great characteristics of the hinterland of Nice is the presence of villages clinging to the hillsides.
Built high up for protection in the past, they now offer Ancient alleyways, stone houses, and above all, exceptional panoramic views..
Among the destinations I recommend:
Èze
Located a few kilometers from Monaco, Èze is probably one of the most famous hilltop villages on the French Riviera.
Installed above the Mediterranean, it allows for a combination Medieval village, panoramic sea views and exotic garden.
It naturally makes for a day trip that includes Monaco and Menton: → Monaco – Èze – Menton
Saint Agnes
Further east, above Menton, Saint Agnes has a very different character.
The village clings to the mountainside and overlooks the Mediterranean.
This is one of those places where you truly understand why the French Riviera is not just about its coastline.
Peillon
Away from the main tourist routes, Peillon is a true mountain village.
Its houses cling to the rock and its narrow streets invite exploration on foot.
Sospel
Heading back up towards the mountains, Sospel marks a transition to the valleys of the hinterland.
Its heritage, old bridge and mountainous surroundings make it an interesting stop before continuing towards the Roya.
The Train of Wonders
To discover this hinterland without having to drive on mountain roads, an excellent solution is to take the Train of Wonders.
From Nice, the line goes up the valleys to Tende, passing through Breil-sur-Roya, Saorge and La Brigue.
The journey itself is an attraction: tunnels, viaducts, gorges and villages follow one another along the ascent.
It is also an original way to discover a region that has long been difficult to access.
→ The Train of Wonders and neighboring Italy
The valleys of the hinterland
Beyond the hilltop villages begin the great valleys that lead towards the Mercantour.
There Vesubie (photo opposite), the Tinée and the Roya each offer different landscapes.
The road itself becomes part of the journey.
We gradually leave the Mediterranean environment to enter a much more alpine landscape.
The Roya Valley
The Roya is probably one of the most exotic valleys in the hinterland of Nice.
It gradually leads towards the Italian border.
Breil-sur-Roya, Saorge, La Brigue and Tende These constitute as many possible steps.
The proximity of Italy adds yet another special dimension to this region where French and Italian influences meet.
The Tinée and the Mercantour
Heading north, the Tinée valley leads towards the mountains of Mercantour.
The change in scenery is spectacular.
The Mediterranean hills gradually give way to alpine peaks, forests and valleys.
For hiking enthusiasts, this is a particularly interesting area.
In Valdeblore, in the Tinée valley, we are already at 1,100 meters altitude, in the heart of the Mercantour mountains.
A completely different excursion from the French Riviera
The appeal of the Nice hinterland is precisely that it allows you to completely change your environment without changing regions.
From Jasmins Studio, You can start the day on the Mediterranean coast and, a few hours later, have lunch in a mountain village.
It's also a good way to discover a lesser-known side of the French Riviera for visitors who stay on the coast.
Several ways to discover the hinterland
For a first exploration: Jasmins Studio → Èze → Monaco → Menton
A day that combines a hilltop village, a principality, and the Mediterranean.
For the villages: Jasmins Studio → Peillon → Sospel
An excursion more focused on heritage and landscapes.
For the train journey: Jasmins Studio → Nice → Train of Wonders → Tende
A day dedicated to valleys and mountains.
For the mountains: Jasmins Studio → Tinée Valley → Mercantour
An excursion more suited to nature lovers and hikers.
My advice to my guests
Don't necessarily try to "do" the entire hinterland of Nice in a single day.
Choose your atmosphere:
- hilltop villages,
- valleys,
- mountain,
- Or Train of Wonders.
And if you have several days, dedicate one day to each of these worlds.
It is precisely this diversity that makes the hinterland of Nice so rich.
Also worth discovering:
→ Monaco – Èze – Menton
→ The hilltop villages of the French Riviera
→ The Train of Wonders and neighboring Italy
→ The Gorges of Cians and Daluis
→ Var and inland Provence
→ The Verdon Gorges