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Private day tour - Tour 20

Nature & Hiking

The Alpes-Maritimes & the Mercantour

Duration
10 hours
Departure
Your hotel or villa, Nice & around
Group
1-7 guests, private
Walking
Easy, comfortable shoes
Season
All year
Languages
EN, FR, ES, AR, BER

Overview

Discover the Wild Beauty of the Alpes-Maritimes

The Alpes-Maritimes are home to one of Europe's most remarkable hiking landscapes. Within a short distance, trails lead from the Mediterranean coastline to alpine summits, through pine forests, high-altitude lakes, untouched valleys, and timeless hilltop villages.

This exceptional diversity, shaped by the sea, the mountains, and the rhythm of the seasons, offers a unique setting for walking and discovery. Each path reflects centuries of history - ancient trade routes, shepherd trails, alpine fortifications, and remote villages deeply connected to their natural surroundings.

At the heart of this preserved territory lies the Mercantour National Park, a vast wilderness known for its crystal-clear lakes, dramatic ridgelines, and extraordinary biodiversity. Hiking here is an immersive experience, where silence, light, and wide-open spaces define the journey.

What truly sets hiking in the Alpes-Maritimes apart is the constant play of perspective and light. The scent of wild thyme and pine fills the air, colors shift with the hours of the day, and the Mediterranean Sea often remains visible on the horizon. Routes are suitable for all levels, from gentle scenic walks to more demanding alpine hikes, always rewarded with breathtaking panoramas.

More than a simple outdoor activity, hiking in the Alpes-Maritimes is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the Côte d'Azur from its most authentic and unspoiled side.

Share your preferences and abilities, and together we'll design a personalized route for your adventure.

Authentic experiences

Hidden gems & iconic places

Beyond the ordinary: back roads, workshops and family producers alongside the famous names.

100% private

Tailor-made itinerary

No other guests, no fixed script. The order and the stops shift with your mood and the weather.

Local expert

A multilingual guide

Fouad guides, drives and joins your group - stories, insider tips and personal insight all day.

Practical

What is included, and what is not.

Included

  • Private, air-conditioned Mercedes van for your party only
  • English- and French-speaking chauffeur-guide for the whole day
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, villa, or the airport
  • All fuel, tolls, parking and driver expenses
  • Guided commentary, insider stories and recommendations
  • Bottled water and a few local specialities on board

Not included

  • Lunch and drinks (we book the table - gastronomic or bistro, your call)
  • Museum and monument entrance fees
  • Personal shopping and souvenirs
  • Optional tastings, workshops and activities arranged on request
  • Gratuities - entirely at your discretion

Best season

April to November at altitude; the coastal trails work all year round.

Level

Chosen with you, from a two-hour scenic walk to a full alpine day with 900 m of ascent.

What to bring

Hiking shoes with ankle support, layers, a hat and two litres of water per person.

Picnic

A mountain picnic is arranged on request, or we stop at a refuge or a village restaurant.

Good to know

Questions guests ask before booking

Where do we start, and at what time?

We pick you up at your hotel, villa or the cruise terminal. Departure is usually between 8:30 and 9:30 - earlier to beat the crowds, later if you are on holiday and it is holiday time.

How is lunch handled?

We book the table, you choose the register: a gastronomic restaurant, a Provençal bistro, or a farm table. Lunch is not included in the tour price so that you keep the choice. Dietary requirements are never a problem - tell us in advance.

What language will the tour be in?

English or French by default. Spanish, Arabic and Berber are also possible - Fouad speaks all five.

Can we combine this with another tour over two days?

Often the best plan. The second day is quoted at a reduced rate.

What happens if the weather turns?

The day shifts without losing its character. We only cancel for genuinely unsafe mountain or sea conditions, and then we reschedule or refund.

How and when do we pay?

You receive a written proposal with a firm price for your group. No deposit is required to hold a date more than a week out. Payment on the day, by card or in cash.

Reviews

What guests said about this day

Fouad noticed the cruise crowds that day and took our small group off the beaten path - hillside towns, new places, and a delicious lunch overlooking the hills.Brian Keeley, USA
Fouad took us to beautiful out-of-the-way vineyards, and lunch afterwards in Saint-Tropez. He went above and beyond, helping us ship wine back home.Marcus Loy
Great personality, knew all the shortcuts, and really just a cool guy. One of my favorite guides!Thomas Beck, USA

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Request a quote

Tell us your dates and what you care about.

This is a request, not a booking. Nothing is charged, nothing is committed - you receive a proposed itinerary and a firm price, and you decide from there.

Step 01: today

You send the request

Dates, party, where you are staying, and what you care about. Two minutes, no account to create.

Step 02: within 24 hours

Fouad replies in person

A proposed itinerary for your day, a firm price for your group, and two or three lunch options. Adjust it as many times as you like.

Step 03: when you are ready

You confirm the date

A date is held on your word alone - no deposit. Payment happens on the day, by card or in cash.

Your details are used to answer you and nothing else. No card, no deposit, no newsletter unless you ask.