Itinerary - 6 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

Travel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer onto the TGV train to Nice. From Nice take the scenic train to Breil Sur Roya.

Arrive at Breil Sur Roya train station and check in at Le Roya hotel. Breil Sur Roya is a traditional 12th century mountain town. Located high in the Roya valley, the town is nestled within terraced olive groves and benefits from year-round mild temperatures. Le Roya hotel is only a short walk from the station located next to a freshwater stream and in the centre of the village.

Day 2

Break yourself in gently with your first self-guided "loop" walk through the olive groves of Breil Sur Roya. Discover the beautiful mountain landscapes and savour the tranquility of the peaceful Roya Valley.
Or if you want to be more relaxed take the train up to Cuneo.

Day 3

Today's walk from Breil Sur Roya takes you along a scenic path overlooking the Roya Valley. This is one of the most challenging parts of the holiday but also one of the most rewarding. If you don't feel up to it, you can take the train to the half way point and then continue to the pretty village of Piene Haute. Stop for a picnic lunch overlooking the stunning mountains. After lunch follow the route through the "Bevere Valley" criss-crossing the France-Italian border on your way. No wonder this is regarded as one of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the Cote d'Azur. You arrive at your overnight destination of Sospel.

Check in at the Villa Amiel B&B located in the heart of Sospel. After dinner, take a stroll by the river as the sun sets over the mountains.

Day 4

Make the most of the scenery around Sospel with a loop walk around this mountain town. Set in a wide valley, Sospel straddles a rushing river and is filled with medieval architecture from its Piedmontais heritage. Head for the old shepherd village of Cuore before returning to Sospel for a well deserved rest and a glass of chilled Provencal rosé.

Day 5

From Sospel, there is a challenging, steep climb out of the valley to the Col de Castillon. Take your time and conserve your energy for the holiday's longest walk. At the top you will think it was all worth the effort as you enjoy the magnificent views over the surrounding verdant valleys. The paths today are rocky underfoot and you will be surprised if you see anyone else all day - just you and eagles circling the cliffs and maybe a wild boar sneaking through the woods.

The second half of the walk is much easier and takes you on to one of the untouched gems of the French Riviera, Sainte Agnes, perched high above the sea and dotted with village houses dating as far back as the 15th Century.

Check in at the Le Saint Yves B&B. Your evening meal is included in your stay at this hotel - a lovely added extra and one of the best "home-cooked" meals you will find.

Day 6

After your night in Sospel, you start today's leisurely walk down to Garavan Bay, and begin with the most stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean.

Continue your walk to Menton, nicknamed the "Pearl of France" for its warm climate and fabulous location. Take time in the evening to wander the streets of this ancient town which hosts archeological evidence of early modern man. Menton is surrounded by orange, tangerine and most famously lemon groves as well as beautiful 17th century gardens.

Check in to the Moderne hotel in the centre of Menton.

Day 7

Discover more of Menton at your own leisure. Perhaps take an early morning stroll to one of its half dozen beaches.

Take the train from Menton to Nice and then board the TGV for your trip back to London via Paris.

Why not try?

Stopping off in Paris for a night or two to enjoy some Parisian culture and a well earnt rest.