Long-distance hiking and trekking trails in the heart of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area
Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur,France
In the heart of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area, discover the rich heritage of the city of Nice, the beauty of the Mediterranean coast and the mountainous hinterland of Nice.
Step back in time on three romantic hiking itineraries along the Routes du Sel in the heart of the Mediterranean Alps. Take a trip along the Pagarin route from Nice to Cuneo, via the Vésubie valley!
The most beautiful long-distance hikes in the heart of the Nice Côte d'Azur metropolitan area
Salt roads: the pagarine route
Discover the history of the salt routes, in the footsteps of Artémio, who set off for the Vésubie region in 1435... !
Distance: 159 km - Duration: 10 days - Start: Nice - Finish: Cuneo
In the Middle Ages, salt was a precious commodity, necessary for human and animal health, and the only way to preserve food. The various sovereigns therefore imposed a tax on salt, the gabelle, to ensure a source of revenue, as was the case in Nice. Nice's salt thus irrigated the new territories acquired by Savoy and crossed the Alpine passes.
The routes taken by salt evolved over time, in line with territorial possessions, wars and advances in transport. Through the cross-border walking itinerary "les routes du sel : la route pagarine" and its topoguide romancé(available to download), we invite you to discover the history of these routes, as well as the heritage and culture of this great region.
In 1435, our hero "Artémio" travelled the salt route through the Vésubie valley to reach Piedmont. The road took four years to build, with stone bridges and paved paths able to bear the weight of the caravans. It was built by an entrepreneur from Nice, Paganino Dal Pozzo, after whom the "route pagarine" is named.
GR de Pays® Lou Camin Nissart
Take in every corner of Nice...
Distance: 42.5 km - Duration: 3 days - Start/finish point: Nice, place Garibaldi
In three days, stroll between carob trees, pines, olive trees, lentisks, vineyards and oaks, and enjoy incredible panoramic views of the Côte d'Azur!
You start at the edge of old Nice, at the emblematic "Place Garibaldi", and follow the coastal path. You then wind your way up into the hills, between Mont Boron, Gairaut, Saint-Pancrace and Saint-Roman-de-Bellet, where Bellet PDO wine is produced.
The GR de Pays® joins the legendary Promenade des Anglais back at the starting point.