recommended route
Multi-day route
The Salt Routes: the Royal Route
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Cover - volume 2 the Royal routePhoto: Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur.
The Franco-Italian hiking route "the Royal Route" connects Menton to Cuneo in 9 stages, passing through the Roya valley, the Mercantour National Park, the legendary Tende Pass, and the Alpi Marittime Park. It is based on the historical salt routes and invites you to discover the countless riches of the territory amidst magnificent landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
The Salt Routes project is the result of successful cross-border cooperation between territorial authorities, natural parks, and chambers of commerce from the Alpes-Maritimes, Piedmont, and Liguria.
Halfway between hiking guide and novel, the three-volume collection "Pagarine Route", "Royal Route", "Smugglers Route" allows a playful discovery of this historical period, both faithful and fictional.
Through this original format, the Franco-Italian partners wanted to offer a different perspective on the close historical and cultural ties that unite this territory thanks to the support of passionate historians.
Walking these three hiking routes is an opportunity to discover the countless riches of the territory amidst magnificent landscapes between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Volume 2, from Menton to Cuneo, follows the traces of our fictional heroine Eleonore on the old Royal Route. It is available to view at this link.
This project is funded by the ALPIMED PATRIM project as part of the INTERREG ALCOTRA programme.
Author’s recommendation
The novel-guide created for this route is part of a three-volume collection themed on the Salt Routes:
The Pagarine Route from Nice to Cuneo
The Royal Route from Menton to Cuneo
The Smugglers Route from Imperia to Mondovì
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
In case of emergency, dial 112
Tips and suggestions
The route has been designed to offer you accommodation and dining options at each stage. Remember to book before your departure! To learn more about the available services in the area, you can contact the tourist offices.
- Menton Riviera & Merveilles Tourist Office
menton-riviera-merveilles.fr
+33 4 83 93 70 20
- Azienda Turistica Locale del Cuneese
visitcuneese.it
+39 0171 690217
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The route starts in the town centre of Menton, easily accessible by train from Menton station. Public transport within the French Riviera Agglomeration Community is provided by the ZEST network zestbus.fr From Sospel to Cuneo, it is also possible to take the Train of Wonders. The return can be made by the same train line towards Nice or Ventimiglia. Timetables and information on trenitlia.com and sncf-connect.com.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
By train on the Grasse-Cannes-Nice-Ventimiglia line. Connection from Nice Côte d'Azur airport to Nice Saint-Augustin train station.
By car from the A8 motorway.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
IGN25 maps
- 3742OT - NICE MENTON
- 3741ET - BÉVÉRA AND PAILLONS VALLEYS
- 3841OT - ROYA VALLEY MERCANTOUR NP
Fraternali editore map
- 16 - VAL VERMENAGNA, VALLE PESIO, UPPER ELLERO VALLEY
Equipment
- Suitable hiking shoes are strongly recommended
- Bring water, a cap, provisions, a waterproof and warm garment
- A flashlight or headlamp in case of passing through a tunnel or to avoid being caught by nightfall
- A first aid kit
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
Stroll through the old town and its colorful facades to discover the treasures of the most Italian of French towns. Then climb the first border ...
Heading towards the Roya, through centuries-old olive trees, you'll pass through Piène-haute, a hamlet perched between the Alps and the ...
Following in the footsteps of the Route Royale to the village of Saorge, clinging to the mountainside above the Roya Gorge.
Over water and time, through the stopover village of Fontan, then Saint-Dalmas-de-Tende, before arriving in Brigasque country.
In Haute-Roya, between La Brigue and Tende, two villages with countless treasures, the last stop before Piedmont.
En route to the Col de Tende, a centuries-old passage marked by the imprint of man, with its breathtaking views of the Po plain and the Northern ...
Return to the valley floor at Limone Piemonte, then along the Vermenagna to Vernante.
Between chestnut trees, vast clearings, steep valleys and magnificent shady hillsides all the way to Boves.
At the foot of the Alps, at the confluence of the Gesso and Stura valleys, Cuneo and its famous arcades is the last stop on our journey.
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