Easy hikes around Nice by public transport
Èze, Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche, Mont Boron: 7 easy hikes around Nice, all accessible by train or bus, with verified durations and difficulties.
The Nice area is full of magnificent trails, and none of them require a car: the Chemins de fer de Provence railway, the TER coastal trains and the Lignes d'Azur buses serve all the trailheads. Here is our selection of easy hikes, checked in 2026, with durations, difficulty levels and transport access.
Mont Boron, the easiest to reach
20 minutes from the centre by bus 33 (terminus Mont Boron), the “Le tour du Mont Boron” loop is 5.1 km, 1 h 50, about 197 m of elevation gain. 360° panorama: the Baie des Anges to the west, the Villefranche bay and Cap-Ferrat to the east. Open all year, the 57-hectare park offers 11 km of trails.
The Cap de Nice coastal path
From Port Lympia (tram 2, terminus) to the port of La Darse in Villefranche: 6 km, about 2 h 30 of easy walking, with stairs and balcony sections above the sea.
Warning: this path is accessible only in calm sea conditions (official warning), check the weather before setting out.
Èze and the Nietzsche path
Take the TER to Èze-sur-Mer station (a few minutes from Nice-Ville), then climb up to the village via the Nietzsche path: 2.1 km, 1 h to 1 h 30, 350 m of elevation gain, moderate level. The path, open and recommended, links the station to the perched village.
Variant: bus 82 or 83 goes directly up to the village. Then continue with the easy Plateau de la Justice loop (4 km, 50 m of elevation gain) or Mont Bastide (about 30 min uphill from the village, descend via the Savaric path to Èze beach, train back).
Our complete guide to Èze from Nice details all the options.
The Cap-Ferrat loop, flat and stunning
The Cap-Ferrat loop (4.8 km, 1 h 30, barely 40 m of elevation gain) follows the sea between luxury villas and pine forests. Pointe Saint-Hospice (1.8 km, 40 min) offers an unbeatable view. All of it combines into one large easy loop.
Access: bus 15 from Nice (or TER to Beaulieu-sur-Mer then bus 15). Our guide to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat helps you plan the day.
Villefranche-sur-Mer and its coastal path
The coastal path links the port of Nice to the port of La Darse in Villefranche: 6 km, 2 h 30. You can also reach Villefranche by TER (station on the Marseille-Ventimiglia line) or by bus 15 to do only part of it, as far as the citadel and the Cocteau chapel.
See our guide to Villefranche from Nice.
Mont Chauve from Aspremont
The short variant from Aspremont (bus 76 from place Fontaine du Temple) covers 6.5 km, 2 h 30 up to the summit at 854 m: 360° panorama all the way to the sea, and Corsica on clear days.
Tête de Chien from La Turbie
The Tête de Chien loop starting from La Turbie (bus 603 from Vauban): 5.3 km, 2 h 30, 331 m of elevation gain, medium level, high point at 551 m. Bird's-eye view over Monaco and the coastline.
Compare the hikes at a glance
| Hike | Distance | Duration | Elevation gain | Car-free access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mont Boron loop | 5.1 km | 1 h 50 | 197 m | Bus 33 |
| Cap de Nice – Villefranche coast | 6 km | 2 h 30 | Stairs | Tram 2 then on foot |
| Nietzsche path (Èze) | 2.1 km | 1 h to 1 h 30 | 350 m | TER to Èze-sur-Mer |
| Cap-Ferrat loop | 4.8 km | 1 h 30 | 40 m | Bus 15 |
| Mont Chauve (Aspremont) | 6.5 km | 2 h 30 | 854 m | Bus 76 |
| Tête de Chien (La Turbie) | 5.3 km | 2 h 30 | 331 m | Bus 603 |
Durations are one way, without breaks. Before setting out, check the weather and season: the coastal path closes in rough seas, and the heat is felt from noon in summer. To round out the day, our activities guide suggests non-walking alternatives.
Our seasonal tips
- All these trails can be done year-round, except the Cap de Nice path, reserved for calm sea periods;
- In summer, start early in the morning: dry heat and strong sunshine, bring water, shoes and a cap;
- Check return bus and train times before setting out (reduced frequencies off-season);
- The coast (Èze, Cap-Ferrat, Villefranche) combines easily by train along the Marseille-Ventimiglia line, or by going on an organised excursion;
- With family, choose Mont Boron or the Cap-Ferrat loop: short routes with no exposure, see Nice with children.
FAQ
What easy hikes can you do around Nice without a car?
Mont Boron (bus 33), the Cap de Nice path, Èze and the Nietzsche path (train), the Cap-Ferrat loop (bus 15), Villefranche (train/bus), Mont Chauve (bus 76) and Tête de Chien (bus 603).
How do you get to Èze without a car?
By TER to Èze-sur-Mer, then 1 h to 1 h 30 uphill on the Nietzsche path, or by bus 82/83 directly to the village.
Is the Cap de Nice path difficult?
No, it is easy (6 km, 2 h 30) but only passable in calm sea conditions: check the weather before setting out.
What is the flattest hike near Nice?
The Cap-Ferrat loop: 4.8 km with barely 40 m of elevation gain, accessible by bus 15.
Can you hike near Nice in winter?
Yes, all these trails are passable year-round, with shorter days: set out in the early morning.
Which buses serve the hiking trailheads?
Bus 33 (Mont Boron), 15 (Villefranche, Cap-Ferrat), 82/83 (Èze), 76 (Aspremont), 603 (La Turbie), plus the coastal TER and the Paillon valley TER.
Which hike should you choose with children?
The Mont Boron loop (5.1 km) and the Cap-Ferrat loop (4.8 km, almost flat): little elevation gain, bus access, and plenty of shade to rest along the way.
Where to stay near the trailheads
To combine hiking and a stay: bases near the TER stations in Where to stay in Nice, and the camping option in Camping near Nice. If you are heading for the hinterland, compare car hire case by case: Car hire in Nice.
For a picnic along your route, see where to picnic in Nice and the guide to Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
