walking & adventure holidays

French Riviera Back Country.......

Where? A corner of "green", nestled behind the coastal strip of the Riviera, and neatly sandwiched between the Med and the Mercantour. Remarkably unspoilt, chocker with great sleepy villages and masses of culture. We now offer two options.

Sainte Agnès
One is a week centred around Sainte Agnès, the highest coastal hanging village in Europe and deservedly dubbed one of France′s prettiest villages. It is picturesque with a capital P, without all the trinket shops which destroy the edge (no pun intended but Bono and the Edge do have a house near Eze!) on both Eze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence. The village is also the most southerly outpost of the Maginot line, complete with its own fort and catacombs. As you wander around Sainte Agnès′ narrow lanes, you may come across a horse (yes – one of Denis′ – horse riding is an option), and you certainly shouldn′t miss Frédéric′s wonderful stained glass shop – no tatt here!!

Accommodation is provided in the family run Hotel Saint Yves where you can be sure that you will get belly busting home cooked food and a friendly welcome We have a program of walks which can easily be tailored depending on our guests′ fancies – and could include a pop over to Ventimiglia in Italy or a tour round Saint Jean Cap Ferrat.

La Brigue
The Roya Valley has always been an important communication route - Salt Route between the Piedmont plain and the Mediterranean. The valley is part of the Nizza Canton which belonged to the Savoy Dukedom for 500 years before being integrated into Italy in 1870, and subsequently squabbled over! Other man made interest are the forts on the Col de Tende and other remnants of the Maginot Line.

Heading south the adventurer arrives in Tende, which is a bustling little town, which boasts the excellent Merveilles Museum. Most people who visit the valley start their journey from the Roya Valley, wending their way over via Casterino or the Minières. Spacebetween's venue for the holiday is the delightful French hamlet of La Brigue.