The Principality offers all kinds of unique
experiences within its small territory of 2 km². But there is also a variety of
pleasant walks to take, starting from Monaco and following the water's edge or heading
up into the mountains...the perfect activity for sunny days!
Cap d’Ail coastal path
A little seaside treasure that stretches for a little
over 3 km, this coastal path starts just pas the port of Fontvieille with its
luxury yachts, the port of Cap d’Ail and Marquet beach. In this well-preserved,
magnificent setting, you’ll find exotic essences, dream villas dating from the
early 20th century, and geological and historical curiosities. The
path runs beside the Mediterranean and through a narrow passage to the
well-hidden Mala beach and its cabins at the foot of the cliffs. This is the
setting for what was one of the finest luxury hotels on the Côte d’Azur, the Eden
Palace. Greta Garbo, Winston Churchill and Sacha Guitry all stayed here while
visiting the Riviera.
For more information: https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/littoral/sentier-de-cap-d-ail-9334.html
Le Corbusier path (Around Cap-Martin)
On the other side of the Princpality, continuing on
past the Monte-Carlo Beach hotel, Cap Martin reveals its wild side with views
of the sea and the Principality. Along with Cap d’Antibes and Cap Ferrat, it is
among the finest natural sites on the Côte d’Azur. Cap Martin is where you’ll
find exceptional residences dating from the late 19th century or the
Belle Epoque. This coastal path passes not far from the Villa Cyrnos, which at
the turn of the 19th century was occupied by Empress Eugenie, wife
of Napoleon III. Just a short distance away, the great architect Le Corbusier
made his home. This coastal walk is an opportunity to visit a unique
architectural ensemble: Cap Moderne. Consisting, among others, of villa E-1027 and
the cabin built by Le Corbusier, it is a fascinating reflection on minimalist
habitats, and well worth a visit! Following the sea, you will eventually find
yourself on the other side of Cap Martin, from where you will be able to
glimpse Menton and even Italy.
For more information: https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/littoral/tour-du-cap-martin-9331.html
Tête
de Chien via Cap d’Ail
The Principality is at the heart of a network of Alpine
walking trails connecting eights countries from Slovenia to Monaco, via Austria,
Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France. From Monaco, the route begins
at the Prince’s Palace with its unrivalled panoramas of the Principality. It
then climbs to the villa of La Turbie via Cap d’Ail, with even more
breathtaking views. At the summit, at an altitude of 550 metres, there is
nothing to do but admire the landscape: Monaco, Cap Martin and Italy to the
east, three countries visible at once, and Cap Ferrat and Cap d’Antibes to the
west.
For more information: https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/pays-nicois/tour-de-la-tete-de-chien-9300.html
Tour of Mont Agel
A strategic point since ancient times, Mont Agel dominates
the Principality and its flat summit has been used as a radar station by the
French air force since 1953. This walk of almost 9 kilometres starts just
beyond the superb Monte-Carlo Golf Club and offers unique views of that prestigious
sporting venue, nestling between the sky and the sea. The path continues upwards
along the side of Mont Agel, between the Alpine mountains of the Mercantour to
the north, the Azur Prealps to the west, and the Mediterranean hills to the
east. On the way back, be on the lookout for… an elephant. The Fontbonne district
is home to a pachyderm adopted by Princess Stéphanie and the princely property
of Le Rocagel, part of which was originally used as a radio station by the
German army during the occupation, before the installations were recovered by France
and Monaco to create Radio Monte-Carlo.
For more information: https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-le-tour-du-mont-agel/
Photo credits:
Oficina de información de Cap d'ail / DR /Camille Moirenc / DR / Best Jobbers / BBO Studio