The PACA region is full of incredible natural walks where you can enjoy the peace and quiet. Whether it’s a stroll along the se afront or a hike overlooking the sea in the French Riviera, there’s plenty to choose from. But if I had to recommend just one walk around Nice, it would undoubtedly be to the Fort de la Revère, which stands above the village of Eze, one of the most beautiful villages in the French Riviera. A veritable balcony open to the public, perched 700m above sea level! This walk is part of the Grande Corniche park, one of the 19 nature parks in the Alpes Maritimes, which covers 712 hectares between La Turbie and Villefranche sur Mer.
In fact, there are several walks that start from the Fort de la Revère:
- either to the village of Eze
- or to La Turbie (the Forna walk)
I’ve done the whole walk to La Turbie several times, but in general, I like to come and recharge my batteries here, even on my own, sitting on my bench with a book in my hand, enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views.
The Fort de la Revère is one of my favourite walks for a number of reasons, which I’ll explain to you below
1. A historic site
The Fort de la Revère is above all a set of military fortifications built between 1882 and 1885 to reinforce the French defences following the defeat of 1870. This military structure cannot be visited, but the surrounding countryside is breathtaking.
2. A breathtaking view between Italy and the Var
You’ll be dazzled by the openness of the site on all sides, both on the coast and inland, with the added bonus of a breathtaking view of the village of Eze. I love coming here at the end of the day, as it’s one of the best spots in the French Riviera for admiring the sunsets.
3. The facilities
In addition to the various footpaths in the park, a number of facilities have been created for the enjoyment of visitors:
- benches opposite the car park for admiring the view
- tables and benches for family picnics
- the nature centre, where visitors can discover the flora and fauna of the Mediterranean and learn about ecology, sustainable development and nature through temporary exhibitions
- an orientation table
- l’aven de simbula, a 60-metre chasm where at least one human can enter. It’s the ideal place for caving
4. Types of visitors
- walkers, hikers, pets
- runners and trail runners
- mountain bikers
- Easy access to Fort de la Revère
5. Route to Fort de la Revère
There are several ways to get to Fort de la Revère:
- from Nice or Roquebrune, via the “moyenne corniche
- via the A8 motorway, exiting at La Turbie
- on foot from the Eze Village car park
6. Some information about Fort de la Revère
- opening times: from April to October, the park is open from 7.30am to 8pm and from November to March, the park is open from 8am to 6pm
- Ample parking available
- For more information, call 04 93 41 04 80.
7. Equipment required
- hiking boots or trainers if you’re just going for a short walk
- water bottle
- sunglasses
- snack
