A walk in the pines at Cap d'Antibes, near Cannes

Before it became the idyllic promenade it is today, the coastal path was known as the customs path. It originated at the end of the 18th century and was used for surveillance missions: this passage running the length of the sea, unobstructed and with few facilities, enabled the coastguards to keep an eye on the horizon and move quickly from one point to another. The customs path was strategic, as it enabled the coastguards to cross cliffs and rocky escarpments. All along the way, gabion huts were set up as surveillance posts.

Faced with the growing use of the path by walkers, the government decided to regulate the right of way along the path. A public easement was imposed on the few private properties along the coastal path.

Breakfast in Juan-les-Pins

The drive from Cannes to Juan-les-Pins takes around 20 minutes. Juan-les-Pins is a tourist town that welcomes visitors all year round, for its fine sandy beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants. Before setting off on your walk, you can take a stroll through the town's historic centre. We recommend stopping for a coffee or croissant.

🍴 Lunch at Café de la Plage in Juan-les-Pins

Very pretty seaside restaurant open early in the morning. The interior is full of plants and very pleasantly decorated.

Address: 11 Bd Edouard Baudoin, 06160 Antibes Opening hours: 8am to midnight, every day.

As well as being absolutely stunning, Cap d'Antibes is world-famous for being one of the richest places in France. Many international celebrities have holiday homes here. During your walk, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of some sumptuous villas.

Start and finish point: La Garoupe beach in Antibes

From Juan-les-Pins, you can walk to Plage de la Garoupe, a pleasant 45-minute journey. By car, you'll be in the car park at Plage de la Garoupe in just a few minutes. You can leave your car in the car park and go for a walk along the path.

The easy Cap d'Antibes walk

The walk is a loop of around 1 h 30 or 2 h, depending on your pace. It is accessible to all ages and abilities. The path is very well signposted and laid out.

Drowned in the turquoise blue of the Mediterranean Sea, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Mercantour mountains in the distance - a heavenly setting.

The first part of the trail runs alongside the sea along a delightful coastal path. Amid the succulents and pines, the stone-paved paths are in superb condition, allowing you to admire the panoramic views without fear. At times, the path runs along the side of the cliffs, before descending to the sumptuous beaches.

In the distance, you can see the Château de la Croë, a white Victorian-style castle on the shores of Cap d'Antibes. This incredible monument belongs to a Russian billionaire.

The second part of the trail takes you through the small, posh streets of Cap d'Antibes, which are pleasantly shaded. It's well worth the diversions.

Along the way, you'll find a number of small coves where you can take a dip. We recommend the Garoupe cove, not far from the car park, where you can leave your car.