Walking EuropePoint de Cabbé, Cap Martin and Menton
Walk 6060
Country - France
Region - Alpes-Maritimes (06) - Mercantour NP & Côte d'Azur
Author - Lou Johnson
Ascent - 50 metres / 165 feet
Descent - 50 metres / 165 feet
Time - 2.00 hours
Grade - easy/mod
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This linear walk starts from the SNCF railway station at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin (close to the N7 coastal road) and ends at Menton railway station. The route follows the coastal path and offers the opportunity to explore Menton before returning by train to the start. It is worth obtaining a street map of Menton from the tourist office before starting as this will help with navigation and sightseeing. There is plenty of free parking by the station which is served by frequent trains along the coast linking Nice, Monaco, Menton and other key towns.
To start the walk, exit the station and make your way down towards the beach. The coastal path follows the railway east and the first section by the station was under reconstruction in 2008 and difficult to locate. However you can still walk down to the sea and turn left along the beach and pick up the coastal path in a few hundred metres. Once on the concrete path continue towards Cap Martin. Shortly after the end of the beach Corbusier's wooden cabin is on your right between the path and sea. (This world renowned architect died after suffering a hear attack in the sea by this cabin.)
The path is a delight offering views across the bay to Monaco. Shortly after a section where the path crosses a metal bridge across a retaining wall look out for a path junction. Ignore the path going left and bear right and remain on the path towards Cap Martin. As before the path offers excellent views across the bay. Reaching the rocky headland of Cap Martin you can walk out across the rocks to the water's edge.
Continuing the path leads you onto Avenue Winston Churchill (who spent time here relaxing and painting). Following the promenade you pass the beaches at Carnoles before crossing the boundary into Menton. This sizeable town has a long promenade, at the far end of which is the old town, which is worth exploring before returning by train to the start.
Suggested Maps
- IGN Carte de Randonnée - Nice/Menton/Côte d'Azur - 1:25000 Sheet 3742OT
Stay Safe
Do enjoy yourself when out walking and choose a route that is within your capabilities especially with regard to navigation.
Do turn back if the weather deteriorates especially in winter or when visibility is poor.
Do wear the right clothing for the anticipated weather conditions. If the weather is likely to change for the worse make sure you have enough extra clothing in your pack.
Do tell someone where you are planning to walk especially in areas that see few other walkers.
Do take maps and other navigational aids. Do not rely on mobile devices in areas where reception is poor. Take spare batteries especially in cold weather.
Do check the weather forecast before leaving. The Met Office has a number of forecasts for walkers that identify specific weather risks.
Please Note - These walks have been published for use by site visitors on the understanding that Walking Britain is not held responsible for the safety or well being of those following the routes as described. It is worth reiterating the point that you should embark on a walk with the correct maps preferably at 1:25000 scale. This will enable any difficulties with route finding to be assessed and corrective action taken if necessary.