Nice Trail Running Guide: Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

This is one of the easier trail courses that you can find on the Côte d'Azur, its 120 metres of vertical drop provide a playground for novice runners and the experienced athlete alike. How difficult you make it is a matter of what pace you choose to attack, as running downhill at speed is harder (and more dangerous) than it looks.

It is possible to get there by train from Nice by getting off at Beaulieu-sur-Mer station. A short kilometre then remains to get to the starting point, where you find yourself in ‘the Bay of Ants’. At the beginning of the 19th century, the place was wild, the waves brought seaweed from the sea which piled up, regularly transforming into enormous anthills.

Paloma Beach, the first major crossing point after leaving the village, offers a breath-taking view of the bay. In the summer, getting there early in the morning before the bathing towels touch each other is a wise move, plus the morning light and the surrounding silence magnify the beauty of the place.

The route is self-evident, the path follows the coastline sometimes offering steep reliefs, and at other times revealing coves carved into the rock.

The natural staircase chiselled into the rock at the level of the signal house, at the tip of the cape, will present the main challenge on this route, and a few passages are a little technical before you arrive by the sea. Attempting this route under the beating sun or at the end of the day is an invitation to swim that will be difficult to resist.

Nice Trail Running – Saint Jean Cap Ferrat

MOUNT BORON

Beginning at Café du Cycliste, this is the most accessible route if you’re short of time and need to leave your gear somewhere.

THE DOG'S HEAD

Somewhat technical trail with an incredible view of Monaco at its peak and finishing at La Mala beach.

ÈZE SEASIDE TO NICE

A classic route between beautiful Riviera villas to the village of rock of Eze via Nietzsche Road and back into Nice.

NICE TRAIL RUNNING GUIDE

For the visiting runner in Nice, you can take any number of routes and find yourself on terrific terrain with stunning scenery that will make you want to stay forever.

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