Le Sentier du Littoral (Sentier Tirepoil)

Le Sentier du Littoral (Sentier Tirepoil) Review

Bordering the Cap's zillion-dollar hotels and over-the-top estates runs one of the most spectacular footpaths in the world: the Sentier du Littoral (aka Sentier Tirepoil), which stretches about 5 km (3 mi) along the outermost tip of the peninsula. It begins gently enough at the pretty Plage de la Garoupe (where Cole Porter and Gerard Murphy used to hang out), with a paved walkway and dazzling views over the Baie de la Garoupe and the faraway Alps. Round the far end of the cap, however, and the paved promenade soon gives way to a boulder-studded pathway that picks its way along 50-foot cliffs, dizzying switchbacks, and thundering breakers (Attention Mort—"Beware: Death"—read the signs, reminding you this path can be very dangerous in stormy weather). On sunny days, with exhilarating winds and spectacular breakers, you'll have company, although for most stretches all signs of civilization completely disappear—except for a yacht or two. The walk is long, and takes about two hours to complete, but it may prove to be two of the more unforgettable hours of your trip (especially if you tackle it at sunset). To get back to la Garoupe, at the end of the walk look for Chemin des Douaniers and follow it until you reach Blvd Kennedy. After you pass the Château de la Croë and Villa Eilenroc, take a right to Ave de la Tour Gandolphe and then to André Sella back to the carpark. Or, take the No. 2 bus from Les Contrabandiers stop.