Great Runs in Côte d’Azur (French Riviera)

Note: For our complete Côte d’Azur running guide, please visit the Great Runs website. Below is a summary.
The Côte d’Azur, also known as the ‘French Riviera’, is the Mediterranean coastline of the southeast corner of France, also including the state of Monaco. It’s a beautiful setting, with azure waters, yachts, hilltop towns, beaches, and the mountains Alpes-Maritimes in the background. Our running guide for the Côte d’Azur features several spectacular routes along the water, in the area stretching from Cannes to Monaco, with Nice as the area’s ‘center’.
Some of the running highlights in the Côte d’Azur are the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, a ‘runseeing’ tour of Monaco/Monte-Carlo, and a tour of St.-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. There’s a series of peninsulas, each if which has its own vibe, and great for running: Antibes, Cap de Nice (Coco Beach), Cap Ferrat, and Cap d’Ail.
Nice: Promenade des Anglais. A famous 7 km promenade along the Mediterranean.
Nice: Route to Villefranche-sur-Mer. One of the longer road running options in the area, with good water views and a decent sidewalk/shoulder.
Mont Boron Park. A hilltop forest with picnic areas, olive trees, exercise circuits, hiking trails, and a 16th century castle, just a few km east of Nice.
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Coastal Trail. One of the most spectacular runs in southern France: water, views, history, a bit of elevation, and few cars.
Monaco-Monte Carlo Runseeing Tour. This one’s a real mix: beautiful seaside promenades, busy streets, hills, casinos, and fancy hotels.
Cap d’Ail Waterfront Run. A dedicated path for 2.5 km between Mala and Cap d’Ail. Another section of the ‘Sentier Littoral’, with great water views.
Antibes. A lovely peninsula in the Côte d’Azur, with several good running options. Waterside running on the western side near Juan-les-Pins; south from Antibes to Garoupe Beach, or ‘run the peninsula’ for 7.7 km, with water views most of the way.
Cannes — Promenade Croisette, du Midi. Wonderful waterside running along the promenades. Dedicated path and great views. Do them separately, or combined, for 11 km!

