Hiking around Vallauris on the Côte d'Azur
A short hike from Vallauris with gorgeous views of Cannes, the Golfe-Juan and the Esterel mountains.
Route Notes
- Departure point: Vallauris
- Climb: 150 m
- Descent: 150 m
- Distance: 3.5 km
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time of year: Year round
Hiking Trail Overview
This hike starts and ends in the beautiful town of Vallauris in the Côte d’Azur. Vallauris is famous for having had Picasso as a resident from 1948 to 1955, and for its pottery, the renaissance of which was largely due to Picasso’s fascination with the art.
Hit this hiking trail for a little piece of history mixed with amazing views of the Côte d’Azur. You’ll catch stunning glimpses of Golfe-Juan and Cannes on the coast while you’re hiking but also take in the ancient Roman settlement of Cordula.
Cordula was founded by the Ligurians, and was then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned during the barbarian invasions of the fourth century. Excavations have uncovered the key to the front door of the settlement with the inscription still legible; ‘pagus Cantabensis’. This site is thought to be two to three millennia because of the construction techniques used.
The Route
You can park at the Vallauris town hall (Mairie). Take Avenue de Grasse north and then take the first right onto the road Chemin Vieux de Biot along the cemetery. You’ll pass the monument of the actor Jean Marais which is decorated with large sculptures.
Cross the road RD 435 facing St Bernard church. Continue along a small road opposite, Chemin des Encourdoules, which rises towards the Chevre d’Or. Then go round the West side of the hill of Encourdoules to a pool of water.
Take the path under the oak trees which leads you to the top of the settlement of Cordula at 248 m. This is a wooded plateau where archaeological excavations are taking place.
After you’ve had a nosy around the ruins, hike down a steep path along a fenced property which will lead you back onto the path you followed up from Vallauris.
Getting There
Vallauris is just over 7 km inland from Cannes on the D803.
