Why take a sports break at RivierALP?

A sports holiday with RivierALP is much more than just a trip between France and Italy. It’s a real adventure in the heart of the Alpes Maritimes, combining hiking, trekking, skiing, trail running and water sports in a remarkable natural setting. Whether you’re going solo, in a group or as a family, the network offers holidays to suit all levels, from beginner hikers to experienced sportsmen and women. A sports network that’s unique in Europe!

What sports can I do on a sports holiday at RivierALP?

The RivierALP catalogue of activities is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive in Europe. For much of the year, hiking, high mountain trekking, trail running, mountain biking and canyoning are by far the network’s flagship sports. In winter, skiing in Limone Piemonte and snowshoeing in the Marguareis massif are the order of the day. And when it comes to water sports, kayaking and sailing are a natural part of the programme. Sports for all levels and all seasons, between the Alps and the Mediterranean!

How do you organise a family sports break at RivierALP?

RivierALP’s itineraries are perfect for a sporting break with all the family. In the Mercantour Park, some hikes are accessible from a very young age, inviting your children to contemplate the exceptional fauna. As for the hilltop villages in the hinterland, they are ideal places to combine culture and outdoor activities. On the seaside, try your hand at scuba diving or kayaking, and introduce your children to water sports. All in a safe, signposted environment, less than two hours from Nice.

How many nights should I allow for a complete sports holiday at RivierALP?

It all depends on what you want to do and what your level is. For a first discovery, a stay of 3 or 4 nights allows you to try out one or two stages of the network and to learn about several activities: hiking, trekking or skiing. For the 124-kilometre Limone Piemonte – Menton crossing, allow 8 or 9 nights in refuges and stopover gîtes. As for fans of themed sports trips (skiing in Limone, cyclo trekking on the Via del Sale, trail walking in the Mercantour massif…), they’ll find what they’re looking for in stays of 2 to 5 nights, depending on the activities included in their programme.

Is the RivierALP sports holiday suitable for groups?

Absolutely! RivierALP is particularly well thought out for group sports trips. The refuges along the route (Don Barbera, Allavena, Fontanalba…) are real meeting places for hikers. For groups with varying levels of ability, it’s possible to combine technical mountain stages with well-deserved breaks in a picturesque village in the Alpes Maritimes. It’s a great way to experience adventure in a way that suits everyone.

Can you combine sport, history and culture on a RivierALP sports holiday?

Yes, and it’s one of the great strengths of the network. At RivierALP, cultural discovery goes hand in hand with sport. The Vallée des Merveilles and its rock engravings, the Notre-Dame des Fontaines chapel and its Renaissance frescoes or the military fortifications of the Col de Tende… Here, history is discovered to the rhythm of the signposted trails.

When is the best time for a sports break at RivierALP?

RivierALP’s hiking and cycling trails are open all year round, making it one of Europe’s most popular sports holiday destinations! Spring (May-June) is ideal for hiking in the mountains and discovering villages in bloom. Summer (July-August) lends itself to a wide range of sports, especially water sports such as kayaking, sailing and scuba diving. And what better season than autumn to go hiking, trekking or trail walking in the heart of the Mercantour Park or the orange-coloured landscapes of the Bosco delle Navette? Finally, winter transforms the Limone Piemonte massif into a ski and snowshoe area, less than two hours from France. Four seasons, four atmospheres, one network!

Discover the Alpes Maritimes according to your desires

According to your wishes

A journey to suit you

One destination, a thousand sports and as many ways to enjoy an unforgettable adventure between France and Italy. At RivierALP, the possibilities are endless! From long hikes at the top of the Southern Alps to technical treks on the Mediterranean coast, skiing or mountain biking: who said sport had to be repetitive? Whether you’re the type of person who likes to go it alone in Into the Wild mode, aim for the hills with friends, stroll from village to village or create unforgettable memories with your children, you’re bound to find (hiking) shoes to suit you. Ready to turn your sporting holiday into a real trip?

Solo or duo adventure

Are you one of those people who like to set their own pace, leave early and come home late… or not come home at all? Then that’s perfect. Whether you’re more of a lone wolf or an inseparable duo, the network is full of sports that let you experience outdoor adventure at your own pace. Starting with hiking or trekking along the trails of the Mercantour Park. And if you’re not the type to lose your bearings, you’ll love climbing the limestone cliffs of the Marguareis on the Via Ferrata. Or would you prefer to swap hiking boots for ski boots at Limone Piemonte? The choice is yours!

The finest treasures have to be earned

At RivierALP, adventure (almost) always rhymes with culture. So it’s hardly surprising that the hikes are accompanied by some surprising discoveries. Like the enigmatic rock engravings in the Vallée des Merveilles. Or the impressive military forts of the Col de Tende on the Haute Route du Sel. Of course, the picturesque spots along the way are enough to make you fall in love. And let’s not even mention Sanremo or Imperia, where the gentle way of life made in Liguria makes you want to leave sport behind and just relax.

One for all, all in the family

You know what they say? A successful family sports holiday is when the kids don’t want to go home. And that’s exactly what happens on the RivierALP trails! Here, the Mercantour Park becomes the children’s favourite observation sport. Chamois or marmots: they don’t know where to look. And when it comes to water sports, scuba diving is the perfect way to introduce older children to the beauty of the Mediterranean seabed. Do you prefer hiking? It’s easier to cover the miles with children when you can stop off at the shady picnic spots around Mont Gros. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a light-hearted trip between the Alpes Maritimes and the Mediterranean.

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Frequently asked questions about a sports break between France and Italy

Why take a sports break at RivierALP?
A sports holiday with RivierALP is much more than just a trip between France and Italy. It’s a real adventure in the heart of the Alpes Maritimes, combining hiking, trekking, skiing, trail running and water sports in a remarkable natural setting. Whether you’re going solo, in a group or as a family, the network offers holidays to suit all levels, from beginner hikers to experienced sportsmen and women. A sports network that’s unique in Europe!
What sports can I do on a sports holiday at RivierALP?
The RivierALP catalogue of activities is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive in Europe. For much of the year, hiking, high mountain trekking, trail running, mountain biking and canyoning are by far the network’s flagship sports. In winter, skiing in Limone Piemonte and snowshoeing in the Marguareis massif are the order of the day. And when it comes to water sports, kayaking and sailing are a natural part of the programme. Sports for all levels and all seasons, between the Alps and the Mediterranean!
How do you organise a family sports break at RivierALP?
RivierALP’s itineraries are perfect for a sporting break with all the family. In the Mercantour Park, some hikes are accessible from a very young age, inviting your children to contemplate the exceptional fauna. As for the hilltop villages in the hinterland, they are ideal places to combine culture and outdoor activities. On the seaside, try your hand at scuba diving or kayaking, and introduce your children to water sports. All in a safe, signposted environment, less than two hours from Nice.
How many nights should I allow for a complete sports holiday at RivierALP?
It all depends on what you want to do and what your level is. For a first discovery, a stay of 3 or 4 nights allows you to try out one or two stages of the network and to learn about several activities: hiking, trekking or skiing. For the 124-kilometre Limone Piemonte – Menton crossing, allow 8 or 9 nights in refuges and stopover gîtes. As for fans of themed sports trips (skiing in Limone, cyclo trekking on the Via del Sale, trail walking in the Mercantour massif…), they’ll find what they’re looking for in stays of 2 to 5 nights, depending on the activities included in their programme.
Is the RivierALP sports holiday suitable for groups?
Absolutely! RivierALP is particularly well thought out for group sports trips. The refuges along the route (Don Barbera, Allavena, Fontanalba…) are real meeting places for hikers. For groups with varying levels of ability, it’s possible to combine technical mountain stages with well-deserved breaks in a picturesque village in the Alpes Maritimes. It’s a great way to experience adventure in a way that suits everyone.
Can you combine sport, history and culture on a RivierALP sports holiday?
When is the best time for a sports break at RivierALP?
RivierALP’s hiking and cycling trails are open all year round, making it one of Europe’s most popular sports holiday destinations! Spring (May-June) is ideal for hiking in the mountains and discovering villages in bloom. Summer (July-August) lends itself to a wide range of sports, especially water sports such as kayaking, sailing and scuba diving. And what better season than autumn to go hiking, trekking or trail walking in the heart of the Mercantour Park or the orange-coloured landscapes of the Bosco delle Navette? Finally, winter transforms the Limone Piemonte massif into a ski and snowshoe area, less than two hours from France. Four seasons, four atmospheres, one network!