Cassis
Charming little fishing village- one of the prettiest on the Coast- located only a few minutes’ drive from La Ciotat, toward Marseille. Wide choice of good restaurants lined up on the waterfront, as well as nice shops. Cassis is overseen by France’s highest coastal cliffs and is famous for its extraordinary Calanques, some kind of rocky fjords with crystalline water, probing deep into the coastline. One of the prettiest is Calanque d’En-Vau, accessible by sea or by a 90 minute walk from the car park above.
Paragliding school operating from Gourdon, a gorgeous hill top village located a few km inland from Antibes. Certified English speaking instructors. Very popular among the yachting community. Contact Eric.
Cell: +33(0)6 61 42 08 64
www.ascendance06.com
The spectacular Cliff Walk is a must do while in Newport. Starting at First Beach, Cliff Walk is a 3.5 mile path follow ing the shore all the way to Bailey’s Beach. The promenade has views of sumptuous mansions on one side and the rocky coastline on the other. The whole walk takes about 2 hours and is also a great place to jog.
Camden Hills State Park, located less than 2 miles north of Camden on Rt 1, features 30 miles of hiking trails. The signature location – top of Mt. Battie – can be reached by foot (about 1 hr up) or by car. The sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay and the surrounding islands are absolutely spectacular and no visit to Camden is complete without a walk or hike up Mt. Battie. Another popular and moderate hike is Mt. Megunticook, the highest of the Camden hills. The park offers other well-mapped trails.
Tel: (207) 236 3109
Fort Napoleon
This fort built on top of a hill - to protect the island - offers the most beautiful panoramic view of the islands nearby. It is now a museum, open daily, but just the 45minutes hike up there is worth it.
Le Chameau
The highest point on the island - 309 m - which is accessible by a very nice hike of less than 1hour.
There are many hiking options in the western Sierra Tramuntana, starting from Calvia, St Elm or further inland. Most popular is the coastal trail from St Elm, which is also the start of the GR 221 and the hike to the top of Puig de Galatzo, an unusual 1000 m rocky formation further inland.
Aquinnah (or Gay Head) Cliffs
The spectacular multi-colored Aquinnah Cliffs are a national landmark. A short trek starts from the parking area, runs along the cliffs to a gorgeous beach. Aquinnah is located at the western tip of the island.
Acadia National Park maintains more than 120 mi of hiking paths, from easy strolls around lakes and ponds – don’t miss the Jordan Pond Nature Trail – to challenging treks with climbs up rock faces and scrambles along cliffs. It is also famous for its 45 miles of scenic carriage trails, built at the beginning of the 20th century by John D. Rockefeller Jr. Open only to hikers, bikers, horse riders and carriage drivers, the carriage roads feature several beautiful granite stone bridges to cross and spectacular vistas.
Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
109 Pequotsepos Rd, Mystic
Just 1.5 mile from downtown Mystic, heading northeast, beautiful 300-acre wooded preserve with eight miles of hiking trails winding through. Promotes environmental awareness, through a wildlife sanctuary, visitor attractions and educational programs. Open daily from 9am to 5pm; 10am to 4 pm on Sun. Small admission fee.
Tel: (860) 536 1216
Croix-des-Gardes is a 200 acre hilly wooded park, situated less than one km from the Croisette, on the west side towards La Bocca. The access is free and several paths are made for hikers, with 6 belvederes offering magical views on the Bay of Cannes, its islands, the Estérel mountain and the foothills of the Alpes d’Azur. It is also the place where the first mimosas were planted on the Cote d’Azur and in February, the whole area is covered by the fragrant blooming trees.
Soller is a good base for hikes along the Sierra Tramuntana and along the north coast. The GR 221 goes through here, and there are many other hiking options along the north coast, and quite a few local summits to be climbed.
Note that the Sierra Tramuntana is over 90% privately owned, and that right of way is an issue; visitors are therefore better off sticking to the main, recognised trails.
This outdoor company runs two shops, one in Soller itself and one in the port. They organise excursions in the mountains, and specialize in hiking, mountain biking, canyoning and sea kayaking. A very good option for those who have limited time and lack local knowledge and equipment.
Villefranche old town is made for wandering, with steeply stepped streets leading into alleys and passageways arching over the cobbles.
The Saint Jean-Cap-Ferrat hike is a 12km circular coastal walk around the Cap Ferrat peninsula, just to the east of Villefranche-sur-Mer. It offers fantastic vistas and a glimpse of spectacular villas from the pedestrian coastline path. Stop at Bar du Port in the pretty St Jean Cap Ferrat harbour for a drink or a nice lunch.
There are many great walking and hiking options around Antibes. Take the time to explore the lovely old town, and don’t miss the Château Grimaldi, the church of Immaculée Conception or the Commune Libre du Safranier with its flowery narrow streets.
Cap d’Antibes
Coastal path of Tirepoil: Gorgeous 2km hike around Cap d’Antibes peninsula, starting at Plage La Garoupe. Come back through the street of Cap d’Antibes and its luxurious mansions.
The north coast is full of trails and offers a nearly endless selection of walks. Guides and maps in English are readily available.
For those seeking more adventurous activities and adrenalin, there are two companies based in Pollensa offering guided climbing, caving and canyoning outings.
Rock Sport Mallorca
Tel: 629 948 404
www.rocksportmallorca.com
Mon d’Aventura
Tel: 971 535 248
www.mondaventura.com
Mallorca's geological landscape is rich in caves, cliffs and canyons, and thousands of visitors come to the island every year solely to partake in rock climbing, caving and canyoning expeditions. Mallorca has a huge variety of options for all levels of difficulty from the easy stroll to the supremely technical, strenuous and spectacular such as the famous Sa Fosca Canyon, rated to be amongst one of the most spectacular in Europe. Climbing is equally popular, and Mallorca's cliffs attract thousands of climbers along hundreds of different routes.
Horseshoe Riding Centre run by Toni and Sarah is located 5 Km from Mahon. A friendly riding school offering classes and pony rides as well as rides out through the beautiful countryside of the S'Albufera reserve and half-day exursions to the beach. Visitors of all ages and experience are made very welcome to ride the contented and well trained horses.
Palma and more generally Mallorca is a paradise for cyclists. In town, an already large network of cycle lanes is constantly being extended, making cycling around the city one of the fastest (and nicest) ways to get from A to B. The cycle track that runs along the Paseo Maritimo has become a magnet for visitors and locals alike, and extends past the airport all the way to Arenal 15 kms away to the south. It is now also possible to cycle all the way to Santa Ponsa (via Portals) to the North on the cycle track, bar a gap between Club de Mar and Illetes.
Kanu Adventure Mallorca
A large portion of the Mallorquin coastline is well suited for sea kayak excursions. For long or short-term rentals and guided outings contact:
Parc Forestier de la Valmasque is a 427 acre forest situated just off Antibes, towards Sophia Antipolis. It is a very popular hiking and biking ground with an array of marked trails.
Antibes Squash et Fitness Club
Les Terriers Nord 155 Allée Belle Vue 06600 Juan les Pins
Large, pristine and very popular gym, located a few min. drive from the harbour. Weight machines, squash courts, full range of fitness classes with training in English, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, flexible membership packages. Open nonstop 7:30am-midnight, and 9am-8pm Sat-Sun.
Tel: +33(0)4 93 33 35 33
www.squashfitness.fr
Former Thai boxing champion Alex O'Connor
offers cutting edge personal training services to produce challenging, original and fun approaches to meet every clients needs. His fight camps are very popular, as an ultimate fitness and self-defense program. Trains clients at home, onboard or in public spaces. Small group (2 to 5) training available.
Cell: +33 (0)6 52 68 21 05
[email protected]
www.azurtraining.com
Highly recommended kitesurfing school run by English speaking certified instructor Thomas. Pick up is at Port Gallice in Antibes, where he has a boat to take you sailing towards Iles de Lerins. Classes for all levels, 4 people max, equipment included. Open from April to Oct/Nov.
Cell : +33(0)6 20 91 63 21
[email protected]
www.a-kite.com
Tennis Club de Beaulieu
4 Rue Alexandre 1er de Yougoslavie 06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Very nice and convenient public tennis club within walking distance from the harbour. Lessons available.
Tel: +33(0)4 93 01 05 19
Capwellness
39-41 Bd Maréchal Joffre
06310 Beaulieu-sur-Mer
Popular gym for crew wanting to stay in shape during extended periods of time in the marina or the shipyard of Beaulieu. Hi-tech weight and cardio machines, range of fitness classes, nice AC rooms. Also offer a choice of massages. Open 8am- 8pm, Sat 8am-noon, closed on Sun.
Tel: +33(0)4 93 01 48 84