Hello Monaco #12 Summer–Autumn 2021 | Page 128

SIGHTSEEING as Chemin des Mimosas and Chemin des Amandiers , so pick one and complete the steepest part of the walk !
you can choose for the first segment of the walk , each with varying incline and steps so choose according to your desired intensity . You might have to refer to Google maps at times to make sure you ’ re staying on the right track — the route is clearly displayed on any GPS app . Or pop into the town ’ s Office de Tourism that is located in the very centre of the town : it will have plenty of tips to ensure you make the most out of the hike . One of the staircasefilled streets you can take to guide you to the next segment is L ’ Escalier Costa Plana that runs all the way up to the main road of the Moyenne Corniche , cutting through the residential roads on a quiet asphalted terrain . Most of the side streets that branch off Cap d ’ Ail ’ s main road are named after Mediterranean trees such
Once you reach the busy road of the Moyenne Corniche ( RD6007 ), you need to cross at the traffic lights to get to the street that seems to lead to a residential area , Chemin des Cyclamens . There you will find the first signpost for the Tête de Chien route on your left ; follow this road past the sea-view homes till you reach another main road that you must cut across to continue the walk . As mentioned before , the road is not that clearly marked so don ’ t be afraid to ask a friendly passer-by or consult your maps . Also look out for Chemin Romain signposts and the spray-painted yellow arrows located here and there that keep you moving in the right direction .
As you walk on , you leave the asphalted roads and find yourself walking on a magnificent trail submerged by nature ; cacti , tangled flowers and wild herbs like lavender surround your walkway and perfume your hike . The grand white limestone cliffs , that look perfect for experienced rock-climbers , tower over the winding uphill walk as you get closer and closer to the Tête de Chien summit that you never lose sight of . As expected , the footpath cuts through the wilderness so it is rather rough and overgrown in places but that simply adds to the charm ; just make sure to wear some proper shoes for the unstable stony path and tread carefully on the way back down . Also , the hike is very exposed in summertime so make sure you grab a bottle of water and sunscreen for the walk — the ocean will look so tempting you ’ ll want to dive straight into it !
Once you reach the rocky summit feel free to sit back and take in the glorious coastal views that stretch as far as the eye can see . The entirety of Monaco is on show as well as Cap d ’ Ail , Cap Ferrat , Menton and on an exceptionally clear day you may even see Antibes and Italy in the distance . Those who have visited the viewpoint know that it is one of the best panoramic views around ; the views are really quite impressive — you have to see it to believe it !
Don ’ t forget to reward yourself with a fresh drink and a baked delicacy from one of the bakeries in town on the way back — you deserve it !
126 / Hello Monaco Summer — Autumn 2021 www . hellomonaco . com