GR France. Long Hiking Trails. Long Distance Footpaths

GR®51

Balcony of Mediterranean

From Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone)

Chemins de Grandes Randonnees

The GR®51, affectionately known as the “Balcony of the Mediterranean,” is a long-distance hiking trail that spans approximately 436 kilometers. This scenic route offers hikers an unparalleled experience along the stunning French Mediterranean coast. Traversing three departments: Alpes-Maritimes, Var, and Bouches-du-Rhône. The trail begins in Menton and concludes in La Madrague. From the very first steps, hikers are treated to breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea, which accompany them throughout their journey.

GR®51 Balcony of Mediterranean

Google Maps - Google Earth

GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 1

 

GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 2

 

GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 3GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 4GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 5GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 6GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 7

GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 9
© GPX Private use only

Distance: 436km, Elevation maximum: 1074m, Elevation minimum: 0m, Elevation gain uphill: 15214m
IGN Maps: Vallee de l'Esteron Vallee du Loup (3642ET). Cannes Grasse Cote d'Azur (3643ET). Nice Menton Cote d'Azur (3742OT). Cote d'Azur - Riviera dei Fiori (ASF1). Haute Siagne (3543ET). Frejus St-Raphael Corniche de l'Esterel (3544ET). Draguignan (3543OT). Le Muy Lorgues Montagne de Roquebrune massif des Maures (3544OT). St-Tropez Ste-Maxime massif des Maures (3545OT). Signes Tourves massif de la Ste-Baume (3345OT). Cuers Pierrefeu-du-Var Collobrieres massif des Maures (3445OT). Le Lavandou PN de Port Cros Corniche des Maures (3446ET). Aubagne la Ciotat massif de la Ste-Baume (3245ET). Signes Tourves massif de la Ste-Baume (3345OT). Toulon le Gros Cerveau Mont Faron (3346OT). Marseille Les Calanques (3145ET).

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The trail begins in Menton, a charming coastal town renowned for its lush gardens and mild climate. As it crosses the Alpes-Maritimes, the GR®51 meanders through picturesque villages such as La Turbie, Aspremont, and Vence. Each village boasts its own unique charm and character. The landscapes transition from verdant hills to dense forests, creating a visual diversity that makes each stop distinct and memorable.

Upon entering the Var department, the trail continues to captivate with its varied scenery. Hikers traverse the Estérel massif, famous for its striking red rocks and breathtaking sea views. The stages towards Théoule-sur-Mer and Les Adrets-de-l’Estérel are particularly unforgettable, offering dramatic contrasts between Mediterranean vegetation and rugged rock formations. The route through the Var also includes passages through historic villages like Grasse, celebrated for its perfumeries, and Roquebrune-sur-Argens, with its medieval streets. Hikers can also relish the magnificent beaches of Rayol-Canadel-sur-Mer and Le Lavandou, where a refreshing swim is always a welcome respite.

The GR®51 concludes in the Bouches-du-Rhône with a flourish. The crossing of Cassis and its famous calanques is a highlight of the route, offering stunning views of the cliffs and azure waters. The trail culminates at La Madrague, a picturesque little port near Marseille, providing a fitting end to this remarkable journey.

 

 

Sainte Agnes: Studio Sainte Agnes, Marie-Charlotte Faivre, 06 26 57 04 06, Email
Perfect for nature lovers wishing to relax in peace. At an altitude of 800m, Sainte Agnes is ranked among the most beautiful villages in France and is also the highest coastal village in Europe. Ideally located on the GR51, between sea and mountains, you can take the opportunity to stop in our studio.
Studio Sainte Agnès 1Studio Sainte Agnès 2Studio Sainte Agnès 3Studio Sainte Agnès 4Studio Sainte Agnès 5
Theoule-sur-Mer: Residence Horizon bleu Rousseau, M. Corbeel, 00 32 498 78 28 20, Email, Facebook
This charming, completely renovated apartment, located in a residence with a magnificent swimming pool, is located between the Mediterranean Sea, its magnificent coves and sandy beaches and the Esterel massif, starting point for hiking or mountain biking. It is near Theoule (free shuttle), Mandelieu-la-Napoule and Cannes.
Théoule-sur-Mer: Résidence Horizon bleu Rousseau 1Théoule-sur-Mer: Résidence Horizon bleu Rousseau 2Théoule-sur-Mer: Résidence Horizon bleu Rousseau 3Théoule-sur-Mer: Résidence Horizon bleu Rousseau 4Théoule-sur-Mer: Résidence Horizon bleu Rousseau 5


Accommodation GR GRP

Registration

Accommodation or business owner on or near a GR®, you can appear on GR-INFOS

For your registration, you can send me by email (papadimitriou4@gmail.com): your address and phone number, your website (Facebook page), a brief description with 5 beautiful photos of your establishment.

Registration price : 25€/year or 100€/5 years per GR® or GRP®. Renewable.

 

GR51 Hiking from Menton (Alpes-Maritimes) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone) 10

GR®51 Balcony of the Mediterranean
From Menton to Peymeinade (Alpes-Maritimes)
From Peymeinade (Alpes-Maritimes) to Brignoles (Var)
From Brignoles (Var) to La Madrague (Bouches-du-Rhone)

Nearby paths:
GR®4 From Atlantic to Mediterranean
GR®5 From Luxembourg to Mediterranean
GR®9 From Jura to Mediterranean
GR®49 From Saint Raphael (Var) to Rougon (Alpes de Haute-Provence)
GR®52 From Entraunes to Menton (Alpes-Maritimes)
GR®98 From La Madrague to Pilon Pass (Bouches-du-Rhone)
GR®99 From Revest-les-Eaux to Trigance (Var)
GR®406 Napoleon way
GR®510 8 Valleys trail (Alpes-Maritimes)
GR®653A Via Aurelia
GR®2013 Marseille-Provence

 

Mon GRIt is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the FFRandonnee topo-guide. You will also find information on MonGR.fr.

GR®, PR®, GRP®, and the corresponding signs of markings (white / red, yellow and yellow / red) are trademarks of the French Federation of Hiking. They may not be reproduced without permission. The French Federation of Hiking, state-approved, includes organizations that create and maintain hiking routes on GR®, PR® and GRP®. It publishes guides these topo hiking routes.

With your donations, support the actions of the thousands of volunteer markers of the FFRandonnee.

GR-Infos.com is an editorial partner of MonGR.fr.

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L'Etoile Guest-House

Old romantic Hotel, L'Etoile Guest-House is a mountain retreat in the South of France. With a beautiful park along the Allier River, L'Etoile Guesthouse is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche and Cevennes. Many hiking trails like GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson trail, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane way, Cevenol, GR®470 Allier River Springs and Gorges, Margeride, Ardechoise. Many hiking loops. The right place to relax.

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