Coursegoules combines a distinctive village history with several distinct hiking and cycling themes. A five-hour sporting stage to Bouyon starts here; other routes lead to viewpoints, chapels and historic landscapes. The fortified village lies in front of the Cheiron massif. Steep lanes, stairways, portals and vaulted passageways shape its architecture. You can therefore make a longer hike, a panorama or the history of the place the focus of your stay.
Hiking trails and views around Coursegoules
Stage 3, Coursegoules–Bouyon, starts in Coursegoules and covers 14.5 kilometres, with a walking time of five hours. As a challenging hike, it gives you a clear benchmark for planning your day. The Circuit du Viériou offers a different perspective: it starts at the Parking du Colombier in Coursegoules and provides a 360-degree view from Mont Viériou over the Loup Valley, the Mediterranean and the Mercantour. Trail conditions may vary; check the current situation before setting out.
The Circuit du Haut Cheiron passes the Chapelle Saint-Michel before reaching Coursegoules. The Traversée des crêtes des montagnes de Thorenc et du Cheiron ends above the village, where the imposing cliffs of the Baous range rise above the Mediterranean. Les 4 chemins de Saint Barnabé offers varied landscapes with views of the sea and surrounding mountains. The routes therefore differ in their points of interest: Coursegoules, the Baous cliffs, or views of the sea and mountains.
The Plateau de Saint-Barnabé mountain biking route leads to the hamlet of Saint-Barnabé, part of Coursegoules, on an extensive limestone plateau. In spring, Saint-Barnabé has calcicole flora that includes numerous orchids and a rare species of peony. The paths also reflect the history of the place: Roman, military and local routes meet in Saint-Barnabé, pointing to its former importance as a transit point. Here, a clearly named cycling route, seasonal flora and the history of transport come together.
Fortified village and historic buildings
The remains of the former castle in Coursegoules were converted into the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs in the 17th century. The Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine already existed in 1312; it was probably built in the second half of the 13th century. During construction of the fortifications in the second half of the 14th century, its apse was turned into a flanking tower. The church thus illustrates the connection between religious architecture and fortification.
The Chapelle Saint-Michel de Lagnes lies 1.3 kilometres west of Coursegoules and was probably built at the end of the 11th century on the site of a former Gallo-Roman villa. The terraces along the path to the chapel bear witness to Coursegoules' agricultural past. Several marked paths from Coursegoules lead to the ancient Roman archaeological site of « l’Autreville » and offer views of varied natural landscapes.
Puzzle game and market
Viz’it offers a puzzle game for Coursegoules that can be played independently all year round, as one of nine village puzzle trails, as well as an audio mystery. Availability may change; check in advance. This interactive activity complements the village’s hiking and cultural attractions.
The Marché paysan du Cheiron takes place every Thursday morning at Place des Combes in Coursegoules. If the market fits your travel plans, check the date in advance.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Blaise, Saorge, Magagnosc, Le Mas, La Colle-Sur-Loup, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Tourrette-Levens, La Roquette-Sur-Siagne.
For the broader travel overview: Alpes-Maritimes.
