Sometimes you just need to get outside, breath in nature and take “un grand bol d’air“. But you don’t want to go far. This happened most recently to us between Christmas and New Year after days of over-indulgence, snuggled up in front of the fire watching films and playing board games. And yet despite this lack of activity we didn’t actually want to do much. So here is the perfect little walk for those times and one that we do regularly in all seasons and all weathers. It’s just 10 minutes away in the car and it only takes about 15 minutes to get to the end before either picnicking, swimming, watching the climbers, skipping stones or just walking back. So it can be done, all up, from Lou Messugo in an hour (if you really don’t want to be out for long!)
This walk takes you along the Loup river, from the kayak club in La Colle sur Loup to the natural rock climbing site “La Bagarée“. The path is within the Parc Naturel des Rives du Loup (riverside natural park) ensuring it is always well maintained even after floods. It’s flat and wide – great for kids’ bikes or pushchairs – and shaded most of the way by elegant Plane trees which lose their leaves in the winter creating more sun when it’s needed. The river is bordered on either side by high limestone cliffs which glow golden in the sun. At the end of the walk there’s a rocky beach in the middle of a double bend perfect for a base from which to swim or paddle or build dams. However, if the river is in flood, which happens several times most winters, this beach doesn’t exist and occasionally the end part of the path is covered too.
In spring we picnic and catch tadpoles and in autumn we kick through the leaves to skip a few stones. In winter we’re usually alone, only passing the odd dog-walker as we breathe in the rich humus smells and enjoy the silence. Almost every time we have walked here we have seen a snake, often swimming in the water, and there are usually some wild ducks around but that’s about it for wildlife – too many dogs I guess as it’s a popular dog-walking trail.
On hot summer days we love to swim here as it’s cooler and less crowded than the Côte d’Azur beaches, though it’s by no means a secret. We bring “noodles” and float gently downstream or muck around in the rapids.
By the beach is a popular rock climbing area so there are usually quite a few climbers on the rock faces around who are fun to watch. I’m not a climber but I’m assured this is a good little spot with a variety of routes (actually 123 of them) from beginners to reasonably advanced. The area was redone a few years ago so the anchors and bolts are in good nick (if you can say such a thing? I’m really not into climbing!) My brother, once keen in pre-children days, rediscovered his passion for this crazy endurance sport here and now every time he visits he brings his gear and takes the kids up some of the easier routes.
So this little walk has enough interest to keep even the teenagers happy – the main thing for them being that it is so short! It’s beautiful, peaceful and easily accessed; what’s not to like?
Bonne balade!
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It would be great if you could walk all the way to the sea, it’s always frustrated me that you can’t. Andrew Marr did a programme for the BBC a couple of years ago on Churchill and was filmed painting the scenery there too.
I love this place. You’ve really captured it well through its changing moods and seasons in your beautiful photos. Someone told me that Winston Churchill had often come here and painted this amazing scenery !! Apparently they are going to eventually link it all up so that it’ll be possible to walk from here right down to the sea where the river gives onto the sea at “Bouches du Loup” . It comes out right next to the Hippodrome between Cagnes-sur- Mer and Villeneuve Loubet
It really is a lovely place to visit, thanks for comenting.
It really does look like a wonderful place to visit, Phoebe. You have me quite jealous! 🙂 I’m no rock climber either but the cliffs look superb. Love the ease with which youngsters tackle this kind of thing. Oh, to have no fear! 🙂 Many thanks for your company again.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Keri 🙂
It must be funny to look at these pictures Delia when it’s so cold in Canada. Even my winter photos aren’t anything like that, and of course when I say it’s a great walk for all seasons it’s much easier to go out in the winter when the temperature is around 10°c rather than -30°!!!
Awesome images, Phoebe! I see the kids swimming and it’s funny ’cause we’re at -30 degrees here in Canada this week. Cannot wait for the summer, yay!
I love being outdoors and hiking in nature. It’s so calming & relaxing. I’ve always said that I was born in the wrong state because I prefer the mountains to the beach. 🙂
Good to hear that you enjoyed your outdoor walk Marge. We are lucky to have such great places to go nearby, I know it!
My pleasure, thanks for being here Robin 🙂
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment Lisa
Well I’m not so sure about the climbing either RT and I’m not a grandparent!! 😉
Thanks Lorelle, it really is.
I’d love to go to Colorado Deanna but you’re right I am very lucky living here; we are surrounded by the most wonderful nature.
How nice very nice scenery all seasons. You are correct, I wanted to get out the other day and get some of that cold fresh air in my lungs and I did but it was no where as near as lovely as that place. I almost NEVER walk outside in the winter months but I wrapped up really well and enjoyed it actually. Lovely pics!
These are beautiful photos, Phoebe. It looks like you all had a fantastic time. I agree. Sometimes we just need to get outside, breath in nature and take “un grand bol d’air”. How wonderful this is so close. Thank you for sharing this!
Beautiful pictures! I love the idea of having a place you can explore in all seasons. thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your photos. The scenery is amazing!
The walking may be OK for grandparents, but I’m not so sure about the climbing!
Great photos Phoebe looks like a fun walk all year round
WOW, this is simply beautiful! You are so lucky to be able to share this nature with your children. Growing up I lived in Colorado, and spend a lot of time by the river…so peaceful to connect with nature!
We had a great time picnicking, catching tiny fish and swimming didn’t we? Come back again for a repeat session Ruth!
Good to hear others love it as much as I do Jeff 🙂
Yes, good point Catherine, it’s great for all generations, because it’s flat and short 😮
Definitely in my top 3 best walks around Lou Messugo
Great to hear from a climber. Hope I got the terminology right!
It is an easy one for grandparents as well.
Thanks for the suggestion Phoebe! I’ve climbed there before but never explored the rest of it. When this rain stops, maybe I will 😉 Chrissie
I remember it well! The kids had a great time!