Hiking the Cap d'Antibes
One of the first activities we enjoyed after arriving in the south of France was to hike around the southern perimeter of the Cap d’Antibes.
We entered its beautiful pathway, balanced along the edge of the rocky shore (it’s the only way to walk this entire shore). Humorously, after repeated attempts, we discovered that there was no way to actually leave the pathway until the very end of the hike (or by backtracking to the very beginning of the hike).
Because we didn’t research this beforehand (as the Cap looked so innocent and inhabited), we literally brought nothing with us (no food, no water, nothing). And even though I was starving and needed to potty the entire 2-3 hour hike, it was still stunning.
When we exited the hike and trekked another hour or so to a restaurant, they took sweet pity and allowed us to order this delicious meal, even though they were shutting down the kitchen.
That experience was so beautiful that we hiked the Cap again. The second time, though, we hiked through the Cap d’Antibes’ stunning neighborhoods.
This led us to the exclusive Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, where rooms were $1400 a night. And with security staked out at the end of their drive, there was no way we could innocently meander in for lunch.
So we meandered on over to their clifftops.
Because, for this hike, we brought snacks.
As we continued through this exclusive neighborhood, and over to Juan-les-Pins, we simply drank it all in.
That, too, was such a beautiful hike that we hiked the Cap d’Antibes yet again.
For the third hike, we trekked up to its highest point: the Garoupe Plateau.
Where a chapel, gift shop, and cafe keep doors open for all.
Families left offerings and gathered for church.
Hikers paused to kick off some dirt.
Candles were purchased…
…lit, and placed.
This is where sailors have long come to pray.