The Nietzsche Trail

The Nietzsche Trail is one of the Côte d'Azur's most celebrated walks.

Nietzsche Trail

This famous trail can be found on the Cote d'Azur in Southern France and takes its name from the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. He loved this area and is fabled to have walked the trail daily. This is no mean feat as it's quite a hike.

Stretching for just over 2km it doesn't seem like much of a walk but once you take into account the trail’s surface and elevation, you'll understand why the sign says no flip flops!

The trail starts at the coast in the village of Èze-sur-Mer and ends at Èze-Village on a clifftop at 427m (107 flights of stairs according to my iPhone). It’s a mixture of steps, stones, sand and has amazing views over the Mediterranean Sea and inland towards the towering limestone cliffs and valleys.

We walked parts of it several times for this story before hiking the whole trail - up and down. It's a wonderful workout for the body and brain which is why I guess Friedrich loved it so much.

That which does not kill us makes us strongerFriedrich Nietszche
Starting at sea level, the trail starts steeply on a paved surface as it passes villas and run down houses in equal measure along the way.
Starting at sea level, the trail starts steeply on a paved surface as it passes villas and run down houses in equal measure along the way.
Nietzsche Trail
Nietzsche Trail
Quickly changing to rougher surface - both the views and the steps are plentiful.
Quickly changing to rougher surface - both the views and the steps are plentiful.
Quickly changing to rougher surface - both the views and the steps are plentiful.
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.Friedrich Nietszche
Stop and take a break to enjoy the amazing view and wildlife.
Stop and take a break to enjoy the amazing view and wildlife.
Nietzsche Trail
We stopped to watch the Sécurité Civile planes practicing their water pickup from the Mediterranean. They douse inland fires with the sea water. A sight to behold!
We stopped to watch the Sécurité Civile planes practicing their water pickup from the Mediterranean. They douse inland fires with the sea water. A sight to behold!
Climbing ever higher, the trees grow out of the limestone cliffs
Climbing ever higher, the trees grow out of the limestone cliffs
Climbing ever higher, the trees grow out of the limestone cliffs
What does your conscience say? — You should become the person you are.Friedrich Nietzsche
Steps, steps and more steps
Steps, steps and more steps
Thighs burning but the end must be just around the corner - right?
Thighs burning but the end must be just around the corner - right?
Thighs burning but the end must be just around the corner - right?
The first signs that you've reached the top
The first signs that you've reached the top
Sign
Sign
You must have chaos within you to give birth to a dancing star.Friedrich Nietzsche
Èze-Village
Èze-Village
If you time it right, coffee and croissants at one of the secluded cafés are available to revive you
If you time it right, coffee and croissants at one of the secluded cafés are available to revive you
Èze-Village
Èze-Village
Nietzsche Trail

And back down

We walked the trail to the top, stopped to refuel our muscles, admire the view and then walked back down at sunset. It certainly was a hard day but so worth it.

The views, the trail, the sunshine - all etched into our minds forever more.

Check out my photostory on Èze for more on this amazing clifftop village.

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.Friedrich Nietzsche

Category: Travel

Location: Eze bord de mer, France

Map: 43.7234° N, 7.3590° E