Easy Family Hike to Notre Dame De L’Afrique in Theoule Sur Mer.

I personally am a very keen hiker and I am delighted that our boys are keen to enjoy this activity with me.  I will never forget our youngest tramping his way up the Alps at the grand old age of 4 declaring ‘You didn’t think I could do it, did you Daddy?!’ as he blazed his way to the top of the mountain leaving many adults in his wake.

View from the hike

Fast forward a few years and as a family we have discovered lots of hikes along the French Riviera and I am often asked for suitable ones to take kids on. So here we go, this is my favourite hike to do with little ones – it has something pretty cool to see, not too much uphill, stunning views for the adults to enjoy and can be made longer if you so desire.  It is not buggy friendly but I have done it with kids as young as 3, and if you have even littler ones it may be worth investing in a back-carrier. I have taken many friends from both the local area and visitors from abroad on this hike and everyone loves it… I hope you do too!

Please always take plenty of water, sunhats and a map.

Hike to Notre Dame De L’Afrique – Theoule Sur Mer.

Total Distance: 5km       Elevation: 150m     Estimated Time: 1h30     Difficulty: Easy

Map of the hike

Where to park: 21 Avenue Henri Matisse, 06590 Théoule-sur-Mer by the apartment block ‘Les Terrasses de St Honorat’

From the parking area take the path that heads towards the sea in the direction of the Iles des Lerins (Lerins Islands). After walking for about 15 mins you will come across a wooden panel which points to ‘ND D’Afrique’. Follow this path up the hill.

Views back towards Cannes

This part of the route has some amazing views out over the crystal waters of the Mediterranean Sea as you climb slowly up towards the monument herself. After you’ve marvelled at all 12 m of her, take the large pathway (Piste DFCI des Saoumes) that departs from just to the right of the cross. (More information on the memorial can be found at the bottom of the page). It starts off flat then rises a little before descending down to the Col de Theoule. At the junction take the flat dirt path on your left which takes you back to the Col D’Esquillon and the parking area.  

The 12m statue of Notre Dame de L'Afrique

For a shorter version you could just park at the bottom of Rue Des Mimosees and walk up and back to the monument.

The Memorial of Notre Dame de L’Afrique (Our Lady of Africa) was created by an association and incorporates thousands of names of those who played their part in the development work by France in North Africa . Jo Ortiz began his steel construction in 1990, and was inspired by a photo of the black Virgin of Algiers. It was only finally inaugurated in 2014 and if you are lucky enough to be in the area on the 1^st May or 1^st November each year you can witness or even play a part in the pilgrimage that is held on those dates.

This and many other hikes in the area can be found on the website Randoxygene - https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/littoral/circuit-de-l-esquillon-9364.html

As well as on this fantastic hiking website: https://www.terresetpierresdazur.com/notre-dame-dafrique

TOP TIP – Be sure to spot one of the most famous ‘villas’ on the Riviera, the quirky Pierre Cardin Bubble House (fully equipped with it’s own 500 person amphitheatre overlooking the sea!) and the Maison Bernard also built in the same style.

Accommodation:
Visiting the French Riviera and haven't booked your accommodation yet? Why not check out our wonderful centrally-located, self catering, townhouses and apartments sleeping from 2 - 11 people. All our properties are air-conditioned and are located on pedestrian streets within 5 minutes walk of the beach. We are a small family-run company so we are on hand for anything you may need before, during or after your stay!
Chic Gites - Accommodation Cannes