Over 4 nights, this running holiday will take you from the Mediterranean coast of Nice into the wild alpine landscapes of the Mercantour National Park, staying in mountain huts. Turquoise seas meet rugged mountain peaks. This is a relaxed, social trail running escape for all abilities, with coastal paths, forest trails, high alpine routes, plus nights spent in mountain refuges. Run light while your main luggage stays in Nice, expect panoramic views across France, Corsica, and Italy. Indulge in hearty alpine meals and be well looked after by our crew. This is the ultimate mountain-and-sea adventure.

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Early Bird Deposits Available
Book now with 20% Deposit
Itinerary
Join us for a relaxed mountain trail running escape between the Mediterranean coast and the Mercantour National Park in southern France. Where turquoise seas meet wild alpine peaks, this is a truly special place. We’re not here to race, but to enjoy great trails, food, views, and three nights exploring together. Expect coastal paths, forest trails, and high alpine routes, with nights spent in mountain refuges before returning to seaside comfort in Nice. You’ll meet in sunny Nice before heading inland to the Mercantour, running through high valleys, past crystal-clear lakes, and along scenic paths with views across France, Corsica, and Italy. Along the way we may spot ibex, chamois, and eagles, pass through the Vallée des Merveilles, and share hearty alpine meals. After two nights in the mountains, we’ll finish with a well-earned night back by the Mediterranean. Each day offers new trails and perspectives, running light while your main luggage stays in Nice. Expect Provençal food, good coffee, cold drinks, and the shared experience of discovering this unique mountain-and-sea landscape together. Open to all abilities, this is four days of adventure, connection, and unforgettable scenery with Run Weekends.
Day 1
Arrive in Nice & Travel - Train into the Mountains - 6km +520m
Arrive no later than 12:00 in Nice old town to begin our Sea to Summit weekend. After introductions, a safety briefing, and kit checks, we’ll leave our main bags securely in Nice before heading for the mountains. A scenic train journey carries us away from the coast and deep into the Mercantour National Park. From there, we lace up for a gentle 6km run into the mountains, easing into the weekend as alpine scenery replaces the Riviera. By afternoon, we arrive at our first mountain refuge, set in a peaceful valley. The rest of the day is for settling in, unwinding, and enjoying our first shared alpine dinner.

Day 2
Refuge to Refuge - Mercantour National Park - 18km +1100m
Today is our biggest day in the mountains, with plenty of climbing, descending, and some of the most spectacular scenery of the trip. After breakfast, we set off deeper into the Mercantour, following trails that wind through pine forests, rocky paths, and open alpine meadows.The route passes a series of crystal-clear mountain lakes - perfect spots for a refreshing swim and a relaxed picnic lunch. Expect turquoise waters, dramatic peaks, and constantly changing views as we move through the landscape. It’s a long, rewarding day, but we take our time, running together at an easy pace with plenty of stops to rest, refuel, and soak it all in.By afternoon, we reach our next mountain refuge beside an alpine lake. There’s time to cool off with another swim, stretch out on the terrace, and enjoy the quiet of the high mountains before gathering for a hearty, communal dinner - tired legs, good food, and plenty of laughter.

Day 3
Summit Run & Sea Swim - 17km +760m & back to the Med
Today’s route takes us through remote alpine valleys and along high paths close to the Italian border. Wild ridge lines, ancient rock carvings, and wide-open views give the day a sense of both scale and history as we make our way steadily downhill. By late afternoon, we reach the valley where our transport returns us to Nice and the Mediterranean coast. Back by the sea, there’s time for a well-earned swim or a wander through the old town before coming together for a relaxed seaside dinner, celebrating our time in the mountains and the friendships formed along the way.
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Day 4
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Peninsula - 10km +130m & Goodbyes
We’ll start our last day of this adventure with a short early train ride for a sunrise run along the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula - a perfect contrast to the days spent high in the Alps. Quiet paths, soft morning light, and endless sea views make for a memorable final run. After a final dip in the Mediterranean, we return to Nice for showers and checkout. We wrap up the weekend with a relaxed brunch, sharing stories from an unforgettable few days between mountains and sea. Your Run Weekends adventure officially ends at 12:00 - please plan onward travel after then.

Challenge Level
Every Run Weekends adventure is a little different. The Overall Challenge Level is designed to give you clear, at-a-glance guidance on how demanding a trip is likely to feel as a whole. It’s not about speed or racing, it’s about the combined physical, mental, and logistical challenge across the entire experience.
All our trips are suitable for all abilities because we design the support to take good care of you. These rating are simply to help you make an informed decision as to the challenge you’ll experience. Taken together, these four elements provide a balanced, honest snapshot of what to expect, helping you choose the adventure that best matches your appetite for the challenge.
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Highlights
- Bring a Friend and Save -
Save up to £200 each

Included
Accommodation
1 x Night - Refuge de Fontanalbe
1 x Night - Refuge de Nice
1 x Night - Nice Hotel
Running
6km,18km, 17km, 10km
90% Trail + National Parks
Meals
3 x Breakfast
2 x Lunch
3 x Dinner
All group meals shared together
Travel
You'll be running to and from both huts. You'll carry your own pack. Your main luggage will stay in Nice.
Activities
4 x Trail Running days
Optional Lake & Sea Swims
Fire Pits and Stargazing
Mountain & Coast Running
Photos
The team will be taking photos throughout the weekend. You'll be sent these via a link post weekend.
Not Included
Travel
You must make your own way to and from your Run Weekend location.
Travel Insurance. You must come prepared with appropriate travel insurance.
Extras
All drinks.
Additional food.
Snacks on run route.
Accommodation upgrades
Extra meals
Kit
Run gear as mentioned. You'll carry your run pack yourself. Your main bag will stay in Nice.
Book Early Bird Spaces
Save up to £150 each
Getting to us
Meeting Point
Your Run Weekend will commence at 12:00 on Day 1. We’ll meet in Nice old town (exact location shared in your welcome pack). Please plan to arrive in Nice earlier that day to allow time for travel and a relaxed start. As we will be taking a train into the mountains in the afternoon, it’s important to arrive on time. Once you’ve booked your travel, email your arrival time to contact@runweekends.com.
Arrival & Departure Times
Please arrive in Nice by 12:00 on Day 1. The Run Weekend will conclude at 12:00 on the final day, following brunch in Nice. We recommend booking onward travel no earlier than 15:00 to allow time for a relaxed departure. You’re also welcome to extend your stay in Nice at your own cost.
Getting to Nice, France
Nice is well connected and easy to reach from across Europe. Options include flying directly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, followed by a short tram, taxi ride or even Lime bike into the city centre. Flights are available from many UK and European cities with airlines such as EasyJet, British Airways, and Air France. Travel to and from Nice is not included and is your responsibility
Important Info: Trip Confirmation
This trip operates with a maximum number of 16 guests and will be confirmed once a minimum number of 10 guests have booked. We will inform you once this number has been reached. If you wish to book travel in advance, please ensure your travel booking is fully refundable. We do not hold liability for loss of flights if this trip doesn't run. If the trip doesn't run your deposit along with any balance paid will be fully refunded.
Packing List
Mandatory:
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Trail running shoes with good grip.
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Running socks (2–3 pairs)
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Running T-shirt or long sleeve.
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Running shorts or leggings.
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Lightweight waterproof jacket.
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Lightweight mid-layer or thermal top
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Running vest or pack (min 6 litres)
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Soft flasks or hydration bladder (Must have carry capacity of 2 litres of water)
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Whistle (usually built into your pack)
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Head torch (emergencies)
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Small personal first-aid kit
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Personal ID / Emergency contact details
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Fully charged mobile phone and charger
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Hat or buff (for warmth or sun protection)
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Sunglasses with UV protection
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Sunscreen (SPF 30 minimum)
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Lightweight gloves
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Sleeping Bag Liner
Optional:
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Extra technical layers for variable weather
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Emergency Cash (€50-€100)
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Spare set of dry clothes for post-run recovery
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Spare shoes or sandals
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Compression socks or calf sleeves
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Lightweight towel & swimwear (for river)
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Energy gels, bars, or on-the-run snacks
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Electrolyte tablets or powder
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Small waterproof dry bag for valuables
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Running poles
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Painkillers and or Anti Inflammatories
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Waterproof phone case or backup phone
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Watch or GPS device
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Lightweight running cap or visor
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Waterproof phone pouch or small zip bag
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Casual clothing for evenings
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Power bank & charging cables
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Travel adaptor
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Ear plugs & eye mask
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Toiletries & travel-sized essentials
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Small notebook or journal
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