HOW TO GET TO TETE DE CHIEN

If you’re up for some simply stunning views over Monaco and the French Riviera I highly recommend a hike up Tete de Chien. It is a 550-meter-high rock with what’s probably my favourite view over Monaco and one of my most favourite in the whole of the French Riviera. You can choose to hike from Monaco itself or take a short (very easy) walk from La Turbie. Either way, the Tête de Chien view is one that you’ll never forget.

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So where is it and how do I get to it?

The easiest option - drive to the car park

The rock is to the north west of Monaco and the easiest and most convenient way to get there is by car or scooter. It it sign posted along the way and there is a small free car park on the right at the gate entrance to the walk. This is only a 15 minute walk once you have parked up.

The route is pretty easy. There’s a paved road that you follow until you get to the Fort and there are some abandoned buildings on your right. Follow the small dirt path past the buildings and through a rock tunnel and you will arrive at the viewpoint.

How to Get to Tete de Chien From the Principality of Monaco

You’ve got two options if you haven’t got your own transport and you’re coming from Monaco. The first is to walk from Monaco. The beginning of the walk isn’t particularly inspiring but it will take you through the town of Turbie, which is worth a visit in itself. This walk is 5km each way (from the Monte Carlo area of Monaco) so it may be a little too much for you depending on your fitness levels.

You can get a bus from Monaco to Turbie which then only leaves the Turbie to Tete de Chien section to walk which is about 2 km.

How to Get to Tete de Chien From Cap d’Ail

If you are looking for a workout and a challenge, then this hike is for you! Instead of an easy 30-minute stroll to the viewpoint, you will be starting the hike in Cap d’Ail and heading straight up to the viewpoint. It’s pretty steep and pretty rocky and uneven but if you’re up for a challenge go for it!

If you’re not staying in Cap d’Ail, you can either take the Zest Bus Number 100 (which runs between Nice and Monaco) to get to Cap d’Ail or you can take the TER train there.

Before you go, I’d recommend nipping to a shop, buying some baguette or whatever else you’d like to eat and have a picnic on one of the benches along the walk up. That’s what we did and it was one of the best little picnic spots I’ve found in a long time with views out over Cap d‘Ail.

Tete de Chien or in English - Dogs Head, towers over you wherever you are in Monaco. It looks pretty ominous and if, for some reason, it happened to fall, I’m pretty sure it would wipe out the whole of the Principality of Monaco.

What’s at the Top?

These days it’s just an open area but if we go back in time it served many strategic military functions. German troops were situated here during occupation in World War II and even further back Roman troops were stationed here after the conquest of Gaul. Fort Massena stands on top of Tete de Chien which has been a military complex since the end of the 19th century. I thought we would be able to go inside but unfortuntely there is no access to the public. It currently has an antenna research lab situated on it.

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Looking down to the left you have a panoramic view covering the whole of Monaco, while further east you can see the French town of Menton and the border with Italy. On the western side, at the foot of the hill, you can see the small seaside town of Cap-d’Ail. You can also see all 3 of the corniche roads to Nice as well as Nice itself, Antibes, and the hills near Cannes. The view is stunning! Be careful up there though as the rock is very steep and there’s no real guard rails to speak of.

Remember a photo is NOT worth the risk!

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If you’re wondering what else you can do during your time in Monaco make sure you check out The 10 Best Things to do in Monaco for more ideas on the fun you can have.