Hiking and Biking in the Estérel Massif

The Estérel Massif lies between St. Raphael and Cannes, stretching from the coast deep into the hinterland and is largely a protected nature reserve. The mountains are of volcanic origin, hence reddish, yellow, or grey rocks glow above the green of oaks, cedars, and chestnuts, many types of pines, as well as gorse, heather, lavender, mimosa, and the typical shrubs of the maquis.

The Estérel is an ideal area for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking; there is only one access road, which leads to a few car parks and is closed overnight to cars and motorbikes. Some tours can be started or finished on the stunningly beautiful Corniche d’Or, the golden coast, with a coffee or a swim in the sea. Beautiful summit destinations include the ‘Pic de Cap Roux’ or the ‘Pic de L’Ours’ with their views over the coast, as well as ‘Les Suivres’ or the highest mountain ‘Mont Vinaigre’ inland, but also the ‘Ravin du Mal Infernet’ gorge or simply the quiet forests are well worth a visit. The park also includes the area around Cap Dramont with its lighthouse.

The ‘Office National des Forêts’ provides a good 1:20,000 scale map on site. My family and I stayed at a quiet, sometimes scenic, and well-equipped campsite directly on the edge of the Estérel Nature Park, about 6 km inland from the coast. From there, I could start several tours directly, and the picture above was taken nearby. In the evenings, wild boars always came to the campsite fence, having become accustomed to being fed by the children. More pictures from the Estérel Nature Park and the Côte d’Azur can be seen in the ‘France’ gallery.