A Beautiful Coastal Drive Along the French Riviera to the Estérel Massif

Continuing our journey along the last coastal area, we drove towards the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel. The transition from the serene coast to the rugged hills was striking. The road gradually climbed into the Esterel Massif, where the landscape transformed dramatically.

The Estérel Massif extends approximately 32 kilometres (20 miles) along the French Mediterranean coast between Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu-la-Napoule. It covers an area of around 320 square kilometres (124 square miles), much of which is protected as part of a regional nature reserve.

With its vivid red rock formations and rugged terrain, the Esterel Massif presented a stunning contrast to the blue of the Mediterranean Sea we had just left behind. As the road wound higher, the views became increasingly surreal. The red cliffs and rocky outcrops seemed to glow in the sunlight, creating an almost otherworldly scene. Continue reading here for Deborah’s original post about their delightful road trip along the French Riviera.

Explore the Estérel Massif

The Estérel coastal mountain range straddles the Var and Alpes-Maritimes departments in southeastern France. Of volcanic origins, the massif is roughly 32,000 hectares of rugged terrain awaiting exploration. Mont Vinaigre is the highest peak at 618 metres. According to the Estérel Côte d’Azur tourism office, there are 72 trails for biking (road, gravel and mountain), hiking, and walking that crisscross the range, including many within the protected Forêt domaniale de l’Estérel.

Created during Napoleon III’s Second Empire (1848-52), customs officials walked the coastal pathway—le Sentier du littoral—monitoring marine traffic and smugglers.

Sentier du littoral ©Estérel Côte d’Azur

Start this moderate trail at the San Peïre beach in Roquebrune sur Argens – Les Issambres. Parking is available in the Arpillon lot. Walking east towards Saint-Raphaël to the Pointe de la Calle, you will pass sandy beaches and small inlets. Enjoy the viewpoints, including a Gallo-Roman era fishpond, along this 4.8 km trail (one direction). Walk the path as an out-and-back excursion, or take the bus from Pointe de la Calle back to your starting point.

Book an Unforgettable Hike in the Massif de l’Esterel

Fayence: Le Vallon de la Camandre

Vallon de la Camandre ©Estérel Côte d’Azur

Enjoy the Pay de Fayence countryside with views of the Estérel massif on this family-friendly walk. Starting in Fayence, the 2-hour walk is a leisurely 6.6 km stroll along La Camandre through the forested hills. In Fayence Park near the Tourist Office, follow the yellow markings. The trail passes a small waterfall.

Here are more family-friendly walks in the region.

Le Pont des Tuves

A 6km hike from Montauroux of medium difficulty takes about 2 ½ hours. Along the route, discover the enchanted oak forest with trees several hundred years old. Situated in Les Gorges de la Siagne, the trail follows the river with a waterfall and Le Pont des Tuves. Constructed in 1802 atop Roman ruins, Le Pont des Tuves is beautiful and steeped in history.

Pont des Tuves ©Estérel Côte d’Azur

Deborah Bine

The Barefoot Blogger, aka Deborah Bine, loves to share tales of her solo life in France as an American expat who speaks no French. Retired from a career in advertising and marketing communications, and divorced after a 40-year marriage with children, Deborah left Beaufort, South Carolina and all of her belongings last year to move to the south of France. Now that she has found her "bliss," her passion is to encourage others to break away from whatever is holding them back and to go after their dreams. "We're on life's journey alone. Be certain you love where you are."

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