The 6 most beautiful hikes to do in the Massif de l’Esterel

You stay in the Var and want to take the height to admire the land and the Mediterranean? Discover the best hikes to do in the Massif de l’Esterel!

Located on horseback between the southeast of Var and the Alpes-Maritimes, Esterel is a low-altitude massif. Its highest point is Mont Vinaigre, with its 618 meters above sea level.

And yet, this is a remarkable hiking spot! The shredded relief is formed of magmatic rocks, basalts and red rhyolites. They offer a wonderful contrast to the blue sea. The trails lick among the forest of groves and green oaks, offering typical Mediterranean landscapes. In addition, once at the top, the panorama is breathtaking.

You want to go to his discovery? Here are the 6 most beautiful hikes to do in the Massif de l’Esterel!

1. Le Pic du Cap Roux from the Pointe de l’Observatoire

This hike in the Massif de l’Esterel has been reserved for good walkers, but it remains one of the most frequented in the Côte d’Azur. And because of this, it offers breathtaking panoramas on the red rocks of the Esterel which caracolate above the Mediterranean Sea. Wild flowers color the landscape and the frog forest life. In short, this is a beautiful hike!

Some sections of the trail are very scarce and the slopes are quite steep. Have good walking shoes. To avoid the crowd (especially at the top), leave early in the morning. The trail is accessible all year round, you can also browse it out of season to be quieter.

That is: the most motivated of you will be able to make a detour to visit the chapel of Saint-Honorat, a pretty curiosity.

2. Le Mont Saint-Martin

To start this pretty hike in the Massif de l’Esterel, go to Mandelieu-la-Napoule. Get ready to climb! The climbs are steep, but the game is worth the candle. Once at the top, you will have the opportunity to admire a 360-degree point of view on the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes. In good weather you can even see Corsica !

Among the cork oaks and arbousiers that tap the Esterel, you will guess vestiges of ancient walls... If you have an eye. These are the remains of a vast pre-Roman oppidum.

To throw yourself in this rando, plan good shoes and what to desaltate.

3. The col de la Cadière

This trail offers beautiful views of the interior balconies of the massif, but also on the coast. He trains you to the Cadière pass through the Mineurs track, the Three Cols track and the Cadière track.

You will follow a river for a large part of this hike in the Massif de l’Esterel. However, it is important to know that the trail is not shady. Avoid borrowing it in the hot days and provide enough water.

In addition, we recommend that you plan your route in advance to make the most of your hike. Indeed, the network is quite random. Better go with a card!

4. The top of the Grosses Grues

This hike in the Massif de l’Esterel is full of surprises. It leads you to the Grosses Grues, a magnificent summit that offers a view of both the land and the sea. The red-orange of rocks blends with the blue of the Mediterranean and the whiteness of the Mercantour peaks. In the distance, we see the Gulf of Fréjus and the Gulf of Napoule.

The climb is sporty, which is why you need to be well enhanced, and why not plan a walking stick. But after this first section, the track gets quieter and you can focus more on the landscape.

The editorial board: start on this hike in the Massif de l’Esterel when the mimosas are in bloom. Guaranteed wonder!

5. The Monges and Grues circuit

Here is a long circuit, which passes through the top of the Monges and the crest of the Grues. Like the other hikes of this top, it allows to admire both red rocks and oak forests or the blue line of the Mediterranean Sea. You will also meet the Notre Dame d’Afrique Memorial in Theoule-sur-Mer. Located on the way to Compostela, this statue of 12 meters high is a place of pilgrimage for the French coming from Algeria.

The difficulty of the hike is moderate and the trail is accessible throughout the year. However, we advise you to borrow it in clear time to admire the magnificent panorama. Memories that will remain engraved in your memory!

6. The Trayas – the Pic de l’Ours

To finish this top of the most beautiful hikes in the Massif de l’Esterel, here is a looped path that allows you to discover the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Starting from the Trayas, follow the marking that leads you to the Pic de l’Ours. If the top is "only" 499 meters above sea level, it is worth the detour. It is famous for the Bear Dent, a rock of rhyolite perched by a small cave.

This is a pleasant hike, which has no particular difficulty. Only the descent requires a little more attention. Once at the top, the panorama of Esterel, Mercantour and the Upper Var is breathtaking. Who knows, if you are lucky, you may see the Italy ?