Visit the Calanques de l’Estérel

A guide to visit the Calanques de l’Estérel: one of the most beautiful sections of the Côte d’Azur!

When the purple rocks meet the green of the mountains, the radiant sky is confused with the Azur Sea: it gives the scallops of Esterel. Come on. Saint Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer , along the Corniche d’Or, they slide over forty kilometers and offer a show of every moment.

Its ochre cliffs, volcanic wonders, which fall to peak in the Mediterranean are as entertaining as magnetic. You can easily spend several days there, like out of time... But to fully enjoy it, what would you say about a small guide? To visit the Calanques de l’Estérel, its activities and its treasures: it’s right here!

Visit the Calanques de l’Estérel : geological splendor

The coves hole the cliffs, the eruptive rocks roll at the foot of the green trees, the limestone shines in the sun: the Esterrel awakens the imagination.

These Calanques, among the best known in the Côte d’Azur, are a succession of paradise years shaped by the wreck of the elements. A work that has been going on for millions of years. It is therefore to Mother Nature’s strength and curiosity that you owe your incredible journey on the Golden Corniche.

Visit the Calanques de l’Estérel: a little history

Les Calanques de l’Estérel can be proud of their many attractions, also historical. The Île d’Or (faced to the Calanque of Cap Dramont) was the theatre of the landing of allies on 15 August 1944. This memorable beach houses a tower, funnyly planted on its rock, which would have inspired Hergé , Tintin's father, for his black island...

Really? This is a tower erected in the 20th century in which Dr. Auguste Lutaud was giving a lot of receptions. The latter is self-proclaimed even sovereign of this island... Another historical fact, the Calanques of Cap Roux jealously preserves several vestiges of bunkers...

How to visit the Calanques de l’Estérel?

By boat (Saint-Raphaël departs or Cannes)

From the pretty Port of Santa Lucia (Saint Raphael) or the Port of Cannes, embark for a spectacular geological journey to meet the fauna and flora of the Estérel. On a fast and comfortable motor boat, you get to corners that resist all other approaches.

The enchanting landscapes defy: the island of Vieilles, the bay of Agay, Cape Dramont, the island of Gold, the calanques of Antheor, Cape Roux and the peak of the Bear. Then, your boat stops so that you can make a refreshing jump and sip your fruit juice or rosé in peace.

In sailboat (Saint-Raphaël)

Always at the departure of the old port of Saint-Raphaël, in the early afternoon or before the sunset, lift the sails to visit the Calanques of the Estérel. Moreover, on board a sailboat that combines conviviality, calm and unheardly sensations.

For the most sailors of you, your captain will be delighted to appoint you second. The mythical marine landscapes can be enjoyed at every stage of the journey: in a swim break, in a cabotage, from the sunny bridge or a fresh glass by hand.

By boat from Cannes to Saint-Tropez

Saint-Trop’, where the art of the party replaced the art of fishing, deserves a few walks or drinks on the docks. Cannes, for its part, seduces both for its red carpet and its historical heart. What if to rally these two starlets of the French Riviera you took the sea?

45 minutes separate the ports of Cannes and the varoise citadel. Departure in the morning of Cannes for a trip to Saint-Tropez where you will enjoy the charming outdoor market in Place des Lices.

You then follow the canals that snake in this Provençal Venice until, finally, the Estérel Nature Reserve. You then vogue in the heart of the blood caves that dip in turquoise water and the preserved green patches.

By boat and snorkeling (Cannes)

Cannes, a flagship destination in the French Riviera, attracts millions of visitors a year. If its world-famous festival contributes to its fame, the enthusiasm is aroused by much more wealth. If it is part of your route along the Corniche d’Or: you’re right!

So why not take advantage of it to visit the Calanques of the Estérel? This Mediterranean pepite is as beautiful on the surface as under water... Hence the idea of a boat trip combined with a snorkeling session.

ULM or paramotor

Visiting the Calanques of the Estérel at 1000 meters above sea level, is it tempting you? In ULM or paramotor, fly over this incredible coastal strip where all colors are confused. Air activities give a whole different dimension to the surrounding geological wonders.

The currents also take you above the Country of Fayence, the sparkling lake of Saint-Cassien or the village of Callian as winded around its castle.

By climbing

The red rocks of Estérel call lovers of climbing and strong sensations. Via ferrata, via cordata or climbing: there are for all tastes and levels. A common promise, however: that of a technical and playful moment, in a setting that will take you away several “wahu”. If the climbing is more intended for regulars, the via cordata and via ferrata are accessible to all.

Walking

Want to visit the Calanques of the Estérel by hiking in autonomy? What a beautiful approach! Prefer spring and fall, or leave early in the morning (summer sunshine hits hard). Whatever the itinerary, all the exuberant nature of the Calanques and the Estérel massif are shown.

The 360-degree panoramas make the beautiful part, in turn, in the turquoise Mediterranean, the emerald massif and the rocks in the colors of an eternal Indian Summer. Among our favourite hikes:

• Cap Roux Pic
• Bear Pic
• The Trail of Odeurs
• Mont Vinaigre
• The coastal path
• Troix Croix hike

Otherwise, one guided hiking Through the massif of the Esterel, do you like it?

Passionate forest guides offer you to visit the Calanques of the Estérel... on the mountain side. You then follow the forest roads opening onto iconic peaks, mountains and sites of the Corniche d’Or. Close to the sea, you'll discover the lush gardens and you'll be inspired by Provence aromas, plants and scents.

In buggy

Halfway between the quad and the pimped golf cart, the buggy is a terribly fun equipment! Pilots in grass or aguerrilla, well seated in their all-terrain vehicle, will delight themselves with strong sensations like wonderful landscapes of the Estérel massif. You walk along the Golden Corniche and its cove collar to the hinterland for the longest rides.

How do I access the Calanques of the Estérel?

Most of the travellers go to Les Calanques de l’Estérel with their own vehicle. A road trip along the Corniche d’Or is also the ideal to stop at the great encounters, desires and heartburns of everyone.

The train and the aircraft are also good options. Nearest airports are located in Nice and Toulon-Hyères. By train, the TGV connects Paris to Toulon in less than four hours and Paris in Nice in less than six hours.

Good addresses to visit the Calanques of the Estérel

The good addresses where to stay

Since the Calanques de l’Estérel are located between Cannes and Fréjus, you will only have the choice to select the accommodation that best suits your wishes and budget. You are advised to use one Compare hotels to help you in your choice.

If you want more tranquility and authenticity, opt for a Airbnb , there are for all tastes and for all purses.

Moreover, Wanderlix offers 2 accommodations near the Massif de l’Estérel that are likely to please you.

Villa with panoramic view

With its heated swimming pool and its views of the bay of Cannes illuminated every evening, this villa is not lacking any assets to seduce you! In high season, you will even have the opportunity to admire the fireworks from the garden!

You will also have a table tennis available and access to a tennis course and a ball field to try at the petanque.

House with sea view

From the garden or pool of this large house you will have a sumptuous panoramic view of the sea. Quietly located, you can enjoy your breakfasts on the terrace and relax at the end of the day after your visit to the Calanques de l’Estérel.

The right places to eat

• Jardins de l’Orangeraie (Roquebrune-sur-Argens) : dreamy restaurant for a romantic evening! Its fine and traditional cuisine makes the beautiful part of the local products, all in the pleasant surrounding of a fragrant garden;
• Mugs (Saint-Raphaël): QG bohemian, hipster and decay, the Mugs bathes in a cool and relaxed atmosphere. The cups cover the walls, the furniture is 100% cozy, the "digital nomads" plant in the inner courtyard: in short, a trendy address to test;
• Beach restaurant Club Agathos (Aguay) : on a beautiful private beach, Club Agathos restaurant is surrounded by the incredible landscape of the Baumette beach. A little paradise where, above all, the cuisine is excellent.

The spots around the Calanques de l’Estérel

Maritime cities

The fervent nature lovers and Provence hamlets do not always think about it. Yet, the cities that border the Calanques of the Estérel are mythical and offer you lots of pleasures. So after a beach or toady day, let yourself be drunk by Saint-Tropez, Saint-Raphaël and Fréjus.

The first one has nothing more of its fishing village and artists, but its small alleys that remain to the onslaught of the yachts are full of charm. As for Fréjus and Saint-Raphaël, once the buildings and restaurants catch-to-tourists on the outskirts of the sea, their old towns are superb.

Les contraforts du Pays de Fayence

Of course, we come to visit the Calanques of the Estérel to admire the merobolant landscapes, splashed with a nature like any straight out of a master painting... Yet the Corniche d’Or also shines by the rosary of small villages overlooking it.

So don’t hesitate to sink a little into the Provencal hinterland and stroll around the perched villages. They are known as the Town of Fayence. Difficult to make a choice as their charm and authenticity are worth: Bagnols-en-Forêt, Callian, Fayence, Mons, Montauroux, Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, Seillans, Tanneron and Tourrettes.

Lake Saint-Cassien

Four communes share the Lac de Saint-Cassien. You will find an abundant fauna and flora, flourishing well in peace. The captivating blue of this lake plot attract many visitors. Bathing as a mountain bike are possible to enjoy the emerald and bucolic frame.

The rock of Roquebrune

Near Roquebrune-sur-Argens, Perrin Lake is a fantastic playground for paddle and kayaking. His particularity? The famous Rocher de Roquebrune that is laid in the heart.