Photo : N.Baxter / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Massif de l'Estérel
Of volcanic origin, the Esterel massif extends over about 32,000 hectares between the Var and the Alpes-Maritimes, forming one of the rare mountain massifs of France to plunge directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Its red rocks, rich in rhyolite, contrast sharply with the blue of the sea and the green of the maquis covering its slopes.
Long considered a lair of highwaymen because of its tormented relief, the Esterel has kept a wild character despite the proximity of the surrounding seaside resorts. Mont Vinaigre, the high point of the massif, overlooks a network of coves and calanques that rival those of Marseille in beauty, while remaining more private.
The Corniche d'Or road, which runs along the coast between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes, offers a first spectacular glimpse of the massif, while a dense network of paths lets you explore the interior on foot or by mountain bike. Spring, when the maquis is in bloom, remains the most pleasant season for hiking.
