Cannes walks

Far from the glitz of the Croisette, this unusual climb to the historic architectural sites of the funicular railway and the Super-Cannes Observatory takes us back in time. With nature having reclaimed its rights, a change of scenery at the gates of Cannes is guaranteed.

An unusual semi-urban hike that begins by taking the maritime sector of La Croisette and the upmarket residential district of La Californie. Then walk along a wild section of the old funicular railway line that linked the lower part of Cannes to the Super Cannes Observatory. Finally, take the path of the old Siagne Canal to the green spaces with their remarkable views.

Île Saint-Marguerite is a lovely destination for a day trip. In Cannes, head to the port from Boulevard Jean Hibert (paid parking). There are regular shuttles every thirty minutes and the crossing takes ten to fifteen minutes.

A family walk in the Valmasque heath, ideal for a picnic near the Étang de Fontmerle. The lake is covered with lotus flowers, which bloom from July to mid-September.

This is a very pleasant hike that alternates between pine and oak forests. There is a picnic area at the starting point. This hike can also be done by mountain bike.

Starting from Antibes, this short hike will take you through the woods and along small streams to the ruins of the Roman aqueduct. Follow the old yellow markings.

Right from the start, from the Pointe de l'Aiguille car park, you will enjoy a splendid view of the secluded coves near Théoule-sur-Mer. The hike will take you through pleasant wooded areas, which are very welcome in hot weather, before bringing you to the plateau where you will have a breathtaking view of the Bay of Cannes and the Lérins Islands. The descent to the starting point is via a narrow path through tall forests.

A short family hike, 2 hours and 6 km, accessible to all. The route consists of dirt tracks and a few forest trails. No particular difficulty, slight elevation gain. However, watch out for roots and stones on the trails. Most of the mimosa forest is located on the first part of the walk, up to the picnic area. This circular takes about 2 hours, but you can adapt it to suit your preferences or abilities by taking another track.

Easy circular hike leaving from Rague port. The hike starts by climbing up towards Mont Thurney at the entrance to the Estérel, then going downhill through a dry valley then a forest (eucalyptus and then pine trees) before reaching San Peyre and its 360° orientation table (panoramic view over the Îles de Lérins, Cannes bay and the Mercantour). Go down through Napoule and then take the coastal path alongside the château until you reach Raguette and Rague beaches.

A lovely loop that follows a forest path along the Brague river, passes through the old village of Biot, and returns through the forest to the Templiers neighbourhood.

Short circular walk behind Théoule with beautiful views of the sea, the Pré-Alpes d'Azur and the Mercantour. There are lots of mimosas at the start and finish, so the ideal time to do this walk is in February. No particular difficulties, the paths are a little stony, as is the case everywhere in the Estérel, so good shoes are recommended.

This hike at the gateway to the Estérel towards the Pointes de l'Esquillon and de l'Aiguille offers a varied programme: it starts among the mimosas, passes by the Notre-Dame-d'Afrique memorial and then near the Palais Bulles (by Pierre Cardin). View of the coastline above the Pointe de l'Esquillon, climb back up through the eucalyptus trees before descending towards the Gulf of La Napoule at the Pointe de l'Aiguille and returning to Théoule via the beach of the same name.

Magnificent views of the Esterel mountains, then Théoule Bay, Mandelieu and Cannes. Please note! Until further notice, the DFCI track is closed to pedestrians and cyclists from the Vallon de l'Autel car park (S/E) to its intersection with the Col de Théoule track (2). See the municipal decree: https://theoule-sur-mer.fr/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-45-fermeture-piste-dfci-du-vallon-de-lautel.pdf

Hike in the Estérel to discover the caves and ravines: Ravin de l'Écureuil, Ravin de la Couche de l'Âne and Ravin de la Cadière. Beautiful views of the peaks, visits to caves and trails through the wild ravines of the Estérel.

This is an easy walk through woodland with plenty of shade, which is very welcome in summer. The route follows the Brague river and its confluence with the Bruguet before returning via the Brague. There are magnificent views of the rivers, waterfalls and a small stone bridge.

A circuit combining the discovery of historical heritage and biodiversity. The circuit starts at the12th-century abbey and can end with a visit to the heritage museum and the15th-century village of Valbonne. What's more, this route follows part of the Way of St James from Rome. The biodiversity of Mediterranean flora is also visible throughout the route.

This long hike, mainly through woodland, starts in the charming village of Valbonne and takes you to the small wild valley of Bruguet (dry in summer). After a long stretch of heathland, you will follow the Brague, a small river that can be devastating (see the floods of October 2015) flowing through an almost virgin forest. At the beginning of the season, swimming is possible in a few spots. Moderator's note: there are a few difficulties on this hike; see the comments at the bottom of this page

Just a few minutes from the centre of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, this circuit takes you on a tour of part of the Estérel massif, offering breathtaking 360° views! Best done on a clear day, when you might even be able to see Corsica!

The climb to the summit of Grosses Grues offers splendid panoramic views of the orange rocks of this massif, the blue sea with the gulfs of Fréjus and La Napoule, and the white peaks of Mercantour in winter and early spring. After a challenging descent, the return via the Ravin de Maure Vieil is marked by the pretty Pont Sarrazin bridge, beautiful little pools and an astonishing abandoned chapel covered in graffiti.

A lovely walk on the coastal path of the Cap d'Antibes. Very well laid-out, it offers superb views of the Antibes coast as well as a few architectural masterpieces such as the Château de la Croé and the Villa Eilenroc.

During this hike, you will enjoy views of Cannes and Cap Camarat on the Saint-Tropez side. All the different types of terrain found in the Estérel are present on this route: pebbles, undergrowth, etc.

This hike allows you to easily reach two of the most beautiful spots in the Esterel, the Pic d'Aurelle and the Pic du Cap Roux, with incredible views of the sea.

This hike in the Massif de l'Estérel will take you to the top of the Pic de l'Ours, one of the most remarkable peaks in the area with its enormous antenna at the summit. With paths along the edge of the cliff between the blue sky and sea, the ochre rocks of the Estérel and the green pine and oak trees, you will be treated to a beautiful cocktail of colours. At the summit, you will enjoy a splendid panorama from the Mercantour to the Gulf of Saint-Tropez.

Hike near the sea in the Estérel massif. Best done on a beautiful winter or autumn day.

A very pretty hike in the Massif de l'Estérel.

Calanque d'Aurelle, with its red rocks and turquoise water, is the starting point for our walk. The walk is a series of paths winding through the Mediterranean scrubland among pine trees, mimosas, rosemary and cork oaks. On the return leg, we take the Lentiques ravine. This is theGR® 653A, part of the Way of St James.

A walk through the Estérel, with beautiful views to boot! Pass by the Pic de l'Ours, with views of the Dent de l'Ours and a walk at its foot!

This circular will take you to three must-see peaks in the Estérel: Pic d'Aurelle, Pic de l'Ours and Pic du Cap Roux, combining the blue of the sea, the green of the vegetation and the red of the rock.