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.

A wonderful walk on the smaller of the two Lérins islands.You’ll walk around this charming island beneath the pine trees, following a very pleasant path along the coast.The highlight comes when you enter the fort and look out over the abbey with the Mercantour mountains in the background.

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.

An easy and pleasant, shaded walk starting from Ferme Bermond in Sophia Antipolis. Easy access, car park at the start.

This hike begins with the climb to the summit of San Peyre and its orientation table. From there, you will need to be observant to take a small section of unmarked trail. The colours, smells and wind of the Estérel accompany us throughout this varied itinerary. The coastal path is an added bonus, enjoyed all year round.

A pleasant walk above Théoule-sur-Mer, featuring a visit to the Notre-Dame d'Afrique Memorial, followed by easy access to the Col de Théoule. This route also offers a lovely view of the Mediterranean.

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 wooded areas, which are very pleasant 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 trees. 17 February 2026: moderator warning following two messages. (!) This hike is not possible until the numerous works between (S/E) and (2) (Vallon de l'Autel roundabout) located 2 km away have been completed.

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 walk starting from Port de la Rague. The walk begins with an ascent towards Mont Thurney at the entrance to the Estérel, then descends into a dry valley and on through woodland (eucalyptus then pine) before reaching San Peyre and its 360° orientation point (panoramic views of the Lérins Islands, the Bay of Cannes and the Mercantour). Descent through La Napoule, then along the coastal path past the castle to the beaches of La Raguette and La Rague.

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.

A short one-hour walk through the woods of Sophia Antipolis.

Short walk starting from Antibes with a stop at the Garoupe lighthouse to admire the view and descent on the Juan-les-Pins side.

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.

An easy walk. Make the most of a fine day to enjoy the views all around the headland and, at times, of the mountains.

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

A journey of discovery through the Esterel Massif starting from Mandelieu, with the Pic de l'Ours as your destination, offering a magnificent view of the Esterel Massif, the mountains and the coastline. A varied route through the valleys and then between sky and sea.

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 beautiful and unusual walk where the coast, forest and town come together. You’ll follow a coastline that’s sometimes overlooked, pass through a wooded area on the outskirts of the town, and explore old Antibes, where the charm of its forgotten alleyways will delight you. What’s more, the top of the Garoupe lighthouse offers a remarkable panoramic view of the town of Antibes and Juan-les-Pins.

Panoramic views of the Esterel massif, then of Théoule Bay, Mandelieu and the Lérins Islands, Cannes.

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.

A short, very pleasant hike in the Estérel.The red rocks, varied woodland, fragrant scents and scrubland will delight all hikers. The path starting from the point (7) is particularly popular as it passes through a tunnel of vegetation.

This easy route is recommended during the mimosa season or in spring, but not in summer due to the lack of shade. Starting from the Col de l’Esquillon, the route follows a balcony path overlooking the calanques of Théoule, then passes in front of the monumental statue of Notre-Dame d’Afrique. On the way back, whilst admiring the Lérins Islands in the distance and the Pointe de l’Aiguille, you take the wide Piste des Saoumes, which winds down towards the Esterel estate and its famous Palais Bulles.

Circular horse riding trail for exploring the Brague Departmental Nature Park.

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.

Notre-Dame du Brusc is a Catholic church where archaeological excavations have uncovered an early Christian cemetery and a baptismal font dating from the 6th century. In the 11th century, a large Romanesque church with a basilica layout was built. Partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it has undergone successive restorations to give it its current appearance. The church and the land to the south have been listed as Historic Monuments since 20 August 1986.

As the Crête des Grues route from Théoule is blocked by the closure of part of the Vallon de l'Autel trail, I suggest an alternative starting from Trayas station. You reach the Crête des Grues ridge via sometimes steep paths passing through the Col Notre-Dame, revealing beautiful views and very diverse trails, characteristic of the Estérel Massif. The return journey is via a long track, then along the same path taken on the way there.

A varied itinerary for this long hike in the Estérel massif, with its mix of colours and diverse landscapes: Col des Lentisques, Lac de l’Écureuil, Baisse de la Grosse Vache, Baisse Violette, Col des Trois Termes, Col de la Cadière, Col Notre-Dame, etc. Between Baisse Violette and Col des Termes at La Clavette, the paths are rarely used.

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!

Beautiful balcony-style paths through heather, maritime pines and cork oaks. Panoramic views of the sea, the Gulf of Napoule, Cannes and the Lérins Islands, the Alps, Mont Vinaigre, Les Suvières, the Pics de l’Ours and Cap Roux, and the entire Estérel Massif, as well as the Gulf of Fréjus.

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.