Grand Duc route in Mandelieu

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.

Details

45645721
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.36 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 206 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 202 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 400 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 251 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Coming from Mandelieu, heading towards Tanneron on the D92, the small car park is on the right, along the road.

(S/E) Cross the road, then continue along the Barbossi Trail, also known as the Grand Duc Trail. Follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®51to reach the picnic area.

(1) Leave theGR®51trail and turn right onto the yellow-marked Route du Grand Duc trail. There are a few steps to climb, then continue along the Sentier Découverte trail. Begin a short descent to cross the Grand Duc DFCI trail.

(2) Cross this Grand Duc trail and continue on the footpath; there is a double wooden barrier. Descend to cross another trail.

(3) Follow this track downhill again to reach the Piste des Fenouillers crossroads.

(4) Turn left onto this track and walk downhill until you reach the junction with the Barbossi du Grand Duc firebreak track.

(5) Turn left onto this track and head uphill to reach a small plateau where there are beehives. Be careful of the bees here.

(6) Take the hairpin bend to the left, still on the route and the Barbossi track, and you will soon reach a crossroads.

(7) Leave the track and continue along the footpath on the left, continuing through the forest until you reach the plateau with the picnic area.

(1) Retrace your steps to return to the car park at marker 470 (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 285 m - Car park marker 470 on the D92
  2. 1 : km 1.23 - alt. 349 m - Picnic area marker 475
  3. 2 : km 1.82 - alt. 399 m - DFCI du Grand Duc
  4. 3 : km 2.43 - alt. 337 m - Fenouillers trail
  5. 4 : km 2.74 - alt. 315 m - Marker 472
  6. 5 : km 3.48 - alt. 255 m - Marker 473
  7. 6 : km 4.14 - alt. 297 m - Marker 474
  8. 7 : km 4.46 - alt. 318 m - Walking trail
  9. S/E : km 6.36 - alt. 285 m - Car park marker 470 on the D92

Notes

Hike taken in mid-February, the mimosas were in full bloom. Route not suitable for pushchairs.
(1) Developed area, marker 475: Picnic tables.
(3) Here, you can turn left and climb up to the plateau (1) to shorten the hike.
(7) Watch out for beehives at marker 474.

Worth a visit

From (S/E) to (1) The trail climbs a little but is not particularly difficult. When the mimosas are in bloom, the hillside is a beautiful yellow and gives off a pleasant scent. As you climb, there are magnificent views of the Bay of Cannes, the Gulf of La Napoule and the Lérins Islands.
Between (4) and (5) There are few mimosas on this side of the walk, which is mainly lined with beautiful cork oaks.
Between (7) and (3) Views of the Bay of Cannes, the Lérins Islands, the Gulf of La Napoule and Mont Vinaigre.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 14 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
User 22382735

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A short hike for the whole family.
It takes about two hours and offers some beautiful views.
It is suitable for children as there are no difficulties.

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tcheuma
tcheuma

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A gentle stroll with an easy elevation gain. Lots of tracks, but with some sections on narrow paths. Beautiful views of the coast on the first part. Lots of mimosas, but sadly they are past their best at this time of year. It must be magnificent in February.

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cecylia33
cecylia33

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Delighted to have done this Grand Duc route. Did it with my family, including children aged 6. Perfect.

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Christie83
Christie83

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

The mimosas are only on the very first part of the route.
The view over the bay of Cannes is sublime

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JPM2539
JPM2539

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 12, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We really enjoyed this walk, as we do almost all of Visorando's walks. It's very easy to follow with a GPS

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Daniel Fornili
Daniel Fornili

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Several hundred people on this trail! No surprise, as the weather was fine and the mimosa was bursting with colour and fragrance! Nothing but happiness to share.

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Philippe
Philippe

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant, very pretty route,
But the population density is too high.
When you're used to hiking and find yourself in the middle of a human motorway,
It makes you want to rethink your plans and seek out other, much more peaceful hikes where you can listen to the silence.
Otherwise, I repeat, the route is very good, no major difficulties, families with children will enjoy it, picnic, relatively easy access
Great views, something for everyone
People are delighted to walk among the mimosas and leave with their own bouquet.

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V-P
V-P
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Easy hike with beautiful views and... mimosas..

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Philippe
Philippe

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant, very pretty route,
But the population density is too high.
When you're used to hiking and find yourself in the middle of a human motorway,
It makes you want to rethink your plans and seek out other, much more peaceful hikes where you can listen to the silence.
Otherwise, I repeat, the route is very good, no major difficulties, families with children will enjoy it, picnic, relatively easy access
Great views, something for everyone
People are delighted to walk among the mimosas and leave with their own bouquet.

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ninimouans
ninimouans
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 04, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant walk with mimosas and beautiful views.

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py kennel
py kennel

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Lots of people because the mimosas were in bloom! A lovely walk to do with the family!

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Man06
Man06
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 02, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Nice hike, very well marked. Beautiful views

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PatrickAndre
PatrickAndre

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk overlooking the bay of Cannes.

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cosmios06b
cosmios06b

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

When the mimosas are in bloom, this trail is so popular that it is very difficult to find a parking space. The car park is full by early morning, so you have to park along the road, which is dangerous.
As for the hike itself, avoid doing it when the mistral wind is blowing, as it greatly spoils the enjoyment.
Unlike all the other walking trails in Mandelieu, there are no toilets anywhere... so inevitably there is litter on the ground.

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