Pointe de l'Aiguille - Esquillon route

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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.

Details

n°38066277
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 8.03 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 253 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 254 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 217 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 0 m
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Description of the walk

Park at the Pointe de l'Aiguille car park on the RD 6098.

(S/E) From the car park, take the path that runs along the coast towards the centre of Théoule-sur-Mer.

(1) At the Tourist Office, walk up Boulevard de la Corniche d'Or on the left until you reach the hairpin bend.

(2) Leave the boulevard and take the Vallon de l'Autel trail, which winds its way through the woods. You will arrive at the Col de Théoule.

(3) Enjoy the panoramic view of the Bay of Cannes, then take the Saoumes trail on your left to reach the Notre-Dame d'Afrique Memorial, which stands in the middle of the countryside.

(4) Shortly afterwards, continue north on the track. At the next fork, keep to the right on the track and you will arrive at some water tanks at the highest point (altitude 210 m).

(5) Leave the track and turn right, walking alongside the reservoirs. Continue straight ahead, cross a track and then descend through the forest until you reach Rue Abel Ballif.

(6) Take this road to the left, then turn right at the two forks to reach the RD6098 (Boulevard de la Corniche d'Or).

(7) Head right to reach the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 74 m - RD6098. Car park - Pointe de l'Aiguille
  2. 1 : km 1.45 - alt. 3 m - Théoule-sur-Mer Tourist Office
  3. 2 : km 1.94 - alt. 22 m - Turn-off towards the Vallon de l'Autel
  4. 3 : km 3.86 - alt. 125 m - Col de Théoule (122m)
  5. 4 : km 5.57 - alt. 160 m - Mémorial Notre-Dame-d'Afrique
  6. 5 : km 6.65 - alt. 205 m - Fork
  7. 6 : km 7.39 - alt. 96 m - Rue Abel Ballif
  8. 7 : km 7.82 - alt. 65 m - RD6098 (Boulevard de la Corniche d'Or)
  9. S/E : km 8.03 - alt. 73 m - RD6098. Car park - Pointe de l'Aiguille

Worth a visit

(1) Admire the sculptures on the André Pradayrol promenade.
(3) Superb view from the Col de Théoule over the Bay of Cannes.
(4) Notre-Dame d'Afrique Memorial.

Reviews and comments

4.2 / 5
Based on 10 reviews
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.2 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
User 18981897

This hike is not possible until the numerous construction works between the starting point and marker 2 (Vallon de l'Autel roundabout) located 2 km away are completed. After turning back, we chose the Tour de la Napoule route on the Port de la Rague side.

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User 27838929

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike cut short due to roadworks after 2 km. Roadworks for an indefinite period, please be aware

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Guy Thefall
Guy Thefall

Thank you for your comments. I am glad you enjoyed the route, which offers beautiful views of the Estérel and the coast.

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Coromane
Coromane

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 23, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very beautiful route,
It took me 4 hours instead of 3 because I got lost at the start when going down the steps to the beach. I followed a family who knew the way and had already done it!
Always follow your intuition, friends!
I had a wonderful time despite everything!

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Firas k
Firas k

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

very beautiful hike

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Olivier1350
Olivier1350

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

An easy route for beginners, with lovely views of the Estelle and the sea.

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Guy Thefall
Guy Thefall

Thank you for enjoying this hike. The Estérel is a magnificent and diverse place. Even in the middle of winter!

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Daniel MONB
Daniel MONB

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

We went on this hike on New Year's Day. The sun was shining and the sea view was beautiful.
You will enjoy splendid scenery overlooking the coves of Théoule-sur-Mer.
We had a great day.

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Guy Thefall
Guy Thefall

Thank you for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed this walk (beautiful scenery and memorial).

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NELLY J
NELLY J

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A pleasant hike with superb, varied panoramic views of the coastline and beyond. The memorial is an impressive site overlooking the sea. The winding descent can be slippery on the rocks, so sturdy footwear is essential.

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Guy Thefall
Guy Thefall

Thank you for your appreciation.

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Magali N
Magali N

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely little walk with a 360° view at the highest point, perfect for a day when you don't have much time for hiking. Easy parking.

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Guy Thefall
Guy Thefall

Thank you for your comments. As other hikers have rightly pointed out, it is easy for most of the way, but presents difficulties at the end. Its appeal lies in the beauty and variety of the landscapes, whatever the season.

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Clo13
Clo13

An easy route allowing you to enjoy the mimosa blossoms and landscapes combining the reds of the Estérel, the blue of the sea, and the greens and yellows, with temperatures warm enough to wear a T-shirt in February.

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plainemontagne0750
plainemontagne0750

Overall rating : 3.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Important note: Shortly before the finish, there is a rather tricky 500-metre descent through the woods just after the cisterns. I emphasise this because it rather spoils the enjoyment of the rest of the ride.

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