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From Saint Raphaël, take the golf course road towards Agay. At the start of the Agay industrial estate, turn left towards the Esterel Massif. This is the Gratadis road towards Pic de l'Ours, which crosses the Esterel national forest. We pass in front of the Gratadis forest house. When you reach the ford before the small lake, there is a fork in the road. Turn right towards Pic de l'Ours, leaving Col de Sainte-Barbe on your left. Pass the place known as "La Sainte Baume" and continue along this road, which is a dead end. It is a pretty road with beautiful views of the Mediterranean coastline. At the next intersection, turn right towards Pic de l'Ours.
You will arrive at Col Notre Dame, where you can park.
(S/E) Take the tarmac track opposite Pic de l'Ours (Pic de l'Ours is behind you).
The track is marked with a yellow cross, and a barrier prohibits access to all motorised vehicles.
(1) At Col de la Cardière, continue along this track towards Col des 3 Termes.
(2) When you reach Col des 3 Termes (a crossroads of several tracks), you will arrive at a picnic area.
Opposite the first bench on the left is a narrow, descending and very stony path leading to Lac de l'Écureuil (with a ban on cyclists). This track is mapped as "Ravin des 3 Termes"
About 7.3 km after setting off, we arrive at Lac de l'Écureuil. At this intersection, continue straight on towards the lake.
(3) At this point, it is difficult to continue on theGR®51(it has been washed away by floods), but as the lake has been dry for several years, you can simply veer slightly to the right and cross the lake bed to reach the other side and theGR®51.
This is a pleasant spot for a picnic.
To continue the hike, after the small stone wall, head to the left.
(4) You will now find yourself at a new intersection with a cairn. Take theGR®51on the right.
This is an uphill track that takes us back to Col Notre-Dame (S/E).
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