Les Adrets-de-l'Estérel walks

This is a short circuit which, at its highest point, offers a panoramic view from Cannes to Fréjus with a view of the sea.

This circular hike starting from the Col du Testanier will first take you to the edge of Lac de l'Avellan before an easy climb to the Col du Logis de Paris. Next, a challenging climb along little-used paths will take you to a ridge at the foot of Mont Vinaigre. The climb to the summit, the highest point in the Estérel, will reward your efforts with a magnificent 360° panorama from Mercantour to Saint-Tropez and from Vintimille to Sainte-Victoire!

This is an easy hike in winter when the weather is good, with superb panoramic views from Mont Aigre over Fréjus Bay, the Estérel, the sea and the snow-capped Mercantour.

Accessible from the Maison Forestière du Malpey (access via the road of the same name from the N7), this hike is located near Mont Vinaigre, the highest peak in the Esterel (614 m). It is a little-used route, mostly following unmarked paths. Its diversity of landscapes makes it interesting, with valleys and ridges surrounded by pine, eucalyptus and cork oak trees. Best enjoyed on a sunny winter's day rather than in the height of summer.

A lovely walk in the hills above Fréjus, with a stunning sea view in the first section. We then wind our way through the valleys and along the ridges, through magnificent forests of cork oaks and eucalyptus trees.

Lake Saint-Cassien covers a total of 420 hectares. This hike follows the GR®49 on the left bank of the lake. The return journey is via a PR® and then an unmarked path before rejoining the GR®49. A shaded route, close to magnificent hilltop villages, offering the opportunity to picnic by the water's edge.

Enjoyable hike on the GR®49. Overlook the lake with magnificent views and let yourself be carried away by the small paths that will lead you to the lake's edge. Les Esterets du Lac is an estate that was created in the commune of Montauroux. It was a hunting ground on which trade unionists from Thompson and other companies planned to build a housing and commercial development. To this end, they formed a cooperative in 1970, "Le Soleil des Adrets", and began construction. After various ups and downs, a developer took over the work in 1991. This neighbourhood developed rapidly and its population, attracted by the charm of the site and its proximity to the lake and the motorway, now exceeds 1,400 inhabitants.

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.

Set against a majestic backdrop, this hike retraces a painful historical event: the collapse of the Malpasset Dam, which caused a deadly flood to sweep through the town of Fréjus on the night of 2 December 1959. This spath-fluorite deposit was discovered in themid-19th century. Initially mined by hand to supply glassworks, it was later actively exploited for the steel and aluminium industries.

A beautiful, easy circular in the Esterel via wide tracks with a visit to the ruins of the Malpasset dam.

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.

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!

A pleasant hike in the Esterel to discover the Malpasset Dam and an ancient Roman bridge.

Classified as a Natura 2000 site, this ancient volcanic mountain range offers remarkable views. You will never tire of the contrasting landscapes, sparkling colours and wild scents of this immense forest. Much of the trail is rarely used, which is an added bonus.

A lovely walk through the Roussivau cork oak forest, followed by a steep climb up the flank of the Pic du Perthus Occidental to the Baisse Andoulette and Baisse des Charretiers plateaus. Beautiful panoramic views of the iconic peaks of the Estérel and the Gulf of Fréjus. Descent through a steep-sided valley.

A lovely walk in the Esterel, best done in spring to enjoy the flowers, avoiding the summer. There are a few easy climbing steps in the final ascent. Beautiful views of the massif, sometimes as far as the sea. Please note! The route may seem difficult for some (requires a good sense of direction and some easy climbing).

A walk to the top of this peak offers incredible views of the Estérel, the Alps and the Mediterranean.

This is a half-day hike, ideal for a first exploration of the Estérel.

The circuit is a loop, so it is of course possible to walk it in either direction, with the beautiful Lac de l'Avellan halfway along the route.

This is a well-known and popular circular route, best done when the mimosa is in bloom between January and March. The route is clearly marked with abundant, easy-to-read yellow signs, so it is impossible to get lost. The route alternates between shady valleys and ridges illuminated by mimosa trees. However, it should be avoided after heavy rain as there are several fords to cross. It is a relatively long hike but accessible to most walkers.

At this site of sad memory, this loop allows you to see the remains and ruins of this structure, which was destroyed in a matter of minutes on 2 December 1959.

A walk that starts with a return trip to the old Malpasset dam (a sad reminder of the past) and continues in a loop to the beautiful Lac de l'Avellan. Please note: The area around Lac de l'Avelan is completely off-limits for safety reasons (work in progress that may take quite some time).

A pleasant little circuit in the Mediterranean forest.

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.

Gentle climb to Pas d'Adam, then walk along the mountainside to the Malpey Forest House. Then descend via the Malavalettes trail and the superb Cabre valley. Pass the Col de l'Essuyadou to reach the Lacs des Péguières lakes in their setting of mimosas (only in January and February) and eucalyptus trees. Beautiful views of the Gulf of Fréjus, Mont Vinaigre and the Estérel massif.

This circuit lets you discover magnificent panoramic views over the Mediterranean (the Gulf of Saint- Tropez up to the Dramont semaphore) and Mediterranean forests, as well as the remains of the Malavettes forester's house, now abandoned.

Multiple panoramic views of the Barban valley, the main peaks of the Esterel and the Gulf of Fréjus. Beautiful mountain-side paths. It is possible to extend the route by climbing towards the Grand Porfait from the Carrefour de Roche Noire, then descending back onto the GR®49 via the Pas d’Adam.

A long and beautiful hike that allows you to discover the Estérel National Forest via Mont Vinaigre. Offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean.

Circular route via the Péguières ponds surrounded by mimosas and eucalyptus trees, the flank of Bonnet de Capelan, Col de l'Essuyadou, Carrefour de Roche Noire with views of Mont Vinaigre, Jausier, Col des Sacs and La Louve with its maritime pine forests and tree heath. Numerous viewpoints over the Gulf of Fréjus.

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

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.

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.

The route follows the Perthus trails through cork oak, eucalyptus, arbutus, myrtle and juniper trees and, in spring, beautiful asphodels. The return journey is via the Ravin du Mal Infernet, lined with spectacular columns of red rock. Two small lakes mark the route.

On the Lac de l'Écureuil side, there is a beautiful hike in the Estérel, with magnificent rocks and pretty streams: it's a feast for the eyes.

A beautiful way to discover the Massif de l'Estérel via often very steep trails.

Beautiful hike in the Esterel Massif where you can discover Sainte Baume and its chapel and the beautiful viewpoint on Cap Roux peak, and then reach Ours Peak going via Aurelle Peak.

Above Agay close to the beaches, the fabulous Massif de l'Esterel is the ideal terrain for a comfortable hike, but is always different.

Very beautiful hike close to Agay which enables you to discover the Estérel away from the usual routes.

A lovely family walk to discover waterfalls and small streams in winter and spring, amid the rocks and red earth of the Estérel. Avoid in summer.

Magnificent hike with views of Saint-Raphaël Bay, the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, Cannes Bay, the Lérins Islands, the Southern Alps and the entire Esterel. Exceptional 360° panorama.

Circular with superb views of many of the Estérel peaks, in particular Mont Vinaigre, Pic du Cap Roux and Perthus Occidental. Walk among maritime pines and eucalyptus trees.

Seeing the Estérel differently is the aim of this hike. This is the Estérel from the inside, the one with the ravines.

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 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.

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!

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.

A short trip to the end of Lake Saint-Cassien in the Fondurane area. A beautiful climb at the start and a superb view of the Estérel.

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.

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.

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.

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

In a range as attractive as the Esterel, it is difficult to choose which hike to take. The one that takes you around the southernmost peaks of the range is one of the most spectacular, while remaining within the reach of any hiker. And while the climb to the summit may put off the more cautious, the rest of the route offers a complete panorama via paths that require no great effort, just wide-open eyes.

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.

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.

Lake Saint-Cassien is held back by a dam on the Biançon river, designed to provide electricity. Take advantage of this hike to admire the magnificent views of the lake and the dam. The lake covers an area of 420 hectares. It is also fed by a diversion from the Siagne river. A fishing spot that attracts many enthusiasts of all nationalities, it is home to particularly large carp and catfish. It also serves as a training ground for rowing clubs and a water collection site for Canadair aircraft during forest fires. Lake Saint-Cassien is located in the municipalities of Montauroux, Tanneron, Callian and Les Adrets de l'Estérel. After this beautiful walk, don't hesitate to take advantage of the water sports activities offered by the lake.

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.

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.

This is a lovely hike that is a must in spring to enjoy all the varieties of Mediterranean plants in bloom. The trail is easy and suitable for children as it does not climb too steeply.

This is a magnificent hike through the red rocks of Estérel, looking over the blue of the Mediterranean with extraordinary viewing points.

A very beautiful hike amid the red rocks of the Esterel. The 360° view from Rastel d'Agay offers the Alps on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other.

A hike between two hilltop villages! Set off to explore Montauroux and Callian by taking the GR® de Pays trail in the Chapelle Saint-Donat valley. The hike starts in the village of Callian.