Mandelieu-la-Napoule walks

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!

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.

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.

A magnificent view of the Esterel mountains, then the bay of Théoule, Mandelieu and Cannes.

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.

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

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 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.

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!

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 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

A lovely family walk in the forest to discover old sites and visit a teaching farm (cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, ponies, horses, etc.).