Mougins walks

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 is a very pleasant hike that alternates between pine and oak forests. There is a picnic area at the starting point. This hike can also be done by mountain bike.

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

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.

A lovely loop that follows a forest path along the Brague river, passes through the old village of Biot, and returns through the forest to the Templiers neighbourhood.

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.

This is a walk of about 5km that forms a loop in the forests of Roquefort-les Pins. The route sometimes follows DFCI tracks, wide paths or narrow trails. Some notable points of interest include a pretty stone house in the middle of nowhere and a well in the middle of the forest, evidence of past agricultural activity. The entrance to a cave has been found, but the one known as the Chèvre d'Or (Golden Goat) is still being sought.

Île Saint-Marguerite is a lovely destination for a day trip. In Cannes, head to the port from Boulevard Jean Hibert (paid parking). There are regular shuttles every thirty minutes and the crossing takes ten to fifteen minutes.

Circular route from the Bar-sur-Loup karting track. Gentle climb then hike through oak trees with several views of the Pic des Courmettes, Opio, Châteauneuf-Grasse, then magnificent panorama of the coast, the bay of Cannes and Grasse. Fairly steep descent above Grasse and return along the contour line.

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.

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!

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.

Far from the crowded beaches, the coast and its hustle and bustle, you can hike in a little corner of paradise for the curious or the initiated. River, waterfalls, swimming or fishing... The landscapes and activities here are as varied as they are enjoyable. Loop at La Colle-sur-Loup, where you can also swim, go rock climbing and hire kayaks.