The Esterel massif

Distance: 15kmTime: 1hDifficulty: Green - Family routeHow to get there by car: Take the coastalroad towards Agay. At the roundabout inAgay take the "Saint-Raphaël par l'inté-rieur" exit. Go under the railway bridgethen park at Place du Togo on the left.Itinerary: Go along avenue du Gratadisfor 1.5km then turn right towards the Es-térel Massif. After the Gratadis forestryhouse turn left (3.8km) towards the col deBelle Barbe. Go through the barrier andhead towards the col du Mistral, then pastthe Roussiveau forestry house and EstérelCaravaning campsite. Finally turn leftonto the cycle path which will lead youback to the start.

The Corniche d’OrDistance: 60kmTime: 2h30Difficulty: Blue - Warning, this itineraryrequires vigilance and caution (not re-commended for families)Itinerary: From Saint-Raphaël followthe Corniche d'Or coastal road untilThéoule.

At La Napoule roundabout turn left(uphill) then left again at the Peygrosroundabout. Go along the RN7 road to-wards Saint-Jean-de-Cannes until youreach the col du Testanier (Esterel sum-mit). All that's left to do is head back tothe start via Fréjus.

Cycle Routes

Office de Tourisme de Saint-Raphaël . Tél. 04 94 19 52 52 . www.saint-raphael.comMonday to Saturday 9am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 6.30pm. July and August: Monday to Saturday 9am to 7pm and Sunday 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 6.30pm

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The Esterel the great outdoors

> Suggested walks> Mountain bike trails> Cycle Routes

English

Côte-d’Azur . 2016

The Esterel massif

Nestled between the Medi-

terranean and Provence,

the Esterel is a volcanic

massif that stretches over

32,000 hectares of which 14,000

hectares are protected. The sur-

prising red colouring of the Este-

rel is due to rhyolite and red

porphyry volcanic rock, dating

from the Palaeozoic Era

A nature reserve in the heart

of the massif

The National Forestry Commission andUshuaïa have created an 800 hectare na-ture reserve with the aim of protectingand preserving the natural heritage of theEsterel and gaining a better understan-ding of, and managing, the dangers facingthe plants and wildlife.

Respecting the environment

In order to prevent forest fires, all types offire or flame in forested areas are prohi-bited all year round. The authorities mayrestrict access to the massif in very strongwinds. For information go towww.var.gouv.fr and click on politiquespubliques/environnement/ forêts.Vehicle access is prohibited between 9pmand 6am.

Sites Natura 2000

The Esterel with its rich biodiversity andremarkable geological heritage is part ofthe European network of Natura 2000sites. The aim is to preserve the most pre-cious natural habitats whilst maintainingthe economic benefits and leisure activi-ties of the region. The site measures atotal of 15,000 hectares (7,800 hectares ofland and 7,200 hectares of marine

environment). As part of this project thelocal authorities of the Var Estérel Médi-terranée region (CAVEM), working in tadem with localorganisations, are resposible for the managementand conservation of thesite. Find out about all theNatura 2000 Estérel projects at: http://esterel.n2000.fr/

Nature trail

This footpath, accessiblefor people with reducedmobility, is 2600 metreslong and runs between theAnthéor plateau and Saint-Barthélémy’s rock. Alongthe nature trail you willdiscover a selection of thetypical plants of the Este-rel, recognizableby their fragrance and tex-ture. The nature trail is re-created every year fromApril to June (floweringseason) and is made frommobile material in orderto protect the landscape.

Access to the Estérel Massif N

Rastel d'Agay 2 hrs approx - 7km (round-trip)

Departure point: place du Togo in AgayHow to get there:

. By car: free parking at place du Togo

. By bus: number 8. "relais d'Agay" stop

. By train: TER 03. “Agay" stop

Itinerary: Go along the avenue du Grata-dis for 50m and take the steps on the rightthat lead to the "Domaine du Rastel".Keep going uphill along the boulevard duRastel (several bends). On your left you'llsee a forest path called "le drapeau".Keep it on your left and continue 200malong the boulevard. After a large hairpinbend you'll see the second path also called"le Drapeau". Go through the green bar-rier onto the path and keep going uphilluntil the summit. A viewpoint indicator explains the superbpanorama over the Bay of Agay. To return,retrace your steps..

Rocher Saint-Barthélémy1 hour approx

3.2 km (return trip)Departure point: Rocher car parkShelf of AnthéorAccès en voiture : How to get there by

car: Take the coastal road towards Agayand when you arrive at the roundabout inAgay take the exit marked “Saint-Raphaëlpar l’intérieur”. Go under the small rail-way bridge and past the shops

(bakery, boat and car repairs) then turnright onto a small road signposted “Massifde l’Estérel”. After the Gratadis forester’shouse turn right in the direction of “Pic del’Ours”. At the next crossroads turn righttowards “Rocher Saint-Barthélemy, Plateau d’Anthéor”, then continue untilyou get to the barrier. Park your vehicle(remember to leave the access road clear

for fire engines).Itinerary: Go through the barrier and fol-low the road for 1.5km (approx 30 mins).The road is flat and closed to traffic. Itoverlooks the Corniche and offers excel-lent views over the sea. To return, simplyretrace your steps. You can continue thewalk after the rock (2km round-trip).

TABLE D’ORIENTATION

TABLE D’ORIENTATION

RASTEL D’AGAYRASTEL D’AGAY

PLACE DU TOGOPLACE DU TOGODépart - Arrivée

P

A A AB BL LE DD’OOORRIENTAATTIOONAATIONNTTATA

TTTABLE TABLE

RARAASTSTTE D D’A AG AGAYY GA A AY AYL

ABLE NDD’OORRIENTT TTTIOIONAATIONTTA N

P PL LAC AC E - Départ

P E D U OOOGGO T TArrivée -

Path

Tarmac road

Tarmac road

Access road

Other walks can be done with

pushchairs, scooters or tricycles.

Ask our guides for the itineraries.

Suggested walks

P

PLATEAU D’ANTHÉORPLATEAU D’ANTHÉORAGAY

LE PILONLE PILON

Départ / Arrivée

PIC DUCAP ROUX

PIC DUCAP ROUX

ROCHERST-BARTHÉLÉMY

ROCHERST-BARTHÉLÉMY

P IC C D UCAA RO RO U XAP

L LE P PI L LO ON

CACA RO RO UX UXAP

RORST BAASTT ÉÉÉ ÉÉ É

OOCCHEERAARTRTTHHÉÉLLÉÉMYMY

E

AYGA

P

PPL T T TEA EA AU D D’A A ANT NT TH HÉ ÉO ORLAADépart / ArrivéeDépart

STT--BBAT AARTTTHHÉÉLLÉÉMYY

Pic de l’Ours1h30 circular walk - 2.3km

Départ : Col Notre-Dame

Departure point: Col Notre-Dame

How to get there by car: Take the coastalroad towards Agay and when you arriveat the roundabout in Agay take the exitmarked “Saint-Raphaël par l’intérieur”. Gounder the small railway bridge and pastthe shops (bakery, boat and car repairs…) then turn right onto a small road si-gnposted “Massif de l’Estérel”. Next followthe signs for "Pic de l'Ours" (8km).Itinerary: Several paths start at the colNotre Dame: take the path signposted bya wooden sign "Dent de l'Ours-Pic del'Ours".

The path heads slightly uphill. By turningright at the crossroads you'll arrive at thefoot of the Dent de l'Ours. At the rock,enjoy the unobstructed view of the Bay ofCannes with its famous îlesde Lérins, the Bay of Fréjus and in the dis-tance the Maures massif. Continue by ta-king the path on the left which headsuphill towards the Pic de l'Ours summit

At a height of 492m it offers a stunningpanorama of the Esterel. The diverse eco-systems of the Massif can be seen: jaggedsummits, red rock cliffs, vegetation, ra-vines... The flora is just as diverse: corkoak (dominant species), maritime pine,heather, strawberry trees. This environ-ment is typical of the Mediterranean.

Go past the transmitting antenna andcontinue about 50m on the road then takethe path on the left which heads downhill(beware - steep path).

You can also head back on the tarmac road(20 mins longer but easier).

Suggested walks

COL NOTRE DAMECOL NOTRE DAMEDENT DE L’OURSDENT DE L’OURS

PIC DE L’OURSPIC DE L’OURS

Départ / ArrivéeP

AGAY

D DE ENT NT D DE ’’OOURRS L L CCOOL N NOT OT TR RE / ArrivéeDépart

P

E DA A AM E/ Arrivée

D DE ENT T D DE OOURRS L

P PI IC D DE ’’OOURRS L L

CCO N NOT T TR RE OL E D DA AM E

AYGA

Path signposted in yellow

Path signposted in blue

Tarmac pedestrian route

Tarmac road

Tour de Cap Roux2 hrs - 4.3km round-trip

Départ : parking de la Sainte-Baume

How to get there by car: Take the coastalroad towards Agay and when you arriveat the roundabout in Agay take the exitmarked “Saint-Raphaël par l’intérieur”. Gounder the small railway bridge and pastthe shops (bakery, boat and car repairs)then turn right onto a small road signpos-ted “Massif de l’Estérel”. Follow signs for“Col Notre-Dame” and park in the Sainte-Baume car park.

Itinerary: Go up the steps leading to thechapel in the rocks. Follow the path untilyou come to the fountain (drinkingwater). Take the path on the right andcontinue for 50m then take the path onthe left that leads uphill.

Follow the path for about 1.5km and atthe crossroads take a sharp left and headuphill towards the red rocks of Saint Piloncol. From here you have an exceptionalview of the rugged coastline. The path fol-lows the coastline and comes to anothercrossroads.

On the left there is a path (dead end) thattakes you 100 metres to the summit ofCap Roux and the viewpoint indicator(453m altitude with views from Cannes toCap Camarat). Come back down the samepath and turn left to continue your walk.

You will head slightly downhill and awayfrom the coastal side of Cap Roux towardsthe massif (don’t take the paths leading offto the right). You will arrive back at thefountain.

Alternative route: Just before comingback to the fountain there is a path on theleft heading up the hill that leads to theSainte-Baume Grotto where the Saint-Ho-norat hermit used to live (round-trip 45mins).

SAINTE-BAUMESAINTE-BAUME

COL DU SAINT-PILONCOL DU SAINT-PILON

COL DE CAP ROUXCOL DE CAP ROUX

GROTTE DE LASAINTE-BAUMEGROTTE DE LA SAINTE-BAUME

PIC DU CAP ROUXPIC DU CAP ROUX

FONTAINEFONTAINE

Départ / Arrivée

P

PIC DE L’OURS

AGAY

PIC DE L

OURS’ L L’

AYGA

SASAAIINTNTTEE--BABAAUUME

FFOONTNT

/ ArrivéeDépart

P

CCO D DE OL

G R ROT OT TT TE D DE L LASASAAIINTNTTEE--BABAAUUMME

AAAIINNETTTAINETAINE

E CA CA R RO OUX UX AP

P PI IC D DU CA CA R RO OUX UX AP

CCO D DU SA SA AI IN NOL

T--PPILLOON T T

Path signposted in yellowPath signposted in blue

Grotto path (not signposted)Tarmac road

Suggested walks

L’étang d’Aubert

1hr 30mins - 3.8kmDeparture point: Col de Belle Barbe carpark In the heart of the Esterel

How to get there by car: Take the coastalroad towards Agay and when you arriveat the roundabout in Agay take the exitmarked “Saint-Raphaël par l’intérieur”. Gounder the small railway bridge and pastthe shops (bakery, boat and car repairs…) then turn right onto a small road si-gnposted “Massif de l’Estérel”. Followsigns for “Col de Belle Barbe”.

Itinerary: From the Col de Belle Barbetake the path signposted in blue. After50m turn right (leaving the path to getback on your left). At first the path over-looks the Malinfernet stream then conti-nues through a pine forest before arrivingat a crossroads. The path to go back is onthe left but for the moment keep goingstraight on. Follow the path to discoverthe magnificent view of the rugged rocksof the Perthus. You arrive next at the Cold'Aubert where several paths cometogether. Take the path on the left whichleads downhill. After 500m you will arriveat the "Étang d'Aubert", a small area ofwater ideal for a picnic stop. This area isfilled by the rain water which flows downfrom the Baladou. In summer the water li-lies are in flower.

Retrace your steps and walk back up tothe Col d'Aubert. From here take the pathon the right (the same one that you cameon) until the crossroads. The path takesyou downhill through the trees to the Colde Belle Barbe.

PDépart / Arrivée

COL DEBELLE BARBE

COL DEBELLE BARBE

COL AUBERTCOL AUBERT

ÉTANG AUBERTÉTANG AUBERT

PIC DUBALADOU

PIC DUBALADOU

PONT DUGRATADISPONT DU

GRATADIS

AGAY

CCO A AUBERT BL B E RT RT

ÉTA A AN NG A AU B BERTÉTTTANG AUBERTTANG AUBERT E RT RT

P PI IC D DUBABAALLAADDOU

P PO GRARA

P/ ArrivéeDépart

NT NT D DUTAAADDISTTTADISTADISAATT

Départ

CCO D DEB BE L LL LE BA BA AR RB BE

OL

AYGAPath signposted in blue

Path not signpostedTarmac road

Balcons d’azurLength: 32km - 2 to 3 hoursIncline: 580mDifficulty: Medium

How to get there by car: From Saint-Ra-phaël head towards the Golfs de Valescurethen turn left at the roundabout after theSan Pedro hotel. Go straight on for about1km. Go past the first car park on the right(located at a left turn) then after 100myou will arrive at the Colle Douce car park. Mountain bike departure point: Takethe large path towards Mont Vinaigrethen at the Roche Noire crossroads turnleft in the direction of the Cantine du Por-fait. Next you'll come to a tarmacked partof the trail to reach the Malpey forester'shouse. Take the trail on the right in the di-rection of the Col de l'Olivier (stone mar-ker) then go along the main trail until youreach the Duchesse forester's house.

Continue uphill (straight on) to the BaisseViolette then the Col des Suvières. A theCol du Mistral, turn right towards theBaisse de la Grosse Vache. This tarmackedtrail will lead you to the Roussivau

forester's house. At the barrrier take theCastelli trail on the right which will leadyou right back to your departure point.

Mountain bike trails

MalinfernetLength: 11.7kmIncline: 250m

Difficulty: Medium

This trail alternates between narrow, rocky trails and tarmacked paths.How to get there by car from Agay: At the roundabout takethe exit towards Saint-Raphaël (inland route), go under thesmall railway bridge and past the shops (bakery, boat and carrepairs…) then turn right onto a small road signposted “Massifde l’Estérel”. Follow signs for “Col de Belle Barbe”.Mountain bike departure point: Col de Belle-Barbe car park.Turn right in the direction of the Lac de l'Ecureuil and go alongthe Grenouillet river. When you arrive at the ford continue on theleft along the "canyon du Malinfernet". At the fork take the lefthand trail by cycling through the ford. When you get to the lake"Lac de l'Ecureuil" (dry lake), go along the left hand trail andcontinue for about 2km until you get to the Baisse de la GrosseVache crossroads. Take the left-hand trail for 3km until you reachthe Col du Mistral. At this point take the trail on the left whichleads to the Col de Belle-Barbe.

P

MontVinaigre

MontVinaigre

BaisseVioletteBaisseViolette

Col desSuvièresCol des

Suvières

Col duBaladouCol du

Baladou

Col de l’Aire de l’Olivier

Col de l’Airede l’Olivier

Golf deValescure

Golf deValescure

Maison forestièredu Malpey

Maison forestièredu Malpey

Départ Arrivée

0Echelle 1/58930

1200m

Maison forestièredu Roussiveau

Maison forestièredu Roussiveau

BaisseBBaisissse

Co d

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M Ma ai is so on f fo or re es st tiè iè èr red u M Ma al lp pey ey

MontVinnaiigrreV

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o l d de l l’A A i ir re e l ’O O l iv iv ie ie r

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C Co l des des esSuuviièresrreses

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ArrivéeDépart

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M a ai is so on forestièred u R Ro u

C Co ol d uBBaalladouaddouou

m0120Echelle 1/58930

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COL DEBELLE BARBE

COL DEBELLE BARBE

LE MALINFERNET

LE MALINFERNET

L’ECUREUIL

L’ECUREUIL

COL DUBALADOU

COL DUBALADOU

BAISSE DELA PETITE

VACHE

BAISSE DELA PETITE

VACHE

Départ / Arrivée

0 500mEchelle 1/28500

DODOOOCCO D DU

BABALLADDOOUOL

BA BA I IS SS E D DEL P PET ET TIT IT E

AACCCHEVVVACHEVACHELA

L LE MAALLINFEERRNETET

’ECECURREEUILLL

CCO D DEB BE L LL LE BA BA R RB BE

LDépart

MMALLINFEERRNETT

/ ArrivéeDépart

Echelle 1/28500500m0

500m