Mandelieu-la-Napoule walks

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 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Far from the glitz of the Croisette, this unusual climb to the historic architectural sites of the funicular railway and the Super-Cannes Observatory takes us back in time. With nature having reclaimed its rights, a change of scenery at the gates of Cannes is guaranteed.

An unusual semi-urban hike that begins by taking the maritime sector of La Croisette and the upmarket residential district of La Californie. Then walk along a wild section of the old funicular railway line that linked the lower part of Cannes to the Super Cannes Observatory. Finally, take the path of the old Siagne Canal to the green spaces with their remarkable views.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Notre-Dame du Brusc is a Catholic church where archaeological excavations have uncovered an early Christian cemetery and a baptismal font dating from the 6th century. In the 11th century, a large Romanesque church with a basilica layout was built. Partially destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it has undergone successive restorations to give it its current appearance. The church and the land to the south have been listed as Historic Monuments since 20 August 1986.

Circular horse riding trail for exploring the Brague Departmental Nature Park.

A very beautiful hike via the Aubert, Baladou, Perthus and Suvières passes, crossing the Estérel Massif from south to north and returning via the Vallon du Cabre de Gourin, the spectacular Ravin du Perthus and the Gratadis. Fine specimens of cork oak. Many magnificent asphodels on the Gratadis in spring.

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 circular route passing through four passes, two optional peaks, magnificent views of the coast, and a ravine straight out of a Western.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mountain bike route on wide tracks with no technical difficulties and superb views throughout the route.

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.

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).

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

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.).