Discover the Massif de l’Esterel in south of France

Whether it is a vacation on the beach or entertaining activities in the mountains themselves, a lot is possible here in the south of France between Saint-Raphael, Cannes, and Monaco. Today, your locals tour guides are taking you to the iconic “Massif de l’Esterel” for the best private tours and some of the highest peaks in the red colour mountain range near Mandelieu la Napoule, with the best hiking and mountain biking trails on though the Blavet Gorges and on the French Riviera and the Mediterranean coast.

History of massif de l’Esterel

The Esterel region is located in the south-east of France. The highest point of the Esterel Massif, Mont Vinaigre, is only 615 meters high, but you can also climb the Cap Roux and the Pic de l’Ours (famous for mountain bikers).

It isn’t easy to really imagine L’Esterel in the south of France as a mountain range rather than a mountainous landscape. The Massif stretches over ​​325 square kilometers between Cannes and Saint Raphaël, of which a considerable part (125 square kilometers) is under nature protection.

The Esterel massif is of volcanic origin. 250 million years ago, there was a period of great volcanic activity in the Paleolithic, which lasted over 30 million years and eventually gave rise to this landscape. At that time, Corsica’s west and the Esterel massif still formed a unit so that one can find similar landforms in both places.

However, since then, erosion has changed the Esterel massif to such an extent that the volcanic structure is no longer recognizable. The rock in the Esterel Mountains consists of rhyolite (red color), partially crossed by Esterellite. This type of rock only occurs here in southern France and is similar to quartz.

Where is located Massif de l’Esterel :

With their fascinating red rock formations and natural sites, the Esterel Mountains are made of volcanic rock and porphyry. It extends along the French Mediterranean coast between Saint-Raphaël in the Var department and Cannes, the Alpes-Maritimes department. It offers a beautiful contrast to the otherwise relatively built-up Côte d’Azur.

How to get to massif de l’Esterel ?

Would you like to drive in a red, ocher-colored landscape on a road built into the rock by the Esterel Mountains, relaxing along the most beautiful beaches and bathing bays on the Mediterranean?

Then, the Esterel Massif is waiting for you.

• Car

If you would like to experience the Esterel Mountains’ unique beauty for yourself, it is best to travel by plane to Cannes or Nice and then by car via the A8, which runs along the edge of the mountains, to Les-Adrets-de-l’Esterel.

• Bike

Varied round-trips on coastal roads and sporty climbs: the red Massif de l’Esterel forms a unique backdrop for your bike journey through the mountains.

The best bike ride will take you for a 92 kms trip from Saint-Raphaël to Le Dramont, Théoule-sur-Mer, Cap de l’Esterel, and Fréjus to come back to Saint-Raphaël.

• Train

If you want, you can also take the train to Frejus. After that, however, the only way to continue into the mountains is by taxi or with a rental car.

What to do Massif de l’Estrel :

Leisure activities in the Massif: The Massif de l’Esterel is a natural attraction. Its characteristic red rocks and steep reliefs give the landscape an extraordinary charm. Even for those who have seen the mountains in Switzerland and the Savoy, the Massif de l’Esterel is a beautiful mountain range.

The visit is a worthwhile alternative to a day at the beach. The Esterel massif offers diverse hiker vegetation, colorful and full of aromatic scents.

The region offers many leisure activities for nature lovers and active people and a change from a relaxed beach holiday on the Côte d’Azur: hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, and climbing. In recent years, notable routes for mountain bikes have been created. Overall, the region offers numerous trails for mountain bikers and hikers.

• Massif de l’Esterel hiking 

Despite its spectacular landscape, the hiking area in the Esterel is quite clear. The paths are perfectly signposted, and the area is relatively small. You won’t find any great adventures here, but the site is perfect for a day trip.

The most comfortable and most beautiful route leads over the Cap du Dramont near Agay with a postcard view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Île d’Or.

Some more demanding tours are in the hinterland, including an ascent to Mont Vinaigre, the highest mountain in the Massif, or the Sainte-Baume cave.

• Massif de l’Esterel snorkeling

Deep ravines split the mountains. They continue into the sea. And there they form Calanques, small bays like fjords. And even in the sea, the furrowed rock rises again and again as a mini island.

Head to one of the magical bays such as the ” Calanque des Anglais ” or “Calanque de Barthelemy”. These are some of the most beautiful beaches for snorkeling in the Esterel Massif.

• Massif de l’Esterel boat tours

You can also explore the Esterel Massif coast on a boat tour departing from various French Riviera cities.

You can swim and snorkel from the boat while admiring Cote d’Azur’s natural beauty from the water.

This tour offers a chance to escape the city’s heat and crowds for a relaxing Mediterranean experience.

• Massif de l’Esterel climbing

The Esterel Mountains also offer some beautiful pitches for climbers. The Gorges du Blavet, 10 kilometers north of Frejus, should be mentioned here in particular.

There, climbers will find several routes where they can pursue their passion. The coast of the Calanques offers a total of over 3,000 climbing routes. Some of them are artificial sport climbing tours.

• Other things to do in the Esterel Massif

Or drive along the Corniche d’Or coastal road. It is one of the absolute dream roads on the Côte d’Azur and is worth the drive for the Esterel Massif and the Mediterranean Sea view.

There are some beautiful vantage points where you can let your gaze wander over paradise until you finally reach Mandelieu-la-Napoule after about 25 kilometers. The bays along the road to Mandelieu-la-Napoule invite you to cool off and relax.

Private tours from Côte d’Azur to Massif de l’Esterel

It is probably the most beautiful coastal mountains of the Côte d’Azur. It is hidden between Saint-Raphaël and Cannes: L’Estérel Massif.

The red porphyry rocks push themselves into the Mediterranean, rugged and heavily washed out. Stunning excursions and private tours to organize during your south of France holidays.

Let’s look at some  private tours options:

Full-day custom tour rates:

• 10h00 tours
• 2 to 3 Cities Custom tour for 1 or 6 persons 690 €
• 2 to 3 Cities Custom tour for 7 to 15 persons 1090€

Options and add-ons

• For each additional adult 39€
• For each additional child 19€
• Possibility of snorkeling options

Details & information info@rivierabarcrawltours.com