Legend has it that a fairy named Esterelle, from the Provençal estelà meaning “star” resides in the middle of the purple rocks of the Estérel massif. In the past, women came to her to ensure they became mothers. This fairy with miraculous power left its mark on people's minds to the point of having given her name to this volcanic massif. Spread over 30 hectares, it keeps traces of numerous civilizations in the Mediterranean basin, from the first prehistoric men to the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Estérel became the refuge of hermits including Saint Honorat. The cave that sheltered him will be named Saint-Honorat.
The Estérel Massif > 100% Nature
A real open-air playground for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. mountain bike or e-bike, a multitude of tracks and trails offer routes that can vary endlessly among the plants of the maquis.
Hiking in the Estérel
Hiking in the Estérel is a real eye-catcher! Hikers enjoy the view of the sparkling blue waters of the sea which contrast with the red of the rock.
The marked trails are traced over 32 hectares, 000 of which are classified and protected. The highest point is Mont Vinaigre which reaches 13 m. You will have the pleasure of enjoying a good picnic in the middle of nature and to finish your sporty outing with a swim in one of the coves or beaches along the coast.
Practical ! Discover “The 15 most beautiful hikes starting from Mandelieu” > brochure on sale at the Mandelieu Tourist Office (5 euros).
A bit of history
The Estérel Massif was torn from the African continent during the formation of the Mediterranean 250 million years ago.
Its color and rugged relief are due to volcanic activity. The coves plunging into the Mediterranean bear witness to this eventful geological history which offer astonishing landscapes: scarlet rock screes, belvederes on Corniche d'Or, fragrant massifs, mysterious caves, panoramas where the sea meets the sky.
Corniche d'Or
Mythical ! The Corniche d'Or is a site of incomparable beauty which remains among the must-sees of the Côte d'Azur.
During your stay in Mandelieu, do not hesitate to take this tourist route to witness it. The Corniche d'Or follows the route of the railway path and thus crosses various seaside resorts such as Trayas, Agay, Dramont... It is distinguished by its perfect symbiosis with the coastline. Given the rugged terrain of the Alpes-Maritimes, the Corniche d'Or road does not always run along the sea at its 0 level. It sometimes moves away from it, positioned on cornices at various altitudes.
A bit of history
The Corniche d'Or runs along the seaside and the Estérel massif.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century on the initiative of the Touring Club de France, it constitutes one of the most spectacular roads in France. Walking through it provides a sense of wonder at every moment. Exceptional panoramas between the volcanic red rocks of the massif and the azure blue of the Mediterranean.
