Around the vineyards: the most beautiful spots in the Estérel region
An enchanting destination, the Estérel region offers the chance to contemplate breathtaking natural sites… With its reddish-hued volcanic rocks, the region is undeniably striking. Explore it on foot and by car to admire its vibrant panoramic views. From the Rocher de Roquebrune to the Estérel massif, passing through the Gorges du Blavet and the Corniche d'Or, the Estérel region is a true paradise for lovers of beautiful landscapes.
The Rock of Roquebrune
Rising to an altitude of 373 meters with a 360° view, the Rocher stands proudly between the Maures and Estérel mountain ranges. At sunrise and sunset, it is bathed in warm colors that accentuate the beauty of its rock. Hike along its trails to the Three Crosses that await at the summit. The site is also rich in stories and legends to discover on site…
The Esterel Massif
Nestled between the Mediterranean and the limestone hills of Provence, this 32,000-hectare protected site, classified as a Natura 2000 area, is a haven for biodiversity. Its iconic red rock and rugged terrain give the landscape a unique and wild character, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. Numerous traces of human presence, both ancient and more recent, are still clearly visible: prehistoric menhirs, Ligurian oppida, quarries, forest lodges, and more.
The Blavet Gorges
This spectacular canyon, carved over time into the red volcanic rocks of the Estérel massif, offers breathtaking panoramas with its majestic cliffs rising up to 80 meters high. Classified as a Natura 2000 site, the Gorges are home to diverse wildlife and lush vegetation. Don't miss the Mueron cave, a fascinating prehistoric site dating back to 10,000 BC.
Frejus
From its past as "Forum Julii" to the present day, the city of Fréjus boasts 2,000 years of history. Founded in 49 BC by Julius Caesar as a strategic crossroads between Rome and Gaul, the city is today a captivating blend of ancient ruins and Provençal charm. Its colorful streets will lead you to its amphitheater and majestic cathedral, not to mention its lively markets, beaches, and festive events that enliven local life throughout the year!
The harbor of Agay
With its turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches, this small seaside resort offers an idyllic setting for peaceful relaxation, sheltered by the surrounding hills. A popular spot for sailing and kayaking, the bay of Agay has also inspired numerous artists and writers such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Guy de Maupassant, and Albert Cohen, all captivated by its picture-postcard scenery.
The Golden Island
With its crenellated tower and mysterious name, the small island continues to intrigue… Its destiny took a dramatic turn at the beginning of the 20th century when it became the property of the eccentric Auguste Lutaud, who hosted lavish receptions there for the high society of the French Riviera. The island's captivating aura even reached the world of cinema and comics, as it appeared in the film *Le Corniaud* and is said to have inspired Hergé for *The Black Island* in *Tintin*.
The Golden Corniche
The Corniche, a scenic 30-km road linking Saint-Raphaël to Cannes, pays homage to the natural beauty of the coast. Completed in 1903 under the impetus of the Touring Club of France, this historic route, once used by the Romans, was modernized to accommodate the growth of tourism and the automobile. Its spectacular landscapes, particularly striking at sunset, are a delight for photographers.
The Pays de Fayence
Behind this charming name lies one of the region's hidden treasures: nine picturesque hilltop villages. Fayence, Callian, Montauroux, Seillans, Tanneron, Saint-Paul-en-Forêt, Mons, Tourrettes, and Bagnols-en-Forêt form a string of eagle's nests, some with narrow streets offering breathtaking views of the Esterel Massif and the Bay of Cannes. A must-see, suspended between heaven and earth.
