Massif de l'Estérel

These porphyry hills of volcanic origin, standing between Saint-Raphaël (Var) and Mandelieu (Alpes-Maritimes), form a succession of strikingly contrasted gorges, passes and craggy cliffs, despite their low altitude (Mont Vinaigre rises to just 618 metres). The Estérel is characterized by its wild beauty and abundant and varied flora and fauna. Despite successive forest fires, its hills harbour profuse quantities of Aleppo pines, chestnut trees, hornbeams, fig trees and olive trees, growing happily alongside palms, agaves, mimosa, eucalyptus and tropical plants, which have either been imported or flourish here naturally thanks to the area's warm climate. The Estérel hills are criss-crossed by many footpaths and offer an ideal playground for walkers and cyclists.