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Red, blue, yellow. The Estérel’s colour palette.
Volcanic rock, the Mediterranean Sea, the southern sun. Three colours that make up an instantly recognisable landscape, and seaside trails where the heat unlocks every scent. Around Saint-Raphaël, the Côte d’Azur coastline reveals a different side when explored on foot. From Les Roches Rouges, at the base of the massif, facing the Mediterranean Sea, setting off on a hike in the Estérel is a natural choice. As is the return, when your body yearns for the cool embrace of the seawater pool carved into the rock, the Mediterranean cuisine at Estelo and La Chicoula, and a massage lulled by the sound of the waves.
Red, blue, yellow. The Estérel’s colour palette. Volcanic rock, the Mediterranean Sea, the southern sun. Three colours that make up an instantly recognisable landscape, and seaside trails where the heat unlocks every scent. Around Saint-Raphaël, the Côte d’Azur coastline reveals a different side when explored on foot. From Les Roches Rouges, at the base of the massif, facing the Mediterranean Sea, setting off on a hike in the Estérel is a natural choice. As is the return, when your body yearns for the cool embrace of the seawater pool carved into the rock, the Mediterranean cuisine at Estelo and La Chicoula, and a massage lulled by the sound of the waves.
In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the Estérel massif is a world of its own, with red porphyry rocks plunging straight into the sea, a landscape of scrubland and stone pines, and that southern light that casts short shadows and sharp contrasts. Around Saint-Raphaël, the coastal paths wind through this rugged terrain, sometimes skimming the water’s edge, sometimes high up on the cliffs, with the Mediterranean Sea a constant presence. These trails are accessible for much of the year. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking in the Estérel, for their mild temperatures, slanting light and quieter trails. Hiking in the Estérel in summer is still possible, but go early in the morning, before the heat settles on the rocks.
In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, the Estérel massif is a world of its own, with red porphyry rocks plunging straight into the sea, a landscape of scrubland and stone pines, and that southern light that casts short shadows and sharp contrasts. Around Saint-Raphaël, the coastal paths wind through this rugged terrain, sometimes skimming the water’s edge, sometimes high up on the cliffs, with the Mediterranean Sea a constant presence. These trails are accessible for much of the year. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for hiking in the Estérel, for their mild temperatures, slanting light and quieter trails. Hiking in the Estérel in summer is still possible, but go early in the morning, before the heat settles on the rocks.
This is Saint-Raphaël’s main coastal path, which traces the old customs officers’ route from the Port of Santa Lucia to Camp Long beach in Le Dramont. Eleven kilometres between the sea and the mountains, with the red rock rising up on the right, the Mediterranean Sea stretching out to the left, and the sun shining from start to finish. The first part is challenging, with a steep, rocky trail offering stunning views: the Lion de Mer islet in the distance, Île d’Or opposite, and coves that can only be reached via this path. The trail then runs along the shore at a lower elevation, with uninterrupted views over the bay of Agay and the undulating Estérel terrain. At the Cap Dramont Semaphore, everything comes into view: the mountains behind you, the Var coastline stretching to the horizon.
This is Saint-Raphaël’s main coastal path, which traces the old customs officers’ route from the Port of Santa Lucia to Camp Long beach in Le Dramont. Eleven kilometres between the sea and the mountains, with the red rock rising up on the right, the Mediterranean Sea stretching out to the left, and the sun shining from start to finish. The first part is challenging, with a steep, rocky trail offering stunning views: the Lion de Mer islet in the distance, Île d’Or opposite, and coves that can only be reached via this path. The trail then runs along the shore at a lower elevation, with uninterrupted views over the bay of Agay and the undulating Estérel terrain. At the Cap Dramont Semaphore, everything comes into view: the mountains behind you, the Var coastline stretching to the horizon.
A short, accessible loop that brings together the very best of what the French Riviera’s coastal trails have to offer. A path that follows the rocky coastline at sea level, before climbing to the top of the cliff where the views open up: the Semaphore, Île d'Or and the Estérel massif framing the landscape inland. Red, blue, yellow: all three colours are there, gathered within a single gaze. The walk down leads to Le Poussaï, a tiny, typical port surrounded by mimosa trees, perfect for a rest. This is the hike we recommend for families or for your first taste of the Estérel. It never fails to impress.
When you’re looking for a break from the blue for an hour or two, Le Ronflon offers a completely different perspective on the Estérel. This forest trail follows the tracks of the Défens community forest, around Puget-sur-Argens, through lush, silent woodland. No more cliffs or sea views, just the light filtering through pine trees, two inland lakes, and the murmur of the stream that shares its name. The wide tracks are suitable for any fitness level, perfect for a gentle stroll or a Nordic walking session. A great alternative after the rain, when coastal paths can be slippery.
A short, accessible loop that brings together the very best of what the French Riviera’s coastal trails have to offer. A path that follows the rocky coastline at sea level, before climbing to the top of the cliff where the views open up: the Semaphore, Île d'Or and the Estérel massif framing the landscape inland. Red, blue, yellow: all three colours are there, gathered within a single gaze. The walk down leads to Le Poussaï, a tiny, typical port surrounded by mimosa trees, perfect for a rest. This is the hike we recommend for families or for your first taste of the Estérel. It never fails to impress.
When you’re looking for a break from the blue for an hour or two, Le Ronflon offers a completely different perspective on the Estérel. This forest trail follows the tracks of the Défens community forest, around Puget-sur-Argens, through lush, silent woodland. No more cliffs or sea views, just the light filtering through pine trees, two inland lakes, and the murmur of the stream that shares its name. The wide tracks are suitable for any fitness level, perfect for a gentle stroll or a Nordic walking session. A great alternative after the rain, when coastal paths can be slippery.
A modernist building overlooking the sea, simply designed rooms filled with natural light and hospitality teams who know every trail in the mountains – Les Roches Rouges is your perfect base to explore the French Riviera coastline on foot.
Heading out on a hike with no lunch planning to worry about is a better way to begin the day. The hotel kitchen will prepare a Provençal picnic for you with local cheeses, homemade pâtés and a small sweet treat. Nothing fancy, just a tasty bite to enjoy on a rock with a view of the sea. The coastal path is dotted with secluded coves, each one an invitation to stay awhile – to truly experience the place rather than just pass through.
Mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking and trails around Saint-Raphaël
The day can begin even before you set off on the first trail. Yoga and Pilates sessions are offered throughout the season. Gentle movement before more vigorous activity. Ease your body into the day, let your gaze settle on the horizon. After your hike, take your pick of the hotel’s two pools: a heated lap pool and a seawater pool merging with the Mediterranean – where tired legs can recover without ever leaving the landscape. Diving into the sea after walking in the salty air. It’s one of the simple pleasures of this place. At the spa, Susanne Kaufmann treatments are specifically formulated for skin exposed to sun and exercise, combining restorative and nourishing properties, a holistic approach and a relaxation room. What the trail awakens, the spa nurtures.
After the walk, dinner. The hotel’s two restaurants share the same ethos as the trails: rooted in the local terroir, open to the sea. The day’s catch, Provençal produce and cuisine that leaves its mark. Sit down to eat facing the water, still carrying the image of red rocks in the morning light and Île d’Or against an orange sky.
A modernist building overlooking the sea, simply designed rooms filled with natural light and hospitality teams who know every trail in the mountains – Les Roches Rouges is your perfect base to explore the French Riviera coastline on foot.
Heading out on a hike with no lunch planning to worry about is a better way to begin the day. The hotel kitchen will prepare a Provençal picnic for you with local cheeses, homemade pâtés and a small sweet treat. Nothing fancy, just a tasty bite to enjoy on a rock with a view of the sea. The coastal path is dotted with secluded coves, each one an invitation to stay awhile – to truly experience the place rather than just pass through. Mountain biking, paddleboarding, kayaking and trails around Saint-Raphaël
The day can begin even before you set off on the first trail. Yoga and Pilates sessions are offered throughout the season. Gentle movement before more vigorous activity. Ease your body into the day, let your gaze settle on the horizon. After your hike, take your pick of the hotel’s two pools: a heated lap pool and a seawater pool merging with the Mediterranean – where tired legs can recover without ever leaving the landscape. Diving into the sea after walking in the salty air. It’s one of the simple pleasures of this place. At the spa, Susanne Kaufmann treatments are specifically formulated for skin exposed to sun and exercise, combining restorative and nourishing properties, a holistic approach and a relaxation room. What the trail awakens, the spa nurtures.
After the walk, dinner. The hotel’s two restaurants share the same ethos as the trails: rooted in the local terroir, open to the sea. The day’s catch, Provençal produce and cuisine that leaves its mark. Sit down to eat facing the water, still carrying the image of red rocks in the morning light and Île d’Or against an orange sky.
Trails in the Var region may be closed by local authorities during periods of fire risk, mainly from June to September. Please check access status at reception before each outing.
Trail running shoes for the coastal path and Cap Dramont, walking shoes for Le Ronflon. In summer, bring plenty of water, sun protection and a hat: the rock retains heat and shade is scarce on the coastal paths.
The coastal path is best done as a one-way hike. Ask our teams for more information about the return journey.
The three routes can be found on Komoot.
Our favourite is the coastal path in Saint-Raphaël, between Santa Lucia and Cap Dramont: an iconic route through red cliffs, unspoilt coves and uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean, that captures all the beauty of the Estérel massif.
The Estérel doesn’t wait to be discovered. It’s right there, the moment you step outside.
Red, blue, yellow. Les Roches Rouges too.
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