Walks & Hikes - French Riviera

GUIDED WALK :

The Maure hills and the Fenouillet footpath

A walk with a wide range of scenery : a cool green dell, sweet smelling maquis in the summer and flowering in the spring, the rocks and cliffs of the coast, the sea of different shades of blue and the islands on the horizon. A walk with a historical aspect also : the former railroad of the "train des Pignes" (coastal train) marking the beginning of tourism in the Maures, the "Grande Maison" (big house) and P. Foncin the modern discoverer of the Maures and the Esterel. A wide variety of birds may also be spotted so don't forget your binoculars...

Actual walking time : 1h30
T o tal length: 3h30
Distance : 3,8 km
Variation in height : 80 m
M e eting place : car park at the beginnig of the Dattier road
Adults : 8 euros - children : 4 euros

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TAKE A WALK :

1. Starting out from the Tourist Office at the Maison de la Mer, between the promenade stretching along the beach and the marina. Take Rue du Port on the right opposite the Tourist Office and walk along the marina built in 1967. Every September, tuna fishermen set out from the marina for their catch. The promenade's boating shops, restaurants, ice-cream parlours, piano-bars and casino make it a really pleasant place for a stroll.
   
   
2. Next, take Rue du Cap to the market square (the market is held every Wednesday morning and sells a delicious range of local produce - honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, Provençal fabrics and craftwork). Treat yourself to a wicker basket !
   
   
3. After the market, head towards Rue Pierre et Marie Curie in the pedestrian zone near the Avenue des Alliés, reputed for its excellent shops.
   
   
4. Now head left under the porch at the bottom of Avenue des Alliés and on to Place Benjamin Gaillard, where you will see the Town Hall. This is the favourite haunt for local boules players. Fancy a go ?!
   
   
5. Then walk along the Promenade de la Mer on the left, where you will discover a variety of charming boutiques and sunny café and restaurant terraces. At the end of the promenade, cross over and turn back on your right via the pedestrian walkway which runs along the gorgeous sandy beach.

TAKE A WALK :

1. Departure point: Tourist Office, Place de la République (by the "Hôtel de Ville").
   
   
2. Turn left at the "Hôtel de Ville" (Town Hall) into Rue du 11 Novembre, where you will come to the 16th century Romanesque Saint-Sauveur church (take a look at the 20th century carved triptych by André Carton in the gothic-style side nave).
   
3. Next, head up Rue Nationale and take the 2nd porch on your left then the 2nd road on your right : Rue de l'Horloge. In these steep streets, you will discover some amazing ancient porches, some of which date back to the 15th century and are carved in serpentine (a green stone) from the Maures Hills and basalt.
   
   
4. You will then come to the "Tour de l'Horloge" or Clock Tower (private property which can be viewed from outside only) and the old drawbridge - the remains of an ancient castle.
   
   
5. Head back down via the Rue du Piquet (ceramic workshop) and through the porch on your left leading to "La Demeure-Musée Sellier" - home to the town's library and venue for numerous events and modern art exhibitions.
   
6. Exit from Rue Nationale on the left to Saint-Roch chapel (built in the 16th century when the village was devastated by the Plague). Rebuilt in the 19th century, it now exhibits a number of contemporary works of art.
   
   
7. Head down Rue Bianqui, then Rue Edgar Quinet. After the "Maison de Retraite" retirement home, you will come to the "Musée des Templiers" on your right (museum dedicated to the Templars) (prior booking required).(Phone : +33 (0)4.94.54.08.42)
   
   
8. Head down Rue du Général de Gaulle then take Avenue Georges Clémenceau. 500 metres further on, on your left, you will come to the "Passage des Antiquaires", an agreeable stroll back in time. Continue on Avenue Georges Clémenceau.
   
   
9. Opposite the Post Office and the Centre Culturel you will see the "Etablissements Courrieu", where the village's famous briar pipes are made. The visit could end with a little shopping in the village centre.

GUIDED WALK :

Around the Monastery of La Verne

Discover the highest forest of evergreen oaks, a chathedral of cedars, the « bergerie » of Ragusse and age-old chesnut grove. Free visit of the monastery.

Actual walking time : 1h30
T otal length : 3h
Distance : 4km
Variation of height : 100m
Meeting place : tourist office of Collobrières
Adults : 8 euros; children : free of charge

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TAKE A WALK : (length 45 mn)

1. Starting out from in front of the Tourist Office, Boulevard Charles Caminat.
   
   
2. "Raoul Calvi" bridge, dating back to the 12th century. At the time, the bridge constituted the village's sole access.
   
   
3. Take Boulevard Carnot, then Place de la Libération where you will see The " Mairie"(town hall) fountain.
   Inside the Town Hall, you will be able to admire some paintings by the local artist Agosta, plus a collection of minerals from the Maures Hills.
   
   
4. Follow Cours Mirabeau and Rue Jean Jaurès to Place de la République where you will come to a fountain.
   
   
5. Head right, up Rue de l'Egalité, then left about 30 metres further on and take the stairs leading to Place du Général de Gaulle and "Notre Dame des Victoires" church - a neo-Gothic style construction renovated in 1992, whose organ dates back to 1893.
   
   
6. Head back down Place du Général de Gaulle, then right towards the campsite, Rue Copernic and Rue Christophe Colomb, overlooked by the ruined 12th century Saint-Pons church. The castle of the Seigneurs of Pierrefeu, formerly situated below the church, has now disappeared.
   
   
7. To end your walk, take Rue Robespierre to Place Rouget de l'Isle, then walk down to Place Martin César.

TAKE A WALK : (length : 40 mn)

1. Departure from the top of the car park, Montée Saint-Joseph, near the orientation table, offering unique views over the Bay of Saint-Tropez and the Maures Hills.
   
   
2. Follow the promenade Deï Barri, a Medieval terrace marking the former boundary of the ramparts and take a look at the age-old nettle trees. At the end of the Promenade Deï Barri, you will enjoy a splendid panorama over Cavalaire Bay and the Golden Islands off the coast of Hyères (Le Levant, Port-Cros, Bagaud and a glimpse of Porquerolles, when the Mistral wind is blowing!).
   
   
3. At the edge of the Passage des Bénédictins, you will discover "Notre Dame de l'Assomption" church and the adjacent presbytery.
    
   
4. Take the Passage du Guet leading to the so-called "Porte des Sarrasins" (Saracens Gate) - this was in fact the folding door of the primitive "castrum" or ancient castle - then head back up the Rue Centrale, passing in front of the porch next to the oldest section of the Town Hall (built in 1584 above the public oven). Then turn right to discover the well.
   
   
5. Go back down the Rue du Puits. 150 metres further on, on your left, is the Rue du Moulin where olive oil used to be made. On your left, the village's narrowest street called "l'Androuno" (the street can only be taken by one person at a time - and they have to be pretty trim too!) is claimed by some to be the narrowest street in the world! Then go up Rue de la Treille and Rue Troubadour Roollet de Garcin (born of Jehan de Nostredame at Château de Garcin castle in 1150!).
   
   
6. Go back up Rue Rompe Cu (Bottom-Breaker Street!) to Rue Longue. On the left, you will see the Passage des Templiers or "Templar's Way" (at the time, all the village cellars were networked for defence reasons).
   

TAKE A WALK :

At the tourist office head up the boulevard des Aliziers to the place Neuve.
Note the monumental fountain that marks the entrance to the village with its water pumped up from the plain.
Continue your ascent and go under the porch and then place Vieille.
Take the rue des Meuniers then the rue des Templiers.

From the castle : superb view.

Head right, down the arrowed route.
Further on turn left and go down the rue de la Treille and then the rue du Baou.
Head towards the chapelle des Pénitents.
Turn back to the rue de la Pompe (an ancient well with a pump from the 19th century).
Head up rue du Gacharel, the former access to the village.
Go under the porch on your right and then from the place Neuve go down the big stairway (52 stairs) or take the lift.
Go to the folk museum on your right (admission free).
Come back the way you came to the tourist office.

TAKE A WALK :  (Length: 2 ½ hours. Yellow markings on coastal stretches.)

1. Departure from the Tourist Office by car to the beaches. Take Boulevard Tabarin. At the end of the road, turn left onto Boulevard du Littoral and continue to Boulevard de Gigaro which runs alongside the beach. Take the Chemin de la Mer on your left and leave your car at "Gigaro" car park, then continue on foot.
   
   
2. From the sea front, take the "Sentier du Littoral" coastal footpath on your left and continue to the Pointe Andati via Brouis creek, with its twinkling schist rocks bordered by a white sandy beach, where seaweed dances among the blue waters - a true Garden of Eden and undoubtedly one of the Var region's most beautiful sites. And that's no flippant compliment !
   
   
3. Continue to Cape Lardier, with its 740 acres of fragrant "maquis" and pine woods set between Ramatuelle and La Croix Valmer, facing Cavalaire Bay. Here, the show of plant life is truly breathtaking: honey-scented Aleppo pines and umbrella pines, mimosa forests, rockrose, ferns, spiny broom and wild Maures lavender. Bird life is varied here too; in Winter you can spot giant cormorants, terns, swallows and sometimes gannets.
   
   Cape Lardier offers unbeatable views over Cape Taillat - so you may want to continue your expedition the following day. In which case, we suggest you leave your car at Escalet beach, in Ramatuelle.
   
   
4. For the return journey, a forest track takes you back to the "Mas de Gigaro" by the inland route. At the pass, the footpath turns right into the underwoods, then curves round the summit by the East and continues along the ridge to the departure point.

GUIDED WALK :

La Garde Freinet, from the castle to the village

A journey through time from the archeological site of the Fort-Freinet to todays village. Exceptional view over the Maure hills and the Mediterranean.

Actual walking time : 1 hour
Total length : 3 hours
Distance : 3 km
Variation of height : 100 m
Difficulty : steep path, for confirmed walkers
Meeting place : Conservatoire du Patrimoine du Freinet
Adults : 8 euros - children : 4 euros

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TAKE A WALK : (Walk's length in la Garde Freinet : 2 hours)

1. Starting out from the tourist office walk up the Rue Saint-Jacques towards the Cross, follow the Rue de l'Eglise to the Aire de La Planète.
   
   
2. Climb up to the Cross via the footpath (approx. 20 min.)
   Turn around and admire the view over the village (one of the best! ) and turn right towards the Fort Freinet : a remarkable veiwpoint at an altitude of 450 metres overlooking the entire Mediterranean face of the Maures Hills, Argens plain and the lower Alps.
   
   Digs have uncovered the first foundations of a late 12th century - early 13th century fortified village, surrounded by a deep moat in the shape of a half-moon and including a lookout post and various defence structures carved entirely into the rock. A sight not to be missed on any account !
   
   
3. Turn back the way you came to the car park at the Cross. From there take the road to the right (gate - route des Crêtes). Walk approx. 20 min. to the sign on your left that reads "Les Roches Blanches" (white rocks).
   
   
4. Go up the path to the two aerials and turn right to the  "Roches Blanches" (white rocks).
   
   
5. Please do not take any samples of the rock. On your way back down stay on the road that goes all the way to the village.

GUIDED WALK :

Hikes to the « Barrage de la Verne » (The Verne reservoir)

At the village exit towards Toulon turn right at the traffic lights and take the direction "usine des eaux", 500 m of tarmacked road, then 3 km of dirt track.

Stop before the gate to the dam and continue on foot or by bike. The Verne reservoir is at an altitude of 500 meters and provides drinking water for the whole of the Bay of Saint-Tropez.

It offers an unbeatable view on the Maure hills and from there confirmed walkers can reach the Chartreuse de la Verne.

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TAKE A WALK : (length : 4h)

1. Starting out from Place de l'Eglise. Take the road to the left of the church and go past the cemetery. The road crosses a vine-filled valley. 2 ½ km further on, at the wide right turn, take the path heading into the fields on your left.
    
   
2. Turn right at the first fire hydrant and walk along the left bank of Verne river. At the second fire hydrant (don't forget, 48 fires had already been declared in 1308!), pass the ford on your left. Turn left again up the steep furrowed path to the tarmacked road. Head right; you will see the "Barrage de La Verne" (dam) 50 metres further on. Head left at the next crossroads, then left again onto the earth track (you will then come to a water tower). Then follow the bank to the end of the valley 4 km further on.
   
   
3. Turn right at the iron gate, then follow the pretty, shady path heading up to the left 20 metres further on - the path was created by monks in centuries past. After a 2 km steep climb, you will come to a chestnut grove and track.
   Turn right to reach the "Chartreuse de la Verne" Carthusian Monastery. Founded in 1170 among 7 ½ thousand acres of forests, pastures and agricultural land, the monastery is today occupied by the Sisters of Bethlehem (visiting times: Summer 11.00 am-6.00 pm - Winter 10.00 am-5.00 pm, closed Tuesdays). Turn left to head back down towards La Mole and discover a magnificent panoramic view over the Maures Hills.
   
   
4. 2 ½ km further on, turn right at the signpost marked Chemin de Pertuade. This beautiful, shady and quite arduous path takes you back to the track running alongside the river (lovely views). Head back the other way along this path to the dam and village of La Mole.
   

TAKE A WALK : (Walk's Length in Plan de la Tour : 2 hours on foot, 1 hour by bike.)

1. Starting out from the Tourist Office, in the village centre, Place du 19 mars 1962.
   
   
2. Take the RD74 road towards Sainte-Maxime. When your reach "Chapelle Saint-Pierre", turn right and follow the tarmacked road and track to the ford of Préconil river (Les Gorgues), built in the early 18th century to provide an adequate water supply to "La Ressence" oil mill.
   
   
3. Continue along the track. Head left at the next major crossroads then take the GR 51 long-distance footpath. After the menhir, you will arrive at the hamlet of "Prat-Bourdin".
   
   
4. Take the pretty path immediately on your right which runs alongside an ancient shepherd's dwelling 200 metres further on. Turn left at the next crossroads, then join up with the GR 51 again and continue on the RD44 road to the hamlet of "Préconil".
   
   
5. At the crossroads of the ancient Col de Vignon road, leave the GR 51 to head back up to your right towards the hamlet of Vernet.
   
   
6. After crossing the hamlet, take the RD74 road, which takes you through the hamlet of "La Forge" back to the starting point.

GUIDED WALK

CAMARAT, GRANITE LANDSCAPES

A beautiful walk along the rocky shores of the Mediterranean to discover the local flora, landscapes and Bird Island (take your binoculars). Starting at the foot of the ligthhouse

Actual walking time : 2h30
length : 3h
Distance : 3.7km
Variation of height : 20m
Meeting place : car park of the holiday village Léo Lagrange/Touristra
Adults : 8 euros - children : 4 euros

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CAPE TAILLAT, ROCKS TO ISTHMUS

One of the most beautiful walks of the Var. Along the rocky shores discover the secret coves and rare plantes of the maquis. Walk upto the Dolmen de Briande with its exceptional view over the peninsula.

Actual walking time : 2h30
length : 3h30
Distance : 3km
Variation of height : 30m
Meeting place : Beach of Escalet, in front of the sign of the Coastal Preservation Society at the beach entrance
Adults : 8 euros - children : 4 euros

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RETRACING THE MILLER OF PAILLAS

Wander through cool valleys planted with laurels and chesnuts before coming to the Mill of Paillas with its magnificent panoramic view over the Islands of Hyeres and the Bay of Pampelonne.

Actual walking time : 3h
length : 3h30
Distance : 3.7km
Variation of height : 20m
Meeting place : car park of the holiday village Léo Lagrange/Touristra
Adults : 8 euros - children : 4 euros

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TAKE A WALK :  (Length of the walk in Ramatuelle : 30 mn)

1. Departure from the Tourist Office, Place de l'Ormeau.
   Planted during the reign of Henry IV, the tree also figures on the village's coat of arms. It was replaced by an olive tree in 1983.
   You will also see Notre-Dame church on the square.
   
   
2. When you leave the church, pass under the porch and enter the old village, with its narrow streets cramped between the ancient ramparts. The original door and window frames can still be seen on some houses.
   
   
3. You will then arrive at Place Gabriel Péri, formerly called "Castle Square" - a seigneurial residence reworked in the 18th century by the Lords of Audibert. As you go down Rue Victor Léon, you will pass in front of the "Porte Sarrasine" portcullis.
   
   
4. Head back up the street, then go down Avenue Clémenceau to the Landings Memorial inaugurated in 1959.
   
   
5. Next, go on to Sainte-Anne chapel, built in the 16th century and the cemetery where the actor Gérard Philipe lies. Shaded by a laurel tree and covered in ivy, his tomb is one of the cemetery's most discreet.