©Côte d’Azur France – Isabelle Fabre

Top 10 things to see and do in l'Estérel

Some say it’s a sanctuary… The Massif de l’Esterel is one of the most beautiful natural areas on the Côte d’Azur. In winter and summer alike, the Esterel offers a multitude of sporting and leisureactivities for young and old alike. Here are our Top 10 things to see and do in l’Estérel!

OPT FOR A HIKE IN THE ESTÉREL MASSIF

Pic du Cap Roux, Pic de l’Ours, Cap Dramont, Rastel d’Agay:breathtaking panoramas await you!

A return to the heart of nature, with trails for discovery hikes or Nordic walking through unspoilt countryside: the Massif de l’Estérel.

Lasting from 1? to 4? hours, these walks are a great way to get away from it all, with the Mediterranean Sea as your immediate backdrop.

Hiking in the Estérel is one of the 10 things to see and do in the Estérel.

Ideas for walks in the Esterel region

PADDLE A KAYAK ALONG THE CREEKS OF L’ESTÉREL

With family or friends, discover l’Estérel as you’ve never seen it from the sea!

Here’s an idea for an original activity that allows you to venture out to sea in complete peace of mind.

Near Saint-Raphaël, from the Dramont beach, opt for a seafaring escapade by the handful, to appreciate the breathtaking encounter between the blue of the Mediterranean Sea and the red of the Esterel rock.

You can discover the magnificent secret coves and caves of the Esterel, accessible only from the sea, and dive into the crystal-clear waters.

It’s an activity not to be missed if you want to discover l’Estérel in a different way.

Kayak paddling

LOOK UNDERWATER AT AGAY

After the surface, what lies below sea level?

That’s what the Underwater Walk offers aboard the “Capitaine Nemo”, an underwater vision boat that will take you from Agay to discover the flora and fauna of Cap Dramont.

It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of silence, while staying dry! On this walk, you’ll discover the fish, crustaceans and starfish that hide among the hymantales, the strange seaweed that looks like a mermaid’s hair.

It’s an activity your children are sure to love.

Book your sea outing now!

VISIT THE CLOISTER OF FRÉJUS CATHEDRAL

Did you know? The cloister of Fréjus Cathedral, with its exceptional architecture, has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1862!

A little history to get your mind working.

In the heart of Fréjus, the sumptuous cloister of the Cathedral of Saint-Léonce, managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, is the perfect place to admire some magnificent 14th-century medieval paintings.

You can also explore the cathedral’s baptistery, one of the oldest and best-preserved baptisteries in France, its canonical buildings and, of course, its cloister, a real place of power, which served as the episcopal residence.

Prepare your visit to the Cloister of Fréjus

CANOEING IN ROQUEBRUNE-SUR-ARGENS

A wild adventure in the heart of the Esterel that you won’t forget…

There’s something of the spirit of the cartoon “Pocahontas” about canoeing on the water. Except that you’re not on North American rivers, but on the Côte d’Azur at Roquebrune-sur-Argens, which is just as exotic!

6 kilometres of flying water, at your own pace, in an Olympian calm with the Esterel rock in the distance.

Perfect for a family outing. If you’re feeling more sporty, you can also sail down to the sea on a 14-kilometre course.

Don’t worry, the shuttle bus will take you back to the base of Le Rocher.

Book your canoe trip now!

ADMIRE THE DOLPHINS IN THE HEART OF THE PELAGOS SANCTUARY

A must-do in the Estérel: an unforgettable day out to meet our friends the dolphins!

Do you dream of meeting dolphins in their natural environment and why not admire whales?

This childhood dream will soon become reality on the Côte d’Azur!

Set sail from Mandelieu-La-Napoule or Saint-Raphaël and treat yourself to an extraordinary day in the Pelagos sanctuary, an 87,500 km² protected marine reserve created on the initiative of France, Monaco and Italy to protect marine mammals.

Photo memories guaranteed!

Swim with dolphins

PERFECT YOUR SWING AT AGAY MINI-GOLF

A fun activity that’s sure to delight your children!

Agay also offers land-based activities for those who get seasick, and for those who love team games! If you’re a fan of Tiger Wood, here’s something for you to follow in his footsteps with this 18-hole mini-golf course, set in the heart of a green trail. But that’s not all, there are plenty of outdoor activities on offer at the heart of this fun, family-friendly concept.

Agay Mini-Golf

RELAX AT CLOS DES ROSES IN FRÉJUS

A must-do activity in the Estérel: ideal for wine lovers, of course, and flower lovers too.

At the Clos des Roses estate, from the chapel through the vineyards to the cellar, you can retrace the route of the finest wines.

Rosé, white, red, there’s something for everyone on this 36-hectare estate renowned for its expertise and beauty.

You can discover the Clos des Roses estate and its expertise on fun, friendly guided tours.

Immerse yourself in the world of Provence wines!

Prepare your visit to Clos des Roses

GO SNORKELLING IN FRÉJUS

With family or friends, dive in at Cap Dramont!

One of the Top 10 things to see and do in l’Estérel, it’s time to strap on a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and flippers and get up close and personal with the sea bed.

Not far from Cap Dramont or the Lions Islands, here’s a guided underwater escapade for lovers of the colours and beauty of the Mediterranean.

For almost 2 hours, you’ll discover the underwater world from the surface.

Discovery, amazement and sensations are guaranteed.

Book your snorkelling trip now!

ADMIRE THE CHÂTEAU AT LA NAPOULE

After taking the sublime Corniche d’Or from Saint-Raphaël, head to Mandelieu-La-Napoule for a cultural stopover…

Clinging to the sea, the Château de Mandelieu owes much to a whimsical American couple: the Clews, Henry and Mary.

The couple set up a non-profit foundation in the 1950s.

It took them 17 years to restore the Château, a former medieval fortress that is now home to artistic projects from all over the world.

The Château’s magnificent gardens are also worth a visit.

Tip: in summer, be sure to stop off on the Château’s terrace for a drink with a view of the sea!

TOP 10 THINGS

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ESTEREL!

By Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France

If you’re a Côte d’Azur lover or enthusiast, this website regularly features a selection of good places to go and things to see and do in the Côte d’Azur, as well as the favourites of the Ambassadeurs Côte d’Azur France community.

The ESTEREL in pictures
Estérel Intensément Sud #VisitEsterel [4K]
Estérel Intensément Sud #VisitEsterel [4K]
Estérel Intensément Sud #VisitEsterel [4K]