Gravel routes on the Côte d'Azur :

5 routes to discover from Mandelieu-la-Napoule

In Mandelieu-la-Napoule, gravel reveals a wilder, more spectacular Côte d’Azur. Between the sea, the mountains and a variety of paths, here are five routes accessible to all, revealing an area of striking contrasts, where effort becomes pleasure and exploration.

The Cap Roux gravel course

Sporty and scenic

For those who love climbing and breathtaking views, this 46-kilometre route offers two to three hours of controlled effort and pleasure. From the ninth kilometre onwards, the Saoumes track takes you to Notre-Dame d’Afrique, a replica of the basilica in Algiers erected as a tribute to the repatriates from North Africa.

The ascent continues towards the Col de Notre-Dame and then the Pic Saint-Martin, in an ochre Mediterranean landscape typical of theEsterel region. The descent along the Maure Vieil path brings the route to a gentle close.

The Cap Roux gravel course is a route that perfectly captures the spirit of gravel: moving at your own pace, in the heart of unspoilt nature.

©Mandelieu 012891 Bd|Christian Retaggi / ActivImages

©Mandelieu 013025 Bd|Christian Retaggi / ActivImages

The 3 cols gravel course

Short, intense and fast-paced

Short but intense, this 20-kilometre route offers a one-hour outing ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic effort. Between Mandelieu-la-Napoule and the Estérel massif, climbs of over 15% and a high point of 260 metres wake up the legs, before a descent along the Cadière track that reveals a corridor of mimosa trees and some forgotten chapels, including Notre-Dame du Labeur. The final section of the 3 cols route, which is more winding and technical, offers a great dose of adrenalin and makes you want to do it all over again!

A route that alternates between roads, tracks and forest paths, accessible while revealing the natural wealth of the region.

The Cols de l’Estérel
de l’Estérel

Wild and panoramic

Over 38 kilometres, this route plunges into the heart of the Estérel departmental nature park, taking in two to three hours of varied trails and panoramic views of the Mediterranean. The Cadière, Trois Termes, Notre-Dame and Théoulepasses are followed by forest tracks, rustic roads and more confidential paths, offering a subtle balance between technical difficulty and contemplation. Views of the sea, mimosas in bloom, Lac du Grenouillet and the Sainte-Baume massif create a changing backdrop at every turn on the Cols de l’Estérel gravel route. The final descent to Théoule-sur-Mer, via the Vallon de l’Autel track, leaves a lasting impression of an outing in the great outdoors.

A route that embodies the spirit of slow tourism and reveals theEsterel as a true wilderness and sensory refuge!

©Mandelieu 010894 Bd|Christian Retaggi / ActivImages

©Mandelieu 012747 Bd|Christian Retaggi / ActivImages

The Œufs de Bouc gravel course

Dynamic and panoramic

This 30-kilometre loop between sea and mountains offers a one- to two-hour adventure, with most of the gradient concentrated in the first ten kilometres to the Pelet summit, via Maure Vieil. The steep sections of the Cadière and Œufs de Boucslopes provide a dose of adrenalin, before a technical descent towards Théoule-sur-Mer.

The site of Notre-Dame d’Afrique, at kilometre 19, provides an ideal panoramic stop-off, while the final tight bends add a touch of challenge. The Œufs de Bouc gravel course illustrates the versatility of gravel, attracting sports enthusiasts as well as nature lovers and the curious in search of heritage.

The gravel course at Lake Saint-Cassien

Demanding and spectacular

Reserved for experienced riders, this 70-kilometre route with a 1,870-metre ascent offers six to eight hours of effort and thrills. The seaside start to Théoule-sur-Mer warms up the legs before the ascent of the Cadière piste, followed by a descent through the canyons. The route then alternates between roads and tracks towards Lac de Saint-Cassien and Tanneron, with a final climb of over 12% before a breathtaking final view over the bay of Mandelieu-la-Napoule.

A demanding but deeply rewarding route. On this route around Lake Saint-Cassien, every climb and every bend fully expresses the spirit of gravel. Exploring the foothills of the Estérel and the Tanneron massif, this route embodies the ultimate experience: wild landscapes, unspoilt nature and the scents of Provence.