Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MASSIF DE L'ESTÉREL
The efficient
Centrale de Réservation Estérel Côte d'Azur
( 04 94 19 10 60; www.
esterel-cotedazur.com; 72 rue Waldeck Rousseau)
can help with bookings in this area.
Corniche de l'Estérel
A walk or drive along the winding Corniche de l'Estérel (also called Corniche d'Or,
'Golden Coast'; the N98) is not to be missed and is an attraction in its own right. In fact it
was one of the reasons the road was opened by the Touring Club de France in 1903. The
views are spectacular and small summer resorts and dreamy inlets (perfect for swimming),
all of which are accessible by bus or train, are dotted along its 30km length. The most dra-
matic stretch is between Anthéor and Théoule-sur-Mer, where the tortuous, narrow N98
skirts through sparsely built areas.
Activities
With its lush green Mediterranean forests, intensely red peaks and sterling sea views, the
Estérel is a walker's paradise. Local tourist offices have leaflets detailing the most popular
walks, including Pic de l'Ours (496m) and Pic du Cap Roux (452m), but buy IGN's Carte
de Randonnée (1:25,000) No 3544ET Fréjus, Saint-Raphaël & Corniche de l'Estérel if
you're planning more serious walks.
Those preferring a more informed wander can opt for a three-hour guided walk with a
forest ranger from the Office National des Forêts (National Forestry Office, adult/child
€10/6, in French only; book with the tourist office) or guided walks with a nature guide
from the tourist office (
Click here
)
(€10 to €15, English available).
Access to the range is generally prohibited on windy or particularly hot days because of
fire risks, so check with the tourist office before setting off.
Diving & Snorkelling
The Estérel is a leading dive centre: with numerous WWII shipwrecks and pristine waters,
it's a prime area for underwater exploration. Much of the coast along the corniche is protec-
ted too, so the fauna and flora is some of the best around. Among the most reputable diving
clubs are the multilingual
Centre de Plongée Île d'Or
( 04 94 82 73 67;
www.dive.fr
;
DIVING
