Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MASSIF DES MAURES
Shrouded by a forest of pine, chestnut and cork oak trees, the Massif des Maures arcs in-
land between Hyères and Fréjus. Roamed by wild boars, its near-black vegetation gives rise
to its name, derived from the Provençal word mauro (dark pine wood). Traditional indus-
tries (chestnut harvests, cork, pipe-making) are their lifeblood.
WONDERFUL ROADWAYS
The D14 runs through Collobrières, the largest town in the massif and chestnut capital of the universe, and is graced
with superb panoramas. It's particularly popular with cyclists. Similarly dramatic, the D39 from Collobrières soars
north to Notre Dame des Anges (780m) before plunging down to Gonfaron. The parallel N98 skims through vine-
yards and cork oak plantations from St-Tropez to Bormes-les-Mimosas.
From La Môle - where you can find a delicious meal at Auberge de la Môle ( 04 94 49 57 01; place de
l'Église; lunch/dinner menus €23/55; lunch & dinner Tue-Sat, lunch Sun) - the breathtakingly narrow Col du
Canadel (D27) dives dramatically to the coast, dishing up unbeatable views of the Massif des Maures, coastline and
offshore islands.
La Garde Freinet
Local traditions unfold in the village of La Garde Freinet (topped by 13th-century ruins of
Fort Freinet ) at the environment-driven Conservatoire du Patrimoine du Freinet ( 04
94 43 08 57; www.conservatoiredufreinet.org ; Chapelle St-Jean, place de la Mairie, La
Garde Freinet; 10am-12.30pm & 2.30-5.30pm Tue-Sat) , which hosts exhibitions (flora,
fauna, cork harvesting) and organises themed discovery walks (adult/child €9/4.50) and
workshops (free to €98; eg art in nature, dry-stone walls, honey-making, forest photo-
graphy etc). Monthly treks on horseback (adult/child €45/40) and donkey rambles (adult/
child €12/10) criss-cross the massif.
 
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