A circular route that takes in several climbs in the beautiful Esterel National Park, between Saint Raphael and the city of Cannes.
Les Balcons d'Azur, Saint Raphael
An intermediate to advanced level ride in the Esterel
This route has been officially graded as a red route, meaning that it is not suitable for beginners or for those who are not used to mountain biking.
What to see
Sights in Cannes
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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Victoire, Saint Raphael
Beautiful church built at the end of 19th century inspired by the church of Saint Sophie in Istanbul
This beautiful church was built as part of the plans by Mayor Felix Martin to "transform" St Raphael into a more attractive town for people to live in and tourist resort. Abbot Bernard commissioned the project to architect Pierre Aublé.
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Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael 
Les Calanques de l'Esterel, Saint-Raphael
Dramatic scenery, imposing cliffs and secluded coves near Saint-Raphael
Les Calanques de l'Esterel are rocky inlets and coves that expand from Saint-Raphael to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and drop steeply into the limpid waters of the Mediterranean.
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Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo) 
Parc Zoologique de Frejus (Frejus Zoo)
Zoo where you can see animals from all around the world as well as Mediterranean plants
Established in 1971, the Zoological Park Frejus is located in a typical Mediterranean natural landscape and enjoys the mild climate of the Riviera.
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Archaeology Museum, Fréjus
Displaying Fréjus’s archaeological heritage, mainly from the Roman period
Situated right next to the cloisters of the Cathedral in Fréjus, the museum houses some great examples of Roman artefacts from the ongoing excavations in the city.
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Fréjus Cathedral, Fréjus
This cathedral in central Fréjus is part of a larger fortified medieval complex
Dating back to the 5th century when the baptistery was built makes it the oldest in the Provence region and one of the oldest in France. At this ancient, Merovingian style baptistery you can still see a 5th century baptismal basin for full immersion, as well as Roman columns.
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L'Esterel National Park 
L'Esterel National Park
Rugged landscape of red rock stretching from Provence to the coastline
A volcanic range of mountains covering around 32,000 hectares and stretching between Saint-Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Cannes
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Carlton Riviera Restaurant
Fresh, seasonal cuisine with a view over the Croisette
Riviera brings the flavours of the Mediterranean to life with fresh market produce and the catch of the day, served in a stylish brasserie setting overlooking the sea.
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La Plage du Martinez
Refined Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant beachside setting
La Plage du Martinez blends relaxed elegance with gourmet flair, offering Mediterranean dishes by Chef Jean Imbert in a stunning seafront setting.
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La Plage Belles Rives Beach Club, Juan les Pins
Private beach of the Belles Rives hotel in Juan les Pins
Soft white sand, a private pontoon, a lounge bar and a restaurant at the water's edge make this beach club a very special place to be.
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La Plage 45 Beach Club
Grand Hotel's private beach club and restaurant
Just a short walk through the hotel garden and you can sink your feet into the soft white sand of the Grand Hotel's private beach, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
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Plage du Festival Beach Club
Chic beachside retreat with gourmet dining and dreamy cocktails
La Plage du Festival offers a refreshing gourmet experience in a chic and relaxed atmosphere. With its beachside setting, stunning views, and vibrant cocktails, it’s a must-visit spot in Cannes.
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Les Pecheurs Gourmet Restaurant, Juan Les Pins
One Michelin star gourmet restaurant within the Cap d'Antibes Beach Hotel
Enjoy a culinary experience at this fine dining restaurant, Les Pêcheurs. It offers a creative cuisine that deftly blends flavours and fragrances from throughout the French Riviera.
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What to do
Things To Do in Cannes
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to ten people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury Tayarrah Yacht Trip
Luxury private yacht trip along the French Riviera for up to eleven people
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Road bike hire
Quality road bike rentals with delivery to the French Riviera
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Motorbike hire
Wide selection of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson and Triumph motorcycles available for rent
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Directions
From Colle Douce, take the path towards Mont Vinaigre to the Forestry Commission building at Porfait. Taking a portion of paved road from here you will reach the Forestry Commission building at Malpey.
On your right take the road towards the Col de l’Olivier (denoted by a headstone) and continue along the main road to the Forestry Commission building of La Duchessa. Continue up (straight) to reach the Baisse Violette, then the Col des Suvières.
After this turn right towards Grosse Vache and the Col du Mistral. A paved path will then take you right to the Forestry Commission building of Roussivau.
At the gate turn right and follow the Castelli trail that will lead you back to your starting point.
