« Even
for those who have seen Switzerland and the Savoy, mountains covered in the dark
greens of the Estrel are a beautiful sight. The Alps can die here with dignity. »
Victor Hugo
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Between
Mediterranean waters and limestone Provence, the Esterel is a volcanic massif
of 32,000 hectares of which 14,000 are listed and protected. Its astonishing red
colour, which changes every hour of the day, is related to rhylite or red porphyrus
- volcanic rock from the primary era. Its steep slopes, its narrow, thicketed
gorges and its sumptuous peaks of amarantus lava make it an endless source of
fascinating exploration and along the way youll come across some of the areas
best curiosities and beautiful scenery: le Pic de LOurs, Le Rocher Saint-Barthlmy,
la Calanque du Dramont, le Belvdre du Cap Roux, le Mont Vinaigre which reaches
614 meters, le Ravin de Perthus and le Ravin de Malinfernet with its natural springs. |
Vehicles are authorized on around 42 km of roads. Many circuits exist for walkers (45 km of footpaths), mountain-bikers (100 km sign-posted tracks) and riders (100 km bridle paths).
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History
:
Springing up from the
bowels of the earth, the Esterel was born 250 million years ago. According to
the legend, the name comes from the fairy Esterelle who women used to call on
to ensure their fertility. In reality, the earths plates moved and then fissured
allowing lava to reach the surface and from this came the purple-coloured rock,
rhyolite or red porphyry. So the name of the moutain range is derived from the adjective "sterile" that corresponds with the acidic and not very fertile land that is the Esterel.
Originally
part of Africa, this piece of land broke away from when the Mediterranean sea
was formed. In the tertiary age, a part of the Estrel went drifting off Corsica
The mountainous reliefs, rugged countryside and steep coves suddenly plunging
into the Mediterranean are proof of this turbulent geological history. | 
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The human history of the mountains
is also richly interesting. Despite the harsh climate, the first men came from
Africa to hunt wild game 200 000 years ago, inhabiting the natural caves at the
foot of the cliffs. Their tools and weapons are exhibited today at Saint-Raphaels
archeological museum. Then came the Ligurians,
Romans, Greeks all of the ancient Mediterranean civilisations. Walking through
the forest today, you can still discover historical remains from that time, such
as menhirs, Roman fountains, or the ancient road leading along the coast to Agay.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the mountains served as a refuge for convicts
from Toulon prison. Rumour has it that one of them, Gaspard
de Besse, hid his treasure there. The treasure remains hidden today 
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