Exploring the Estérel Massif, the classic road trip above the Mediterranean Côte d’Azur, with a hike for a picnic at the Pic de l’Ours (492 m.).
The classic road trip in to the Estérel Massif, which borders the French Mediterranean coast, its hard red rock covered with rich forest of many species of tree. The Estérel has been the refuge of highwaymen, pirates and escaped criminals, The Romans crossed it with the Via Aurelia, nowadays there is a choice between the N7 trunk route or the Corniche, much cruised by sportsbikes and cabriolets. There’s also the railway line driven along the coast by the PLM railways company.
Above all that, there are panoramic views of the Mercantor Alps above Nice and over to Italy, the Bay of Cannes, the isles off the Var and even Mont Ventoux over towards the Rhône valley.
The road is closed for the last sector so there is a choice between a shady footpath or a narrow road.
The clouds cleared after my picnic lunch at the top, revealing the colour contrast between azur sea and red rock.