Massif des Maures, mountain range on the Mediterranean Sea

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The Massif des Maures, a small mountain range about 60 km long and 20 km wide, is located along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the southeast of France. It is located roughly in between Hyères and Fréjus in the Var department and is part of the Provence Regional Natural Park. The rivers Argens and Réal Martin in the north and the Durance in the west flow around the mountain range. To the east, it borders the foothills of the Alps. The highest peak of this mountain range is 780m high and is located at Le Signal de la Sauvette near the monastery of Notre-Dame-des-Angers. You can take beautiful walks here during your holiday or enjoy this nature reserve in other ways. A large part of the area consists of forests and unspoiled nature. There is a driving route called the Corniche des Maures through the area. There are several villages in the area that have retained their authentic character, such as Collobrières, Pignans and La Môle. On the south there are seaside resorts such as Bormes de Mimosa, Grimaud and Le Lavandou.

Hiking and cycling during the holidays

There are several ways to discover the Massif des Maures. If you prefer to take it easy, there are riding stables where you can rent horses for a private ride or group rides. You can also take a quad bike tour through the mountains. If you don’t mind putting in some extra effort, go mountain biking. You can also go cycling with a touring bike, then you will ride on flatter roads through the valleys. Most people visit the Massif des Maures by foot. There are several hiking, including the well-known GR98, a route that runs through the entire area. The randonnée "Pic du Cap Roux" over the Plateau d'Anthéor is also highly recommended. The hikes can vary in difficulty, so take a good look at the elevation changes indicated on the map. Along the way, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of inland Provence or of the bay of St. Tropez.

Pilgrimages

Near the highest point of the Massif des Maures at an altitude of 767m stands a church: Notre Dame des Anges. The church was built in the 11th century by the inhabitants of nearby Pignans. The story goes that a statue of Mary was mysteriously found in the mountains. A church has been built to protect the statue. Notre-Dame-des-Anges is still a popular place of pilgrimage.

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Route of Cretes and forest fires

There are several ways to visit the Massif des Maures. In addition to the route mentioned before Corniche des Maures, there is the Route des Crètes. You can drive this route by car. From Rayol you drive to the Col du Canadel. Once on top of the mountains, you have beautiful views of the coastal region. Watch your speed on this road: for about 25 km you are not allowed to drive much faster than 30 km/h. The GR51 route partly coincides with the Route des Crètes, in other places it runs parallel to this route. In summer, parts of this route may be closed due to the danger of forest fires which can occur in this area. That is why you will see large water tanks everywhere so that there is sufficient water is needed. Throughout the year, all sorts is done to prevent forest fires.

Plants and trees

The Massif des Maures has an extensive ecosystem and has been designated a Natura 2000 area. Within it are nature reserves such as Plain des Maures, Port Cros and Conservatoire du Littoral. The area is known for having the largest forest of cork oaks in Europe. These trees are resistant to forest fires. The thick bark protects the trunk of the tree. Besides this tree, the area is mainly home to pines and pine trees. Many chestnut trees and chestnut jam also grow in the area. If you look around you may see a strawberry tree. On the slopes of the mountains you can find grapes, citrus fruits, figs, olives, almonds and mulberries. In other places, broom, lavender, myrtle, juniper, rosemary and mimosa grow.

Animals

The fauna in the Massif des Maures is very extensive. It is one of the last areas in Europe where the Hermann turtle can be found. But the area is also home to other reptiles such as lizards, grass snake, viper and Esculapian snakes. Many are protected species, especially the Hermann tortoise. The snakes often hide quietly and don’t move so that they won’t be noticed by birds of prey. These are birds of prey such as the short-toed eagle, bonelli eagles or the tawny or little owl. It is not uncommon to suddenly come face to face with deer or wild boar during a walk through the area. These animals are attracted to the many acorns and chestnuts that the area has. You will see them travelling in large groups. It is more difficult to spot badgers, foxes, squirrels, genets and martens.

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Pignans

Pignans is a pretty village on the edge of the Massif des Maures. There are many activities you can do in this village. There is an extensive network of marked hiking trails with different levels of difficulty. There are suitable routes for both beginner and experienced hikers. We recommend hiking the "chapel path", a hiking trail to the church that was built on top of the mountain. In Pignans, you can rent equipment for hiking such as shoes and poles. Do you really want to discover everything? Then hire a guide who will take you and show you the most beautiful places. If you still have time left after the walk, walk into Pignans and stroll through the picturesque streets. If you are lucky, there will be a Provencal market when you visit.

Villages in the area

Besides the Chartreuse de la Verne monastery, there are also beautiful villages for you to visit near the Massif des Maures. Villages such as Collobrières, La Môle, La Garde-Freinet, Plan-de-la-Tour, Gassin and Ramatuelle are located on the edge of this mountain range. On the Mediterranean side, you can visit popular villages such as Bormes-les-Mimosas, known for its beautiful flowers and plants, Grimaud, Le Lavandou, Le Rayol, Cavalaire-sur-Mer, St. Tropez and Ste. Maxime, popular seaside resorts on the coast. Roquebrune-sur-Argens is also very beautiful  and famous for its medieval architecture. The town has an old castle and a beautiful view of the surroundings. Collobrières has a nice market square and is called the capital of the chestnut. The village has a museum focussed on chestnuts and in October a chestnut festival is held in the village.

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