Nature / Park Sights in Saint-Tropez — 6 of Our Favourites

The forests are composed mainly of cork oak that has been resistant to forest fire thanks to it's thick bark. Some of the trees are hundreds of years old. Another dominant tree in the forests is the chestnut tree, which is still harvested today in villages like Collobrieres.

There are many trails to be enjoyed through the forests, either on foot or by mountain bike. There are also trails for horse riders. Some of the trails afford wonderful views down to the sea, others take you on a adventure through nature to discover fauna and flora. The tourist offices in the villages surrounding the Massif will have trail maps for you to pick up.

Guided walks through the forest are also available throughout the year at the vineyard Chateau Pas du Cerf. These are suitable for the whole family and are from 30 minutes to one hour thirty minutes in length.

You can explore the 20-acre park on foot or by car where you will discover over 110 species of wildlife. Mammals, birds, reptiles, some common, others extremely rare, are there for you to see and experience. There will be something for everyone!

Forming a geographical entity with the Massif des Maures, it is bordered by limestone hills in the north and west. This magnificent landscape is often compared to the African savannah and is unique in France. Parasol pines amid pink sandstone outcrops and sparse cork oak scrubland are set against the blue background of the Massif des Maures. The unusual Permian geomorphology and climatic conditions within the Plaine des Maures have formed a unique collection of ecosystems which are home to a rich array of fauna and flora.

La Plaine des Maures is home to many Hermann's tortoises and is subject of a national action plan to preserve their natural habitat.

There are several trails available for hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders. 

Note that these trails are not overly managed so may be a little rocky or sparse in places. Sign posts are placed at the main junctions. Some trails you may like to explore include:

• Les Vallons des Escarcets: a hike of 6.2km
• La Dernière Plaine Sauvage: a hike of 13.1km
• Les Drailles des Escarcets: a mountain bike trail of 14.2km
• La Ronde des Escarcets: horse ride 17.8km

Discover imposing rocky cliffs and multiple wild coves characterised by the contrast between the red colour of the granite rock and the turquoise blue sea. Easily accessible, they form one of the most remarkable landscape of the Côte d'Azur. Many ancient shipwrecks also lie in the shallow waters near the coast.

You can hike along these impressive formations and enjoy the breathtaking views over the Mediterranean sea, or book a boat trip and take a look at them from the sea. But don't forget your snorkelling gear, you won't be able to resist the turquoise waters.

This wonderful area of natural and rugged landscape offers wonderful panoramic views of the bay of Pampelonne. The wildest of three caps, it's served only by a single track. Its coastal path is less travelled than the other two caps and the forest, consisting mainly of cork oaks and an undergrowth of shrubs, is significantly more dense.

Wildlife

A variety of wildlife can be seen in this area, specifically reptiles such as lizards, snakes and the popular Hermann tortoise (the only native tortoise of France, located in the department of Var, they are an endangered and protected species). You may also be lucky enough to see the beautiful peregrine falcon or the majestic Northern Gannet, if you look to the skies.

The flora 

Since the 2006 fire, the forest is mainly composed of cork oak trees and undergrowth of shrubs such as Arbutus, several stages of evolution. The flower of Arbutus can be seen in the autumn with the white bell shaped bloom. On the coastal edge, meanwhile, you may find stands of Jupiter and Isoetes Durieu, two remarkable plant species that are protected at national level.

The Lighthouse

Located on Cape Camarat, it is in fact the second tallest lighthouse in France, its source light being located at 129.8m above sea level. Commissioned in 1831, electrified in 1946 and automated in 1977, it's remote-controlled from the beacon of Porquerolles. 

The area has been classified under the 1930 Act landscapes since 1995, and is looked after by the Conservatory of Natural Spaces of the Region Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (PACA CEN). Their remit includes; fighting against fire risks (monitoring, restoration of land burned), landscape rehabilitation of the site (removal of utility poles, demolition of a blockhouse and a shed without aesthetic or historical interest etc.) and public awareness (site closure to motorised vehicles and camping etc.).

The protected National Park area covers an area of 14,000 hectares where you can get both guided or self guided tours to learn more about the area. The cliffs and mountains rise steeply from the coast, the deep red colour of the rock comes from Rhyolite, an igneous rock formed in the Paleozoic era. If you decide to take a walk to one of the higher peaks then each has its own attractions, and most have impressive views stretching far out along the coast and across the Mediterranean.

There is a coastal road which follows the southern edge of l'Esterel National Park and could be considered to one of the most scenic coast roads in France. Small coves are formed as the cliffs reach the sea, with more jagged rocks emerging dramatically from the sea.