Sunday was our last 42 km Trail before the Atacama Crossing (250 km in the Atacama desert). We went to the Esterel Massif, a few kilometers West of Cannes, one of the few places not covered with snow. This massif covers an area of 320 km², which is perfect for Trail running and mountain biking.
We started by the sea in Théoule-Sur-Mer and made a loop around Pic d’Aurelle, Pic de l’Ours, lac de l’Ecureuil, Col du baladou, Les Suivières and Les Grosses Grues. As often in Esterel we got lost a few times, adding 4 km to the initial plan but enjoyed the trail anyway.
Philippe close to the Lake of Ecureuil (© Anna Gatta)
Distance: 38 km, ascent: 1550 m / descent: 1550 m.
Anna on the beach of Theoule (© Philippe Gatta)
Description: start Théoule-Sur-Mer, run along the beach toward the Pointe de l’Aiguille, climb on the Trail to the top (156m) and follow the trail going to Notre Dame d’Afrique. Then continue to the Col de Théoule, Col du Trayas, Col Notre Dame, Ravin de Cazal de Boeuf. Turn around Pic d’Aurelle, Col des Lenstiques, climb to Pic de l’Ours.
Descend to Lake Ecureuil, then follow the GR 51 to Col du Baladou and follow the trail to Baisse de Mathieu, Col des Suvières, Baisse Violette, Baisse des Pourraques, Col des Trois Fermes, Col de la Cadière, Col du Trayas and back to Théoule.
Close to pointe de l’Aiguille (© Philippe Gatta)
GPS Route: download GPX route
Cap de la Croisette and Iles de Lerins (© Philippe Gatta)
Descent toward Trayas (© Philippe Gatta)
View over Cannes from Pic de l’Ours (© Philippe Gatta)