Mountain Bike Trail through the Esterel hills from Théoule-sur-Mer
Route Overview
This bike ride loops out from Théoule-sur-Mer, a coastal resort on the eastern edge of the Esterel mountain range just across the bay from Cannes. The high red-ochre cliffs dominate the Mediterranean sea and the red earth, blue sea combo provides a pretty special backdrop to this leisurely bike ride. The rocks plunging into the sea form a rugged coastline of rocky inlets, and small hidden coves, perfect for a dip after your cycle.
Theoule-sur-Mer: Just look at that sea!
The Rocher des Monges (Monges Rock) is the central point of the circuit which climbs to 300 m. The rock is testament to the volcanic beginnings of this range and the scenery is made up of lava formations sculpted by erosion over the years, lots of caves, and unexpected lunar landscapes. The entire route takes place on wide tracks and provides beginner bikers with a great loop through gorgeous scenery.
This trail will provide a glimpse of what the Massif de l’Esterel has to offer cyclists. With hundreds of miles of cycle trails to explore through 32 hectares of forest, this area is a mountain bikers’ paradise.
Elevation Profile - click to enlarge
The Route
From Théoule-sur-Mer (10 m), follow the sea road towards Fréjus for a few hundred meters, turn right onto a small, steep road and climb to the cemetery (look out for the sign for the “piste des Saoumes”).
Head past the cemetary, and once you reach a cluster of houses, join the piste des Saoumes trail (there’s an access gate you’ll need to go through), which undulates and leads to the col de Théoule-sur-Mer (123 m). Enjoy the view!
Take the track uphill to the col du Trayas (235 m), you are now at the base of the Rocher des Monges. The Monges trail skirts the summit in a westerly direction (192 m).
Branch off to the right and head back down to Théoule-sur-Mer on the miners track, then on a narrow road which takes under the railway and back to your starting point.
GPS Download (GPX File) Google Earth Download (KML File)[/su_box]Alternative Route
Cycle around the summit of the Grosses Grues (441 m) from the col du Trayas (235 m).
Follow the Three Passes (Trois Cols) trail to the Cadière (241 m), then cycle back up on the road to the col de Notre-Dame (324 m) and head down the Grues trail which takes you back to the col de Trayas.
Trails winding up from Theoule-sur-Mer
Route Notes
- Departure point: Théoule-sur-Mer
- Altitude at trail start: 10 m
- Length: 11 km
- Climb: 300 m
- Descent: 300 m
- Duration: 2:00 hours
- Difficulty: easy
- Best time to ride: year round
Getting There
From Cannes, head west along the coast road (RD 6098, Bd du Midi) past Mandelieu and on to Théoule-sur-Mer, the starting point of the bike ride.
From the A8 take the Mandelieu exit (exit 40) and follow signs to Mandelieu and on to Théoule-sur-Mer.
You can get to Theoule-sur-Mer by train: You need to catch the T.E.R “Les Arcs-Nice-Vintimille” train.
