Cycling along the Corniche des Maures
The Var is a beautiful area with almost year-round sunshine, so it’s the ideal place to enjoy nature and the diversity of its landscapes. If you’re interested in walking and cycling, here are details of the Corniche des Maures circuit.
Departure from Cogolin on the Corniche des Maures circuit
Set off from Cogolin, a picturesque village in the Var. Drive along the serpentine porches, around the Horloge à Pont, past the carpet factory and the briar pipe factory.
Then, to the west, take Route Nationale 98 and pass the Château de Tremouriès, which is located after the 11th-century Château de la Môle and near the airfield. This magnificent historic property once belonged to Saint-Exupéry. From here, turn left towards the D27 and climb the Col du Canadel, which is almost 267 metres high.
From Col de Canadel to Lavandou(15 km)
From your last stop, climb to the right and marvel at the exceptional panorama offered by the Mercantour and Haut Var peaks. After about 372 metres, pass the Col de Barral and continue along the ridge to the right. From here, the panorama of the Maures coast and the Hyères islands is just as exceptional.
Then descend to the Landon pass at around 380 metres, and the Caguo-Ven pass at 220 metres. Along these passes, enjoy the Femme-Morte ravine and the diving site at Bormes, the medieval village and the ruins of the 13th-century château.
Then turn left at the entrance to Le Pin de Bormes and join the D559 at La Ravelle. From here, prepare to follow another 36-kilometer circuit. Remember to rest a little before continuing your journey.
From Lavandou to Cavalaire sur Mer
After La Ravelle, turn left into Le Lavandou, a seaside resort and fishing port. Pass through the village, which is made up of small seaside resorts beginning on the Corniche des Maures. Then cross Saint-Clair, La Fossette, Cavalière and finally Pramousquier, a memorial to the African commandos.
Climb to the top of the belvedere du Dattier to rise to Canadel and Rayol. At the summit, you can enjoy another kind of exceptionally beautiful and authentic panorama of the Maures coast.
From Cavalaire-sur-Mer to La Croix Valmer
Cavalaire-sur-Mer is another seaside resort, home to the remains of the château destroyed in 1946. Drive along the beach, popular for the American landing on August 15, 1944. Then climb the ramp through the vast vineyards of La Croix-Valmer.
From La Croix Valmer to St Tropez
Then turn right via the 1393. Rise gradually towards the Col de la Baie de Cavalaire and plunge into the Ramatuelle plain. Here you’ll find a cooperative winery.
From here, turn right onto the D93, which runs parallel to the beautiful Pampelonne beach. You’ll come to the Château de Pampelonne.
After the Château de Sainte-Anne, turn right along the Chemin Communal and pass the 13th-century Chapelle Sainte-Anne to enter Saint-Tropez.
From Saint Tropez to Cogolin
Saint-Tropez is a very popular old town. Here you’ll find many historic monuments, including the “Corsaires” house, a 16th-century citadel, the 17th-century Château de Suffren, the Musée de l’Annonciate, the Musée Naval and the Place pour la Fête de la Bravade.
Then take the D38 to the Four crossroads. You can make the 3.5-kilometer round trip to Port-Grimaud, a Venetian-style lakeside residential complex.
Finally, cross the crossroads and take the N98 to Cogolin. Your tour is now complete. Guides are available on site if you’d like more information about this beautiful circuit, where you can relax, enjoy a change of scenery and reinforce your general knowledge.