Best Hiking Areas in Cannes, France

Cannes, famously known for its glamorous Film Festival and luxurious Riviera lifestyle, offers more than just beaches and yachts. If you’re a nature lover or an avid hiker, Cannes has some stunning trails waiting for you! Here are some of the best hiking areas to explore:

1. Massif de l’Esterel

The Esterel Massif is a unique red-rock range that stretches along the Mediterranean coast from Cannes to Saint-Raphaël. Its distinctive color comes from the iron oxide found in its volcanic rocks. The massif offers various hiking trails with stunning views over the sea and the surrounding landscape.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult (Depends on the trail chosen)
• Recommended Trails: “Sentier du Littoral” (Coastal Trail), “Balcon du Sud” (Southern Balcony), and “Sentier des Crêtes” (Crests Trail)

2. Iles de Lérins

The Lérins Islands, just a short boat ride from Cannes, offer peaceful hiking trails through their wooded interior, historical sites, and breathtaking views of the azure sea.

• Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
• Recommended Trail: Circuit des Sentiers (Circuit of Trails) on Île Saint-Marguerite

3. Gorges du Verdon

While not located in Cannes, the Gorges du Verdon (or the “Grand Canyon of Europe”) is a must-visit for any hiker in the region. The deepest canyon in Europe offers various trails with breathtaking views and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

• Difficulty Level: Varies greatly depending on the trail chosen
• Recommended Trails: “Sentier des Douanes” (Customs Trail), “Balcon du Verdon”, and “Sentier de la Tête du Château”

4. Massif de la Sainte-Baume

Located south of Cannes, the Massif de la Sainte-Baume is a beautiful limestone massif with numerous hiking trails and historical sites related to Mary Magdalene, who is said to have lived there.

• Difficulty Level: Varies greatly depending on the trail chosen
• Recommended Trails: “Circuit de la Sainte-Baume”, “Sentier du Cap Canaille”, and “Sentier des Trois Collines” (Three Hills Trail)