Escape to the Estérel Calanques

At the foot of the Estérel massif, the calanques of Saint-Raphaël shape a jagged, almost secret coastline that the road only half-reveals. Red cliffs, porphyry, sun-scorched maquis: everything here takes on an almost volcanic colour.

The place

The Estérel massif, 250 million years old, drops into the sea between Saint-Raphaël and Cap Dramont. Coves such as Le Trayas, Anthéor, Cap Roux or the Calanque d'Aurelle: each stop has its identity, between red rocks, dark water and maritime pines that run down to the sea.

How the day unfolds

• Departure from the old port of Saint-Raphaël or from Agay.
• Slow cruise along Cap Dramont and Cap Roux.
• Anchorage in a sheltered calanque, depending on the day's wind.
• Swimming in water cooler than on the classic Côte d'Azur, perfect for hot summer days.
• Lunch on board facing the red cliffs, in an almost mineral light.
• Return at the end of the afternoon, ideally before the thermal breeze strengthens.

What you take home

The memory of a more secret, more mineral Riviera, where red rock meets blue sea. The feeling of having discovered a face of the French Riviera few visitors suspect.