Mont Vinaigre, at 618 m, is the highest summit of the Esterel massif and offers some of the widest views of the French Riviera. A loop of roughly 8 km follows forest tracks through cork oak and pine to a stone lookout tower and summit viewpoint with views over the Gulf of Fréjus, Cap Roux, the Lérins Islands and the Alps. The climb is steady with a total ascent of around 350 m, taking 3 to 4 hours. The track is wide and mostly stable, making it more approachable than the Cap Roux route, but there is little shade and it can be windy at the top. As across the massif, access is regulated in summer for wildfire prevention.
| Distance | About 8 km loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 to 4 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | By car from Cannes via the A8 and local roads to the trailhead; no regular bus |
| Best season | October-May |
| Address | Col Notre-Dame, Esterel massif, France |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Esterel massif, between Cannes and Fréjus
- Trail type
- loop
- Terrain
- forest track and rock
What to bring
Hiking shoes, 1.5 litres of water, windproof jacket, sun hat
Location
Col Notre-Dame, Esterel massif, France
43.4785, 6.8650 View on map
Highlights
- Highest summit in the Esterel
- Lookout tower with 360-degree views
- Wide forest tracks
- Views to the Lérins Islands on clear days
Tips for visiting
- Check the prefecture fire-risk access map before setting out
- Take a windproof layer, as the summit is exposed
- Bring a paper or offline map, as phone signal is patchy
When to visit
October to May. Summer access is limited on fire-risk days.
Accessibility
Not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers; the track is uneven in places.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How hard is the ascent?
Moderate; the climb is steady rather than steep and suits regular walkers.
Can I reach the summit by car?
No, the last section is on foot; vehicles stop at the trailhead.