As my travel buddy Heidi and I set out for the second day of our Mediterranean road trip, we planned to explore the coastal charm and red hills of the Côte d’Azur. Before heading into the hills, our brief stops along the coast allowed me to preview places I wanted to revisit someday. The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the climb into the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel and the landscapes of an unforgettable sunset that followed, seemingly all around us. 

Morning Stops at the Seaside

Our day began with a beachside breakfast in Sanary-sur-Mer. The town’s square, filled with the smells of fresh pastries from a local boulangerie, was a perfect start. The atmosphere and the first hints of sunshine set a cheerful tone for the day.

From Sanary-sur-Mer, we drove through a series of charming coastal towns. We admired the views of Toulon’s historic port, the seashore of Hyères, and the coastal panoramas of Le Lavandou. Each town offered a glimpse of coastal life that would make any visitor wish to explore further.

We stopped the car in La Pradet, where we took a break for lunch—sandwiches from our earlier bakery visit. We intentionally parked near the beach to watch a sailboard class with campers skillfully navigating their boards. The calm, clear waters and the colorful sailboards made for quite a picturesque lunch setting.

The Scenic Drive into the Esterel Massif

Following our map along the last coastal area, we drove towards the Forêt Domaniale de l’Esterel. The transition from the serene coast to the rugged hills was striking. The road gradually climbed into the Esterel Massif, where the landscape transformed dramatically.

The Esterel Massif extends approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) along the French Mediterranean coast between Saint-Raphaël and Mandelieu-la-Napoule. It covers an area of around 320 square kilometers (124 square miles), much of which is protected as part of a regional nature reserve.

With its vivid red rock formations and rugged terrain, the Esterel Massif presented a stunning contrast to the blue of the Mediterranean Sea we had just left behind. As the road wound higher, the views became increasingly surreal. The red cliffs and rocky outcrops seemed to glow in the sunlight, creating an almost otherworldly scene.

To fully appreciate this natural wonder, we parked and ventured out on foot. Heidi, an avid hiker and camper, eagerly climbed rocks and explored trails to find the best views. The rugged beauty of the Esterel Massif, with its fiery red hills and sweeping vistas, was truly mesmerizing. Each turn offered a new perspective, revealing the striking contrast between the red earth and the deep blue sea below.

Sunset Over the Esterel Massif

Timing our drive to catch the sunset was ideal. The light softened as the day began to wind down, casting a golden glow over the hills and the Mediterranean Sea. The sunset was nothing short of magical. The red cliffs of the Esterel Massif, illuminated by the setting sun, seemed to radiate a warm, ethereal light. The sky turned shades of orange and pink, reflecting off the calm waters below, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Watching the sunset from this vantage point was a moment of pure tranquility and awe. The vivid red hills, the sparkling sea, and the colorful sky left us with a glow that lasted until our final stop for the next day—Mougins.

Evening in Mougins

Finding our way in the dark wasn’t the best way to reach our next destination, but catching the sunset was worth it. Mougins is a charming place, night or day. The peaceful ambiance of the hilltop village was the perfect end to a day filled with dramatic landscapes and stunning views.

READ MORE: Picasso and the Artful Village of Mougins: A Côte d’Azur Road Trip Highlight

The Route

Follow the journey:

Chasing Sunsets on the Côte d’Azur: A Journey Along the Coast and Hilltops

Scenic Drives Along the Côte d’Azur: Exploring Route des Crêtes