Wandio

Embark on the invigorating coastal hike along the Chemin des Douaniers, part of the GR51 trail that undulates atop the cliffs west of Cannes. The sun beats gently on your back while the scent of pine and salty sea breeze fills the air. Each twist and turn unveils spectacular panoramas: the shimmering Mediterranean below, the jagged rocks drenched in sunlight, and the distant outline of the Îles de Lérins beckoning across the water. Along the path, hidden beaches with turquoise inlets tempt you to pause and dip into refreshing sea waves. The rugged terrain and untamed beauty of the trail invite you to connect deeply with nature and ignite your sense of adventure under the bright August sky.

After the coastal challenge, descend to Cannes’ Vieux Port where a short ferry ride whisks you across placid, crystal-clear waters to the Îles de Lérins archipelago. Upon reaching Saint-Honorat Island, a quiet sanctuary encircled by fragrant pine woods, you’ll explore the atmospheric Abbaye de Lérins. Wander ancient stone cloisters and chapels steeped in centuries of monastic history, all the while soaking in the peaceful ambiance that perfectly contrasts the lively coastline you left behind. The island’s secluded coves invite you to snorkel into warm, transparent waters, where vibrant marine life dances beneath the surface. As the afternoon wanes, savor a moment on a rocky outcrop, watching sunlight shimmer on sapphire waves, a truly intimate communion with the Mediterranean’s wild soul.

Begin your morning at the foot of the Massif de l’Esterel, a rugged red-rock mountain range whose valleys and ridges carve an extraordinary landscape so unique on the French Riviera. Lace up your hiking boots and dive into trails that wind among volcanic rock faces glowing deep orange under the morning sun, offering an authentic adventure in a landscape unlike any other. As you ascend, the scent of eucalyptus and pine fills the air, and the panoramic views expand — the endless swathe of blue Mediterranean below, Cannes’s beaches shimmering afar, and the sun-kissed coastline stretching east and west in an unbroken coastline. Every viewpoint offers a perfect pause to breathe in adventure and snap mesmerizing photos of unspoiled nature.

After the hike, fuel your adrenaline further by renting a motorbike or quad bike from Esterel Adventure Rentals, a specialist outfitter based in Cannes. Navigating the Esterel’s winding mountain roads and forest trails behind the wheel thrillingly connects you to the wild terrain, each turn revealing new bursts of red cliffs and Mediterranean sea glimpses beneath. Feel the rush of wind mingling with the scent of wild herbs and salt air as you explore hidden groves and panoramic overlooks at your own pace, savoring the freedom of rugged exploration on August’s warm, sunny days. The rental team provides expert advice and route suggestions tailored to your adventure appetite, ensuring an exciting yet safe experience.

To close your thrilling day, head east by taxi to the quaint village of Théoule-sur-Mer, perched on the coast below the Esterel. Its quiet shoreline, colorful houses, and friendly cafés create an inviting escape where the fading sunlight turns the sea into liquid gold. Stroll hand in hand along the harbor promenade or relax on a rocky viewpoint facing Cannes bay, where the setting sun melts into the horizon in a blaze of apricot and magenta hues. This serene and intimate moment, framed by powdery skies and peaceful waters, offers a romantic counterpoint to the day’s high adventure, weaving a perfect closing memory of your Cannes journey.