The Massif des Maures
Beyond its coastline, Sainte-Maxime offers marvellous possibilities for walks in the middle of nature !
Geographic location
Located entirely in the Var department, the Massif des Maures is situated between Hyères and Fréjus, over a distance of just over 60km and its highest point, the Sauvette signal, reaches 780m. Sainte-Maxime lies between the crests of this massif, which is full of beautiful surprises, and the Mediterranean coastline.
As you walk along...
This densely wooded area allows you to discover exceptional fauna and flora along the paths.
It will not be difficult for you to recognise the king of the Maures, the cork oak, which populates most of this forest area along with the holm oaks. Among the many varieties of chestnut and pine trees, many protected and rare species line the paths throughout the seasons. From April to June, in all sectors of the Maures, the walk is an enchantment. It is not uncommon to come across the bright and fragrant broom, the famous lavender of the Maures, which is very different from its cousin in the Haut-Var, the immortelle, the asphodel, the narcissus, or the cistus, with its delicate pink or white flowers. At the end of the summer, the heathers brighten up the brown schist of the crests with their mauve hues.
There are also many chestnut and pine trees in the area.
Keep your eyes open, as you round a bend in the road, you may come across a strawberry tree, with its tasty fruit, and even holly !
What animals can you meet ?
This magnificent flora that delights your senses is home to our animal friends, owners of these magnificent lands that make us envious !
Who are they anyway ?
It is not uncommon during one of your walks to meet the wild boar of course ! They live in herds, often of a good dozen individuals, in the deep thickets, where they turn over the humus in search of acorns and roots. And then there are those who are more discreet but who are nonetheless very present, such as badgers, martens, genets, squirrels, and sometimes even a hare can be seen ! At night, several species of bats come out of their holes.
The closer summer gets, the more likely you are to encounter some beautiful reptiles. Most of them are protected species, such as the famous Hermann’s turtle (which you should never take into your garden !), the orvet, lizards whose populations have decreased a lot in recent years, or even some species of snakes. They can be seen on the path, as immobile as a stick, because, in open country, the danger comes from above, where birds of prey, also protected, are prowling. Diurnal birds of prey such as the magnificent Short-toed Eagle or nocturnal birds of prey such as the little owl, the tawny owl or the eagle owl, whose melancholy call accompanies you in the evening on your way home.
Get your bearings !
To help you find your way around and choose your walk, here is a map showing the network of footpaths and discovery trails in the communes of the Golfe de Saint-Tropez. Various paths exist, for all tastes and all levels, to be walked with your family, alone or with friends !
