Le Parcours Cyclable du Littoral Varois – V65 / Etape 4 : Fréjus > Montauroux

The cycle route takes a distinctly adventurous turn through the Esterel Massif, to go from the Var department to the Alpes-Maritimes. After leaving Fréjus and passing along the Reyran via the Chemin de la Vallée Rose, you cycle through the Fréjus communal forest and towards the Malpasset dam memorial site. To climb up to Lake St-Cassien, the road gradually disappears into a track, sometimes quite steep, where gravel is strongly recommended. Initially intended for the production of hydroelectric energy, this body of water stands out as a beautiful leisure area in an exceptional natural setting. Swimming is even possible on the beach in the commune of Tanneron. A welcome refreshing break before returning to the Mediterranean by bike in Montauroux.

The itinerary
No signage from Fréjus to Montauroux where you can find the one for La Méditerranée à vélo – EuroVelo 8. Undeveloped section, reserved for adventurers. Not suitable for families. Given the nature of the surface, passable tracks and paths, it is strongly recommended to have a suitable bike: touring bike with studded tires (min. 650×32), gravel (min. 700×35) or mountain bike.

From the Sainte Léonce Cathedral in Fréjus, take Rue Desaugiers (one-way), then Rue Reynaude until the intersection with Rue du Dr. Turcan. Turn left on the latter, then straight on, pass two roundabouts to continue on Rue Gustave Bret until the next roundabout. Take the 4th exit here, Av. de l'Agachon. After 250 m, turn right to take Chemin de la Vallée Rose along the Reyran.

After 3 km along the Reyran River, as it is impossible to pass under the road bridge, take the path on the right across the field to follow the road at the foot of the embankment. Exit to access the road just before the roundabout, then take the 2nd exit and immediately turn left onto the D37 towards Route de Malpasset.

Continue to the Malpasset site, passing under the motorway and climbing a DFCI (Ambon track). At the top, leave the Ambon track to take the Malpasset road, which you leave at a fork after about 3 km of a stony track. Take the descending path on the right which brings you back to the asphalt D37. On the D37, continue for 1 km before turning left onto the passable road (DFCI G30) which takes you along the right bank of Lake St-Cassien.

Warning, very technical passages: stones, roots, many depressions. After 5 km, you find the surfaced path of Fonduranne which you must take until the roundabout of the D562. Cross opposite to find after 300m the markings of the Mediterranean by bike – EuroVelo 8.

To know
DFCI (Forest Fire Defense Paths) access is regulated during periods of drought, from June to September, and in high winds (mistral). They may be closed to all traffic. Check the day before you set off by bike, information is updated every day at 17:00 p.m.!