Gorges de Blavet & Lac de l'Écureuil
Just 20 km north of Fréjus, the Gorges de Blavet cut through the Estérel massif in a series of red porphyry cliffs, natural rock pools and fragrant pine forest. The marked trail from the Lac de l'Écureuil car park is one of the finest half-day hikes in the Var — and on weekdays in shoulder season you may have the whole gorge to yourself.
The Hike Through the Gorge
The main circuit (PR12, marked in yellow) is 8.5 km with around 200 m of ascent — manageable for reasonably fit walkers. The path follows the Blavet stream, crossing it on stepping stones several times, before climbing to a ridge with views over the Siagnole valley and the distant sea.
The red and orange porphyry rock is the same volcanic stone that gives the Estérel its famous Martian palette. It's particularly photogenic in the two hours after sunrise when the low light turns it almost blood-orange against the green maquis.
Swimming and Picnicking
Several natural pools along the Blavet stream are deep enough to swim in from late May to September — the water is clear and refreshingly cool even in August. The most popular pool is about 2 km from the trailhead, marked with a small cairn on the left bank.
Pack a full picnic: there are no facilities on the trail. The flat rocks beside the pools make perfect lunch spots, and the shade of the Aleppo pines keeps the temperature bearable even at midday.
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