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A Day’s Drive on the Massif des Maures
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Morning
Start in the village of Grimaud and take the D558 up to La Garde Freinet . Continue 7 km (4 miles) before turning left (D75) towards Gonfaron and stop at the Village des Tortues where the rare native Hermann tortoise can be seen (quartier Plaine Open Mar–Nov: 9am– 7pm daily Adm). Take the D39 towards Collobrières . At Col des Fourches head up to Notre-Dame-des-Anges, the Maures’s highest point. There’s a fascinating chapel and outstanding views.
Three km (2 miles) before Collobrières, turn left (D14) to the Chartreuse de la Verne, a 12th-century Carthusian monastery of local stone (quartier Verne Open 11am–5pm Wed– Mon Adm). Then double back to Collobrières. Stop for a drink or lunch at La Petite Fontaine .
Afternoon
Leave towards Pierrefeu, but 2 km (1 mile) later turn left (D41) towards Bormesles-Mimosas. The dramatic drive, between wooded slopes and plunging valleys, takes you over the Col de Babao to the N98. Turn left towards La Mole, but stop at the Arboretum de Gratteloup (N98), a forest garden with 50 tree varieties.
Continue to La Mole, then turn right (D27) to the Col du Canadel and stop at the Domaine du Rayol gardens (see Domaine du Rayol, le Rayol-Canadel). Returning to Grimaud, reward yourself with dinner at Le Côteau Fleuri (pl des Pénitents 04 94 43 20 17 Closed Tue €€).
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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