Anthéor is one of the must-see of the Corniche d'Or, this mythical route in the south of France. Its many coves and rocky inlets make it an ideal place for swimmers who wish to isolate themselves from the beaches frequented during the summer. And of course, we do not miss a stop at the foot of its imposing viaduct, an exceptional testimony of the past.
Between land and sea, the Anthéor district stands out in a sumptuous setting. It is crossed by the Corniche d'Or, recognized as one of the most beautiful roads in France - which links Saint-Raphaël to Mandelieu-la-Napoule and follows the coastal design. This magnificent road allows you to see the vertiginous cliffs that border the district, but also being at the foot of its impressive viaduct.
The Esterel massif overlooks the town. It dates back to 255 million years, therefore it is one of the oldest massifs in France. The Pic du Cap Roux (453 metres above the sea level) is the closest to Anthéor, and you can start the hike to get to the observation table from Anthéor.
The Anthéor viaduct, an arched railway bridge, linked the East Var to the County of Nice from 1862. The work undertaken, which was very substantial for the time, lasted 2 years. Today, we can observe the 9 arches that support the bridge at a height of 25 metres above the road.
During the Second World War, the viaduct was bombed on several occasions, which damaged it without ever destroying it completely. It was destroyed by the Allies during the Landing of Provence.
Differences can also be observed between certain pillars, which were destroyed and rebuilt at different times. A commemorative plaque the landing is now placed on the third pillar, praising the courage and merit of the 1st Battalion of the 141st Regiment of the 36th Infantry Division of the U.S Army, landed at Anthéor on the 15th of August in 1944.
Alain Dubreuil, resident of Anthéor and et founding president of the Association "Anthéor Hier et Aujourd'hui", provides us a great overview of Antheor's history in his book "Mémoire du Viaduc d'Anthéor 1859 - 2019" (memories of Antheor).
Through 145 pages, discover many anecdotes and stories about the life of this neighbourhood since 1859. For exemple, did you know that more than 11 attemtps to destroy the viaduc took place since the WWII?
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The Pays de Fayence (Fayence district) has many great provencal villages. All of them have a particularity such as the view from Mons or the artistic streets of Tourrettes. Do no forget to stop in Seillans that has the label of "Most beautiful village in France"
North of the A8 motorway, you will find the Pays de Fayence. Saint-Cassien lake, a real oasis of freshness in the Var, awaits you! Take a break at the Lake House before visiting the villages of Bagnols-en-Forêt, St-Paul-en-Forêt or Tanneron.
The city of Roquebrune-sur-Argens is the most westerly of the destination. It includes three districts: La Bouverie, at the foot of Gorges du Blavet; The village, overlooked by its magnificent rock, and Les Issambres, with its nautical activities by the sea.
Les Adrets de l'Estérel is a small town located at the extreme southeastern Var. Bordering the Maritimes Alpes, it is composed of large green forests. The town overlooks the bay of Cannes and has an exceptional view on the Lérins Islands and the Corniche de l'Estérel.
Puget sur Argens is a small village located in the middle of many wineries. Its commercial area, near the village, includes many shopping center. North of the village, the Bois du Defens give rise to several walks.
Welcome to Les Issambres, the district of Roquebrune-sur-Argens located on the coast. True paradise with its 8 km of beaches and creeks, this family seaside resort, already frequented at the time by the Romans, is located between the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and Fréjus-Saint Raphaël.
Frejus, located halfway between Cannes and Saint-Tropez, is at the heart of the Côte d'Azur. Based on a sandstone buttress of the Esterel massif, the town dominates the valleys of Argens and Reyran. Frejus has the appearance of a small Provencal town whose new districts extend to the sea.
65km from Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport, Saint-Raphaël is located between Cannes and Saint-Tropez. This seaside resort on the Mediterranean coast is at the bottom of the great Esterel mountains. Saint Raphael, whose city center is by the sea, is divided into different neighborhoods that have all their characteristics and their personalities.
