The walk (or hike) on Wednesday, 20^th November, took us to the Massif de l’Esterel, specifically to the Col de Belle Barbe & from thereto a circuit of some 12 km & 300 feet denivelé (I am not aware of an exact equivalent in English, although you would think there must be one). 

The day was sunny & bright, but with a wind between bracing & violent, becoming more towards the latter as the day progressed. L’Esterel is a gem, so close to the hectic activity of the Riviera, but a world apart: ancient warm red outcrops of rock, luminous today in the low winter sun, & generally verdant but not densely forested. Numerous greater & lesser summits are joined by cols, & separated by deep, steep valleys with rivers, calm & innocent today but nevertheless showing impressive evidence of recent downpours.

We are so fortunate that all this is on our doorstep, & the members of our small group thoroughly enjoyed their day.

Avec l'aimable collaboration de HOWARD