The Park of San Peyre Mandelieu

Do you know the Parc de San Peyre?
Located in the 18-hectare departmental park, it's a magnificent walk with breathtaking views.
Contents
- Parc de San Peyre, its origins and flora
- The Mont, Parc de San Peyre or Sacred Mountain trail
- Why are there ruins on the summit?
- Our tip for San Peyre Park

The Park of San Peyre

This 18-hectare departmental park is located in the commune of Mandelieu La Napoule.
It is the result of successive layers of lava from the Maure-Vieille volcano when it was still active.
Today, the area is a typical Mediterranean landscape of cork oak, arbutus and mimosa.
Through the maquis (heather, cyst, thyme, etc.), you can gain height and observe breathtaking panoramic views.

Did you know?
Although Mandelieu la Napoule is the international capital of mimosas, this tree is not native to the Côte d'Azur, but to Australia.
It was explorer James Cook who, between 1768 and 1779, brought back seeds from his various voyages.

The Mount, the Park of San Peyre or the Sacred Mountain

The highest point of the Mandelieu park is 131 meters above sea level.
It is easily reached by a 3400-meter-long footpath.
The climb is easy and the walk is suitable for all ages.

This botanical trail introduces you to the plants, trees and shrubs of the area.
It takes you to the summit, where the ruins of a fortress await you.
The San Peyre Park trail ends with a spectacular 360° view.

Credit: © Christian Retaggi

To help you find your way around, an orientation table shows you the positions of :

- Mercantour mountains,
- the mountains of the Estérel Massif
- the Lérins islands, including Saint Honorat and Sainte Marguerite island.
- To complete the picture, take a look at the interior gardens of the Château de la Napoule, just below the mountain.

Do you know it?
It was during an encounter with a hermit who lived in the chapel at the top of the mountain that Guy de Maupassant had the idea of writing his short story "L'Ermite".
The book appeared in Gil Blas in 1886. Some time later, San Peyre was renamed "La montagne sacrée".

Why are there ruins on the summit?

In Phoenician and later Celto Ligurian times, the Parc de San Peyre served as a "watchtower".
This enabled them to observe the gulf and anticipate possible attacks.
Later, the Romans built a temple to Mercury.

Camille Moirenc / OTC Mandelieu

However, the remains of today's keep and surrounding walls owe their existence to the lord of Villeneuve.
This lord built his castle and a chapel dedicated to Saint-Pierre in 1182.

Did you know?
San Peyre takes its name from this ancient chapel dedicated to Saint-Pierre (San Peyre)!

Our little advice for the park of San Peyre

Don't hesitate to picnic under the oak trees.
In summer, the weather is pleasant and tables are available just outside the parking lot.
All you need to do is respect the rules imposed by San Peyre Park.

And if, after discovering the mountain, you feel like exploring the area.
We recommend you take the coastal path from the Château de la Napoule to the Port de la Rague in Théoule sur Mer.
It takes just 30 minutes to link the two places.

Credit © Camille Moirenc / OTC Mandelieu

For further information, please contact the Mandelieu Tourist Office team:
Location : Exhibition and Convention Center
Address: 806 Av. de Cannes, 06210 Mandelieu-la-Napoule
It opens at 9:30 a.m.!
Phone number: 04 93 64 64
If you'd like to discover their website, click here 🙂