Leave le Lavandou on the D559 heading west. Turn right on to the D41 to Bormes-les-Mimosas then on to the heart of the Massif up to the Col de Babaou.

The view from here affords spectacular views of the sea, the Îles d'Hyères and the Maures mountains.

The D41 descends towards the Réal Collobrier valley and on (via the D14) to Collobrières.

Collobrières is reputed to have been the first place in France to learn about corkage from the Spanish in the Middle Ages, and cork production is still its major industry.

Continue eastwards on the D14 (signed Grimaud). After 6km a narrow road to the right leads to the Chartreuse de la Verne.

This former Carthusian monastery, founded in 1170 in this desolate forest setting, has been beautifully restored.

Return to the D14, and continue to Grimaud.

Grimaud is one of the most ancient and most picturesque villages perchés in the Maures mountains.

Take the D558 southwards to Cogolin.

Although a busy, working town, Cogolin is well worth visiting for its unusual local crafts

Exit on the N98, up the Môle valley. Turn left into the D27 and wind up the north face of the coastal chain of hills over the Col du Canadel.

The panorama from this pass embraces the Corniche des Maures and the distant Îles d'Hyères.

Turn right on to the forest road to Col de Caguo-Ven. Return to le Lavandou via Bormes-les-Mimosas.