Le Parcours Cyclable du Littoral Varois – V65 / Stage 2: Hyères > Port Grimaud

The Parcours Cyclable du Littoral Varois (Var Coastal Cycling Trail) first winds along the Hyères roadstead, skirting the salt marshes, before climbing northeast towards the Massif des Maures. The plant cover provides welcome shade and the scent of pine trees throughout this cycling stage. After La Londe les Maures, the slope gradually reverses on an exhilarating descent to Le Lavandou, where the old Toulon-St-Raphaël railroad line runs again. Like a balcony suspended between the sea, the D559 and the Massif, the route winds its way between the rocks, offering grandiose glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea and its coves. After Cavalaire-sur-Mer, in the heart of a pine forest, a gentle climb to La Croix-Valmer takes us to the top of the massif before descending to the lakeside town of Port-Grimaud.

Itinerary
Follow the Parcours Cyclable du Littoral Varois (Var Coastal Cycling Trail), most of which runs along the former Toulon-St Raphaël railroad line. Road improvements underway at the port of Hyères (D42).
At the mouth of the Gapeau river, turn left towards La Londe les Maures on a temporary bypass of Les Salins. Cycle along the busy D559A. After the D559A / D12 traffic circle, you'll find the PCL and an attractive cycle path.
From the port of Le Lavandou, cycle along the former Train des Pignes right-of-way (another name for the old railway line), with narrow passages and sometimes unpaved surfaces. On leaving Cavalaire-sur-Mer, the route leaves the cycle path and climbs towards Croix Valmer.
Between Croix Valmer and Port Cogolin: take care on the cycle path along the D559, where continuity is broken and vehicles leave the path at the Gassin garage, then 200m further on, root growth and deteriorated asphalt.
Caution: the cycle path comes to an abrupt halt at the traffic-light junction with the D98 and D98A; continue straight ahead before taking the first exit on the right at Port Cogolin.

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