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Massif des Maures
Massif des Maures, France (cc)
Photo: civodule
Massif des Maures
Massif des Maures is a succession of heavily forested ridges and hills, arranged like waves of land breaking toward the sea. It lies largely between Hyères to the west and Fréjus-Saint Raphaël on the east, bounded by the valleys of the Gapeau and Argens rivers. Together with the Massif de l’Estérel, it is considered geologically to be some of the oldest land in France.
Though reaching only about 800 m/2,600 feet at its highest point, the massif has a distinctly mountainous atmosphere with sudden drops, winding roads and steep valleys.
Uniquely for Provence, it is densely forested and, despite being ravaged by devastating forest fires from time to time, remains evergreen year-round. Cork oak (which supports a small cork-making industry), holm oak, parasol and Aleppo pines, and holly flourish alongside fragrant sweet chestnut trees, lavender, rosemary, myrtle and heather. The forests of the Maures are among the last refuges of the rare Hermann’s tortoise, a protected species that can live up to 100 years. Wild boars, attracted by acorns and chestnuts, populate the area and are hunted between mid-August and January. There are also hare, badger, fox and deer.
Last updated March 15, 2012
Posted in France | Western Côte d’Azur
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