Massif de L’Esterel

As autumn is now upon us our thoughts turn from summer salads and sunbathing on the beach to comforting stews and walks in the forest. Even though right by the sea, we’re but minutes away from the massif de l’Esterel. It stretches for approximately thirty-two kilometres along the Mediterranean coast, from Mandelieu-la-Napoule to Saint-Raphaël. Known for its stunning red rocks and unique natural beauty, it’s a popular destination for hikers, climbers and nature enthusiasts. As well as many other animals, the Esterel is home to the wild boar which are prolific foragers and, given the opportunity, experts at turning over lawns in search of grubs, insects and roots.

Locals need to make sure their perimeter fences are completely secure. If not, they can open themselves up to a lot of damage and expense. And it’s not just the locals. The vineyard owners need to be cautious too. Boars are opportunistic feeders, and they will eat a wide range of plant material, including grapes. They can cause significant damage by consuming ripe or ripening grapes, leading to a loss of crop yield. Largely due to hunting, the wild boar are nocturnal animals which makes them even more difficult to keep under control. During the hunting season in some of the more rustic restaurants you’ll see daube de sanglier or wild boar stew on the menu.
Bon appetit...