After a mixed spring and a slow-starting summer, we all crave one thing: the sun! And what better way to enjoy it than by exploring the south of France and its beautiful landscapes? This summer, head to the French Riviera to discover its treasures, all by bike to breathe in the fresh air and soak up the sun’s rays.
It’s a dream destination for cyclists. On the agenda: breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, and a Mediterranean climate. All of this can be discovered through the various cycle paths of the French Riviera. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you’ll find the perfect route for you!
To help you out, here are 11 must-see cycle paths and routes to explore the French Riviera by bike, whether for short rides or long journeys.
Beginner Cycle Paths on the French Riviera #
1. The Coastal Path in Antibes #
Distance: 5 km
Elevation: Flat
This path is perfect for beginners. It starts at Cap d’Antibes and follows the coast to Garoupe Beach. The route is short but offers spectacular views of the sea and cliffs. You’ll pass by the Billionaires’ Bay, the Eilen Roc villa, and Cap Gros. And if you want to enjoy the scenery even more, you can easily extend the trip by following the beach from Golfe Juan.
2. The Promenade des Anglais in Nice #
Distance: 7 km
Elevation: Flat
How could we not mention this famous promenade when suggesting the best cycle paths on the French Riviera? Continue your cycling adventure smoothly with the famous Promenade des Anglais in Nice. This must-see cycle path on the French Riviera runs along the sea and offers a stunning view of the Mediterranean. Ideal for a leisurely family ride.
3. The Valmasque Park in Mougins #
Distance: 10 km
Elevation: Flat
Located a bit inland, near Antibes, Valmasque Park offers an easy and pleasant cycle path. Head to Mougins to pedal through pine forests and meadows. The cycle path is well-maintained and offers picnic areas and playgrounds for children. For a family outing, this cycle path is ideal.
Intermediate Cycle Paths on the French Riviera #
4. The Route des Crêtes in Cassis #
Distance: 34 km
Elevation: Moderate
The Route des Crêtes connects Cassis to La Ciotat and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the cliffs and the sea. The route includes some climbs, but the beauty of the landscape is well worth the effort! Be sure to stop at the Cap Canaille viewpoint, one of the highest maritime cliffs in Europe.
5. The Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park #
Distance: 12 km
Elevation: Moderate
The Sainte-Baume Regional Natural Park offers an exceptional cycle path in the heart of the French Riviera, through varied landscapes of forests, scrublands, and mountains. The most popular route starts in Gémenos and gently climbs to Plan-d’Aups-Sainte-Baume.
But here, you don’t have to follow the itinerary: the park is large and offers many different routes. The views of the mountains and surrounding valleys are magnificent, and you have the opportunity to discover historical sites like the cave of Saint Mary Magdalene.
6. The Corniche d’Or #
Distance: 31 km
Elevation: Moderate
The Corniche d’Or, between Saint-Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer, is a spectacular road along the coast. The red cliffs contrast beautifully with the blue sea. It’s a perfect route for intermediate cyclists looking for stunning landscapes and small climbs.
You can easily continue to Cannes to extend the pleasure, or increase the level by following the loop of the route. However, count on almost 60 km of cycling for either of these options!
Advanced Cycle Paths on the French Riviera #
7. The Col de la Madone de Gorbio #
Distance: 27 km round trip
Elevation: High
Known to be one of the favorite routes of professional cyclists, the Col de la Madone offers a significant challenge with difficult climbs and technical descents. The start is in Menton, and the route climbs up to 927 meters in altitude, offering spectacular views of the sea and mountains. Plan for breaks to appreciate the panoramas.
8. The Route Napoléon from Cannes to Grasse #
Distance: 16.5 km
Elevation: High
This historic route follows the path taken by Napoleon in 1815. The complete route leaves the French Riviera to go to Grenoble. The route is demanding with many climbs, but it offers a unique experience through varied landscapes and picturesque villages. And the town of Grasse, famous for its perfumeries, is well worth a visit!
9. Mont Faron in Toulon #
Distance: 15 km round trip
Elevation: Very High
Mont Faron is a formidable ascent that offers a panoramic view of Toulon and the Mediterranean Sea. The route is short but very intense, with steep slopes that will challenge even the most seasoned cyclists.
Cycle Paths on the French Riviera for Multi-Day Trips #
10. The Coastal Cycle Path in the Var #
Distance: 92 km
Elevation: Moderate
Still under construction today, this cycle path is a must-see on the French Riviera. Once completed, its 120 km will connect Saint-Raphaël to Six-Fours. For now, 92 km of the path are already accessible by bike, allowing you to travel along the Mediterranean. You’ll pass by beautiful beaches and charming small villages, perfect for exploring the Var department over a few days.
11. The Mediterranean by Bike: from Nice to Marseille #
Distance: 300 km
Elevation: Moderate to High
This route follows the Mediterranean coast, offering spectacular views and stops in iconic cities like Cannes, Saint-Tropez, and Toulon. It’s an excellent choice for a multi-day trip, with various accommodation options and many cultural and natural points of interest to discover along the way.
On this gigantic cycle path of the French Riviera, the Nice-Sanary-sur-Mer section is marked. It is part of the Coastal Cycle Route, a route appreciated by tourists. Don’t hesitate to plan stops to explore local markets, beaches, and historical sites along your journey!
Setting Out on the Cycle Paths of the French Riviera: Tips for Adventurers #
Essential Equipment #
- Bike in good condition: Check the brakes, tires, and gears before setting off.
- Helmet: Essential for safety.
- Appropriate clothing: Wear comfortable and breathable clothing. Consider extra layers if you’re riding early in the morning or in the evening.
- Gloves and glasses: To protect your hands and eyes.
- Saddlebag or backpack: To carry your personal belongings, water, and snacks.
- Repair tools: Pump, spare inner tubes, and a repair kit for punctures.
The Invoxia Bike Tracker for Peace of Mind Throughout Your Trip #
Imagine: you’re setting off on the beautiful cycle paths of the French Riviera, your bike ready to roll for miles… only to have it stolen. You have no way to find it, and your vacation is ruined.
It’s a different story if it’s equipped with an Invoxia Bike Tracker! First, you are alerted to any theft attempt, allowing you to react quickly. If despite your efforts, you couldn’t prevent the theft of your bike, the GPS tracker continues to send you the location of your ride. It also assists you in administrative procedures with the police, thanks to the Theft Report that allows them to track your bike live.
Learn MoreSafety #
- Follow the rules of the road: Always ride on the right side and obey traffic lights and signs. If you’re on the road, everything that applies to cars and other motor vehicles applies to you as well.
- Use cycle paths when possible: They are safer and often more pleasant.
- Wear reflective clothing: You need to be highly visible when sharing the road with motorists, especially when it starts to get dark.
- Avoid riding during extreme heat: For shorter routes, prefer the morning or late afternoon when extreme heat is forecasted. This will help you avoid heatstroke!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, the French Riviera offers cycle routes for all tastes. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, and Mediterranean atmosphere for an unforgettable cycling experience. Prepare your equipment, choose your route, and set off to discover one of the most beautiful regions of France by bike.