Panoramique Du Bord De Mer De L Esterel
©CRT Côte d’Azur France – Webelse

The best cycling routes on the Côte d’Azur / French Riviera

What could be better than visiting a region at the same time as practicing your favourite sport? Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a beginner, these five cycling routes will take you through some of the most beautiful villages and landscapes on the Côte d’Azur. Estérel creeks, Col de Vence, Col de Turini, Gorges du Loup and the Pays des Paillons – your choice!

1 – Tour of the Estérel by bike

Between the Alpes-Maritimes and Var areas, head for the majestic Corniche d’Or alongside the Estérel creeks.

This magnificent road edged by the characteristic red rocks of the Estérel and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean is a delight! And itsrrr little extra? From February to April, you’ll be riding through the mimosas! This road cycling route is also more pleasant in winter because there’s much less traffic. In fact the road, known as the Corniche d’Or, is quite busy in the summer. The Col du Testanier and its 311 m is the biggest difficulty on this very smooth route.

GPS tracking and detailed topography for the cycling route

2 – Pays du Paillons by bike from La Turbie

Escape the excitement of the seaside and ride off to explore the Pays du Paillons.

From the Grande Corniche, starting in the village of La Turbie, go inland and visit some of the many authentic unspoiled villages in the countryside around Nice and Menton: Peille, L’Escarène, Touët-de-l’Escarène, Castillon… The main difficulty you’ll encounter on the route is Col de Braus, 1002 m above sea level. But keep some energy in reserve because you’ll still have to climb to Col de Saint-Pancrace at 672 m to complete this demanding 80 km route with a 2100 m difference in altitude. Keep your eyes open for all the champions that train here in winter! You might even meet your favourite athlete on this route!

GPS tracking and detailed topography for the cycling route

3 – Gorges du Loup by bike

Discover the Haut-Pays and its refreshing Gorges du Loup, full of cascades and impressive waterfalls.

This cycling route will allow you to discover the famous « petrifying » Courmes falls and the magnificent medieval village of Gréolières with its two castles.
You‘ll love the panoramic route above the village of Gréolières, which gives you a breathtaking view of the whole Loup valley. Perhaps the tunnels and rocky spurs seem familiar? A scene from the Golden Eye movie was shot on this winding road. Play at being James Bond!

GPS tracking and detailed topography for the cycling route

4 – The mythical Col de Vence

Discover this mythical pass on the Côte d’Azur ridden by the Paris-Nice every year.

This beautiful little route from Saint-Laurent-du-Var will take you through Bouyon, a small village at the gateway to the Estéron valley. You will then follow the river of the same name on a beautiful winding road that is very quiet and little used until you reach the village of Coursegoules. Cross the Col de Vence plateau and then start the long descent to Vence. The bends come one after the other very quickly, so be careful. Don’t miss the famous Baous des Blancs on your left – a rock formation overlooking Vence and Saint-Jeannet.

GPS tracking and detailed topography for the cycling route

5 – The splendid Col de Turini

Rising to an altitude of 1604 m, Col de Turini is reputed to be one of the most difficult in the region.

Rest assured, it is a truly splendid climb! The many bends taking you to the summit will sometimes seem endless: you climb for 16 km. But you are rewarded for your efforts with the incredible panoramic view from the top of the pass. This beautiful and very demanding 93 km circuit will also take you through the Vésubie valley and the famous Sauts de Français in Duranus.

GPS tracking and detailed topography for the cycling route

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     THE BEST CYCLING ROUTES

 

ON THE CÔTE D’AZUR

By Isabelle FABRE

Who hasn’t dreamed of changing lives one day and earning a living doing something you love? Two years ago, I left my job as an engineer to become a photographer, videographer and digital nomad. Living in Nice, I fell under the spell of the Côte d’Azur. This region has made me what I am today: a fulfilled sportsperson that loves and respects nature. I share the beauty of this area and its many sporting possibilities and show you the things that made me fall in love with it!

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