The Côte d'Azur, a paradise for cyclists!

Between the sea and the mountains, the Côte d’Azur reveals itself as a real paradise for cycling and mountain-biking enthusiasts, offering an exceptional setting in which to practise their passion. From the shores of the Mediterranean to the verdant hills, via mountain roads, the 1,800 km of cycle routes on offer in Alpes-Maritimes allow visitors to explore a multitude of stunning landscapes, whether you’re a fan of big loops, a thrill-seeker or simply looking for a simple family outing.

Exploring the Côte d’Azur
during a family outing

On the Côte d’Azur, cycling is an integral part of the local culture, supported by top-quality facilities and flagship events.

The continually expanding network of cycle paths ensures safe and pleasant journeys for all levels.

From Nice to Villeneuve-Loubet, via Saint-Laurent-du-Var and Cagnes-sur-Mer, you’ll take on over 14 km along the magnificent coastlines of the Côte d’Azur.

For a mountain-biking trip with your children, the Vaugrenier Departmental Nature Park in Villeneuve-Loubet is perfect for exploring native plants and wildlife in this protected space.

Another great option for families is the “Gilette/Pont Charles-Albert to La Baronne” greenway, which offers up a variety of landscapes, a magnificent lake just off the cycle path, hilltop villages and unspoilt natural spaces – perfect for a successful day in the great outdoors!

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Renowned loops and passes for cycling enthusiasts

Keen cyclists seeking sporting challenges are sure to find something to delight thanks to the legendary and demanding mountain passes on offer in the Côte d’Azur! Rising to an altitude of 1,604 metres, the Col de Turini is known as one of the most difficult in the region.

But it’s worth the effort, this climb is absolutely stunning! Though the Col de la Bonette is the highest road in Europe, the Col de Vence, reaching maximum gradients of 9%, is a real must-see. You’ll be rewarded by a magnificent view across the entire Mediterranean, from Italy to Cannes! In the Nice hinterland, the Col de la Madone was made legendary thanks to Lance Armstrong, for whom it was a favourite mountain pass.

Don’t miss the refreshing Loup Gorges or the Col d’Eze, taken on each year by the professional Paris-Nice racers. In these charming hinterland villages, known for their peaceful quality of life, various “Accueil Vélo” cycle-friendly establishments offer the possibility to extend your stay and make the most of everything the Côte d’Azur has to offer.

New this year, a stage in the Tour des Alpes-Maritimes will start and finish in Levens on 2 June.

This cycling event offers fans of cycling the chance to take part in a demanding competition, in the footsteps of the great champions!

Finally, those looking for real cycling challenges can test their limits with the new Cols connectés 06 mountain-pass project.

Don’t miss the upcoming stages: 27 July at Col des Champs, with champion Bernard Thévenet, and 5 October at the Col de la Madone for the final stage.

Photo facilities have been set up on the major mountain passes in the region, allowing you to immortalise your incredible climb!

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The best mountain-biking spots in the Côte d’Azur for the sportiest visitors

If you’re just starting out, head to Roc d’Azur, at the Fréjus Nature Base. With supervised routes and paths adapted to all levels, this is an unmissable mountain-biking event – taking place from 9 to 13 October 2024 in the Côte d’Azur – with a selection of races and rides.

Located between the towns of Valbonne and Mougins, the Valmasque park is also a fantastic playground for a mountain-biking trip, in the heart of typically Mediterranean vegetation. Take to the heights as you visit the resorts of the Côte d’Azur, offering trails open throughout the summer and accessible to all levels.

While the Auron resort invites you to discover its bike park with over 50 kilometres of downhill cycle tracks, Valberg now offers visitors the chance to try their hand at e-biking. An original way to discover the mountains of the Côte d’Azur – and perhaps even spot a couple of marmots!

The 4th edition of the Mercan’Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes will take place on 29 May between Puget-Théniers and Valberg. As for the French Downhill and Trial Mountain-Biking Championship, this event will take place in Valberg from 21 to 24 August.

The Tour de France in Nice: an exceptional event for 2024

Experience the legend of the Big Loop, on the same roads and under the same conditions as the professional Tour de France cyclists with the L’Étape du Tour de France.

The 32nd edition of the L’Étape du Tour de France will take place on 7 July, between Nice and the Col de la Couillole, on a 138 km route with a positive elevation gain of over 4,600 metres, including climbs of the Braus, Turini, La Colmiane and La Couillole mountain passes.

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Cycling fans can head to the L’Étape du Tour de France village, open from 4 to 6 July on the Coulée Verte. There, you’ll be able to celebrate this shared passion for cycling, before stepping into the legend for yourself!

For the first time in its history, the 111th edition of the Tour de France will finish in Nice on 21 July.

Without a doubt, an exceptional finale awaits cycling fans, as the cyclists finish their race on the legendary Promenade des Anglais.

The first stage, in Embrun, will set off on 19 July from the Hautes-Alpes, and promises to be a mountainous ride as it crosses the mountain passes of Vars, as well as the Col de la Bonette – reaching a height of 2,800 m above sea level – before descending into the Tinée Valley and arriving at Isola 2000.

A hilly route setting off from Nice to reach the Col de la Couillole has also been planned for Saturday 20 July, while racers will compete in a time trail on Sunday 21 July between Monaco and Nice, over 35 km.

Various events are planned to delight young and old at the Tour de France Village in Nice, on 19, 20 and 21 July at the Jardin Albert 1er and on the Coulée Verte.

Discover the local terroir and some truly breath-taking panoramic views

Where cycling means pleasure! Beyond local appellations like the Tome de la Vésubie or La Brigue, the Alpes-Maritimes has another incredible asset up its sleeve: the wealth and diversity of its local lands. From the Mediterranean coast to the mountain pastures, you can now combine bike trips with a discovery of the Côte d’Azur thanks to the Vélo & Fromages project. Along five routes, you’ll discover the territory thanks to its know-how, cuisine and agriculture. You’ll also have the chance to visit local farms, discover dairies and learn the secrets of regional cheesemakers’ ageing cellars.

Another day dedicated to friendliness and sharing: the Vélo Bistro event. Put simply, this is the unmissable gourmet stopover for fans of cycling and life’s simple pleasures! This year, the event sets down its bags in two iconic towns: Le Cannet, on Saturday 27 April, and Mandelieu-la-Napoule, on Sunday 2 June. In this warm atmosphere, a passion for cycling comes together with local cuisine. On the agenda: discovering soft mobility and a host of free activities and events for all the family. Children will discover the joy of balance bikes and mountain-biking gymkhana trails, while adults can try their hand at electric mountain-bike rides or let themselves be amazed by acrobatics shows and an introduction to freestyle jumping. Between bike-repair workshops, local-produce tastings and gourmet food trucks, let yourself be charmed by the authenticity of a day fully dedicated to relaxation and sharing. All while enjoying the natural beauty of the Côte d’Azur.