The 5 best mountain biking routes on the Côte d'Azur

As a Côte d’Azur Ambassador, I am delighted to share my favourite mountain bike rides, hidden wonders or classics; this article will make you want to get on your bike! Here are my 5 favourite mountain bike routes on the Côte d’Azur.

1. La Brague: a haven of greenery on the Côte d’Azur!

Parc de la Brague extends over no less than 630 hectares – a great playground!

Here, the silence is only broken by bird song. The park offers a number of easy bike routes, perfect for starting and making smooth progress in this sport! Enjoy the charming village of Valbonne for a well-deserved break.
Note: although there are quite a lot of shaded sections, be careful about the heat in summer! Do this ride mid-season
More information about this mountain biking route: GPS tracking and detailed topography.

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2. On the Côte d’Azur, ride through the mimosas!

Head for the characteristic rugged red rock of the Estérel…

Try to do this trip between February and April in Mandelieu because you’ll be riding through the mimosas! Suddenly, the massif turns yellow and the only word for it is sublime. This mountain biking route is very popular on the Côte d’Azur with downhill bikers: be careful some sections are technical. You will also find lots of modules and trampolines on the descent. More information about this mountain biking route: GPS tracking and detailed topography.

3. L’Escarène, land of mountain biking champions!

It is not unusual to come across mountain bike champions on the Côte d’Azur and more particularly in Escarène.

Close to Nice, this small massif offers many beautiful technical singles. It’s where our French champions train in the winter. Its characteristic grey rock offers incredible grip even when the ground is wet. Enjoy the natural canyons then embark on the magnificent descent to the village of Escarène – as technical and stony as you could ever wish for!
More information about this mountain biking route: GPS tracking and detailed topography.

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4. Mont-Macaron

Mont-Macaron dominates the city of Nice, offering an incredible panoramic view of the entire coastline.

This 806 meter mountain offers varied terrain: stony technical trails, then single in the woods and finally a great succession of hairpins!
Don’t miss the majestic ruins of Châteauneuf-Villevieille. Between the sea and the mountains, its ramparts offer one of the most beautiful views on the Côte d’Azur.
More information about this mountain biking route: GPS tracking and detailed topography.

5. Roubion, Parc National du Mercantour

Only 1 hour 15 from Nice, Roubion is one of my favourite mountain villages!

A small hamlet proudly clinging to the cliff, this medieval village overhangs the whole valley of Tinée. From Roubion, go and explore the famous Mercantour. Rides among the marmots. If you are lucky, you may be surprised by one or two chamois. The descents are on beautiful earth paths zigzagging among the pines. Even the less experienced will love it!
More information about this mountain biking route: GPS tracking and detailed topography.

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Une publication partagée par Isabelle Fabre 🇫🇷 (@isabelle.fabre) le 6 Nov. 2018 à 1 :09 PST

The 5 best mountain biking 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!