Explore the Alpes-Maritimes on two wheels and discover the jewels of the Mediterranean. Whether you prefer road cycling, mountain biking or a family outing, there's a circuit to suit every enthusiast. With routes ranging from seaside cycle paths to mountain passes, each route offers a new way to tour this beautiful region. Get ready for an adventure on the Côte d'Azur.
Discover the Mediterranean cycle routes
The coasts of the Mediterranean are the ideal playground for unforgettable bike rides. They offer a variety of routes through breathtaking scenery. The routes take you through picturesque villages, past golden beaches and along boulevards lined with luxury hotels and shops.
The famous Croisette in Cannes is a must, with its exceptional sea views.
The Golfe-Juan golf course offers a breathtaking view of the old port and moored yachts.
The Véloroute Littorale is a 260km cycle route that passes through several towns on the Côte d'Azur, including Nice.
The cycle routes around Nice offer a chance to discover the region's great natural parks.
It's also possible to combine cycling and hiking to explore the mountains of the Alpes-Maritimes, true gems of nature.
The best family bike rides near Nice
Nice and the surrounding area offers a host of cycle routes suitable for all the family. For a quiet outing, the Nice to Villeneuve-Loubet cycle path is an excellent option. For more than 14 km, you can cycle along the Côte d'Azur and its sumptuous landscapes without interruption.
If you want to combine sport and discovery, the cycle route along the coast between Nice and Cannes is another great option. Taking in the Cap d'Antibes and the old port of Golfe-Juan, this ride offers great views over the magnificent Baie des Anges and the two Lérins islands.
Finally, for those who prefer greener pastures, the cycle routes around Nice pass through the region's major nature parks, offering a different and equally enjoyable experience.
Recommended mountain bike routes in the Alpes-Maritimes
The Alpes-Maritimes offers a unique playground for mountain bikers. Discover a variety of routes, from gentle slopes for beginners to technical routes for the more experienced.
The Mercantour National Park is a prime destination, offering magnificent trails in the heart of the wilderness.
For a more leisurely ride, the Côte d'Azur mountain bike circuit is perfect. With just 10km and 230D+ of ascent, it's a very rolling route, ideal for getting started in this sport.
For the more adventurous, the Puy de Tourrettes mountain bike circuit offers a 45.2km loop near La Colle-sur-Loup, guaranteeing a complete change of scenery.
If you prefer forests, the Roure mountain bike circuit takes you through one of the most beautiful larch forests in the Alpes-Maritimes, offering breathtaking views of the Mercantour.
We recommend that you consult a guidebook to discover all the routes available and choose the one that suits you best.
Passes to conquer for cycling enthusiasts
If you're an intrepid cyclist looking for a challenge, the passes of the Alpes-Maritimes are a destination of choice. The Col de Vence, for example, is a very popular route among experienced cyclists. Climbing this pass is a test of strength, but the reward is well worth the effort: exceptional panoramic views over the region. For the more sporty, the 7 Majeurs offer the ultimate challenge, with seven iconic cols to cross.
The Col de la Bonette is the highest mountain pass in Europe accessible by bike, culminating at 2802 metres.
The Col de Turini is famous for its tight bends and breathtaking views.
The Col de la Couillole rises to 1678 metres and offers impressive views of the Mercantour National Park.
Each pass offers a unique experience, with varied landscapes and different levels of difficulty. Get ready to climb these peaks and experience an unforgettable adventure.
Cycling routes on the Côte d'Azur
The Côte d'Azur is also home to some superb nature parks with exceptional cycle routes. The Mercantour National Park, for example, offers a variety of routes for all levels. Enjoy the beauty of the mountainous landscape while cycling through the local flora and fauna.
For a panoramic cycling experience, the Grande Corniche route offers breathtaking views of the Villefranche harbour, Cap Estel, the Mentonnaise Riviera and the Principality of Monaco. This route is renowned for its magnificent panoramas, which are revealed at every turn.
The Véloroute Littorale stretches for 260km from Sanary-sur-Mer to Nice. Known as the 'Parcours Cyclable du Littoral Varois' and the 'Route des Balcons d'Azur', this route takes in some of the region's most beautiful coastal scenery.
Mercantour National Park
Grande Corniche Route
Coastal cycle route
Get your bike ready and embark on an unforgettable adventure on the Côte d'Azur.
The Tour des Alpes Maritimes
If you're a fan of competitive cycling, the Alpes-Maritimes has plenty of events not to be missed throughout the year. The Tour des Alpes-Maritimes is the region's flagship event. This category 2.1 UCI Europe Tour event attracts the greatest cyclists. Two rugged stages cover a total of 297.3 kilometres with a positive altitude difference of 5068 metres, five climbs and a summit finish in Vence.
For the more daring, the BikingMan Alpes-Maritimes ultra-cycling race offers an exceptional route over the passes of the French-Italian Alps. Finally, the Mercan'Tour Classic Alpes-Maritimes is another notable competition, it is the 13ᵉ round of the French Cycling Cup.
These races offer both sporting challenges and the chance to discover magnificent landscapes. Whether you are a spectator or a participant, these races are a unique opportunity to experience unforgettable moments.
Must-see cycle routes in the Alpes-Maritimes parks
For a total immersion experience in the magnificent landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes, the nature parks are ideal destinations for cycling enthusiasts. The Préalpes d'Azur Regional Nature Park is one of them. It offers a wide range of cycle routes through a variety of landscapes, including the Caussols plateau, a popular destination for its exceptional natural setting.
The Siagne cycle path is another must. It takes you through a biosphere reserve, where you can admire protected species while enjoying a bike ride.
For cyclists looking for a challenge, the Parc du Mercantour cycle path offers more technical routes through the heart of the mountains, with steep gradients and breathtaking views.
Finally, the Parc Naturel Départemental des Rives du Loup is an excellent option for a family outing. Its flat, safe route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with the added bonus of breathtaking views over the Loup, a picturesque river that runs through the park.