Cycling Routes in and around Nice
We started our 2016 cycling holiday in France with a few days in the city of Nice. It was somewhere we had wanted to visit and we thought it would be a great way to ease the legs into the trip before hitting the Pyrenees a week later. For our trip we had three cycling days available to us and wanted time to explore Nice and surrounds as well which is why we choose the rides we did.
Our choice of rides was Nice to Monaco, followed by Col de Vence and finished off with Nice to Cannes. For us it worked perfectly and allowed us to experience the stunning coastline and get to experience a little of what the inland cycling is like. While we would have loved to tackle the famous Col d’Eze or Col de Madone we simply didn’t have the time. They are still on our “to-do” list and we hope to tick them off at some stage down the track.
The cycling routes listed below all start and finish from the city of Nice. These rides could just as easily be started from any of the towns or villages along the Côte d’Azur. In each of the rides listed below, you will find a ride description as well as information regarding where you can resupply food and water along the way. You will also be able to download the ride GPX file directly to your cycling trip computer or phone to make navigation as easy as possible.
If you are currently planning your cycling holiday in France we have lots more information on our site to help you. Our destination guides showcase popular bases for cycling in France and contain lots of practical information about visiting a particular location. We also have other pages dedicated to cycling routes in France which currently contain nearly 100 different cycling routes for your consideration.
- Cycling routes in the Pyrenees – 40 cycling routes in the Pyrenees mountains
- Cycling routes in the French Alps – 29 cycling routes in the French Alps
- Cycling routes in Provence – 9 cycling routes take in the sights of Provence and surrounds
- Cycling routes in the Jura – 5 cycling routes in the lesser-known Jura mountain range
- Long-distance cycling routes in France – 10 long-distance cycling routes across France
Our suggested cycling routes
Col d’Eze
Used multiple times in both the Tour de France as well as Paris Nice, this short climb offers us some stunning views back to the Mediterranean Sea.
Col de Braus & Col de Turini
This route includes climbs of the Col de Castillon, Col de Turini and Col de Braus. A stunning ride with hairpins galore.
Col de la Madone
A climb so famous Trek named a bike after it. Used as a testing ground for pro cyclists the climb of the Col de la Madone is a must when in the Côte d’Azur.
Nice to Cannes
A tranquil flat ride from Nice to Cannes. The majority of this route is on a segregated bike path which makes it a good option for families as well.
Col de Vence
Used in both the Tour de France and also Paris Nice, the climb of Col de Vence leaves the Mediterranean behind and swaps it for vistas of stunning mountains.
Nice to Monaco
A scenic ride along the coast road to the luxury sovereign state of Monaco. Breathtaking views around every corner. Set off early to avoid the worst of any tourist traffic.
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