French Riviera
France Bike Tours
A sun drenched bike tour along the Côte d’Azur
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€913 Rates
Overview
A bike tour in the French Riviera? Sounds elegant, charming, romantic, and sunny! Did you know that the Côte d'Azur (Azure Coast) has over 300 days of sun per year? Once the hotspot of the rich and famous, the allure of this captivating region goes far beyond that reputation.
This is an all-around stunning place with an aristocratic history, beautiful architecture, stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, and forests of oak and pine. Its clarity of light, vibrant colors, and temperate climate have inspired famous artists, writers, and thinkers, such as Picasso, Matisse, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Your tour begins in Hyères - Plages on the peninsula of Giens, providing a relaxed rural start.
Throughout your cycling days, you will discover medieval towns, romantic and small fishing villages, and dreamy bays outlined by the turquoise blue of the sea. You will finish your French Riviera vacation in the fashionable metropolis of Nice, France's 5th largest city. Here, you can enjoy strolling the ochre-colored streets, the Promenade des Anglais, and world-famous beaches.
Highlights
- Old town of Hyères
- Porquerolles Island
- Le Lavandou and the old village of Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Antibes, the cultural heart of the Côte d' Azur
- Nice
- Provençal cuisine
- Sun, sun, and more sun!
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Itinerary
Day 1: Hyères - Plages
Day 2: Roundtrip around Hyères or cycle onward to Pierrefeu, 9 - 38 mi. (15-62 km)
Day 3: Porquerolles Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 4: Roundtrip Le Lavandou, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Train ride Hyères - Nice / Nice (day of rest)
Day 6: Nice, day or rest or city sightseeing by bike, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 7: Roundtrip to Antibes, 25 to 31 mi. (40 to 50 km)
Day 8: DepartureAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours caused by roadwork, In this case, please follow the directions posted on site.
Day 1: Hyères - Plages
Individual arrival to your first hotel, located in close to the town of Hyères, close to the beach. Hyères-Plage is located 6km from the town of Hyères and consists of a sand beach on the border of pine woods. It is among the numerous seaside resorts located in the vicinity either on the coast or on the offshore islands, collectively called the Hyères.Day 2: Roundtrip around Hyères or cycle onward to Pierrefeu, 9 - 38 mi. (15-62 km)
The medieval old town with its narrow alleys and colorful houses is small, charming, and typically French. A special highlight is the Villa Noailles, built in the 1920s for a French patron of arts, this example of the modern architectural heritage is now an art center of national interest and presents exhibitions, festivals, and workshops. Picasso, Giacometti, and Jean Cocteau all spent time at Villa Noailles. The mansion has an awesome setting, near the highest point of the town, and boasts a Cubist Garden and lovely views all around. If vistas are your thing, you can also visit the medieval ruins of Château d'Hyères which dates to around the 1000s. Nestled on a hilltop, the landscapes here are exceptional and there are special platforms from where you can gaze out over the wooded Maurettes hills to the north. Alternatively, those that want some distance can cycle through the remote hilly hinterland on tiny country roads to the small village of Pierrefeu in the middle of the "Côte de Provence" wine growing area and through endless vineyards back to Hyères. Though known by tourist as a hotspot, Hyères also lies at the center of a rich agricultural area, where fruits and flowers are grown and wine is producedDay 3: Porquerolles Island, 19 mi. (30 km)
Are you ready for paradise? It awaits! At the harbor, La Tour Fondue, you (and your bike) will enjoy a 10-minute boat ride away from the coast to this magical island world with white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, and forests of oak and pine. (Ferry tickets are not included and may be purchased on the spot). 80% of the island is part of the Parc National de Port-Cros, and was once privately owned. The island is car-free, characterized by olive plantations and vineyards, drenched in sun, and infused with romance, your bike is the best way to explore. Well worth visiting are the beach of Notre Dam, Fort Sainte Agathe, built in the 14th century, and the lighthouse. The interior of the island has several paths shaded by Eucalyptus trees that make for a lovely scented hike.Day 4: Roundtrip Le Lavandou, 31 mi. (50 km)
Via well-developed cycle paths, you bike over the old saltworks, past vineyards, and olive groves with the sea as your constant companion to the fishing village of Le Lavandou, at the foot of the Moorish massif. With a little perseverance or by e-bike, you can take a detour inland up to the old village of Bormes-les-Mimosas, built into the hills. The streets are steep, many with built-in steps. and cobblestones. The bright Provencal pastel houses and little squares add to the charm.Day 5: Train ride Hyères - Nice / Nice (day of rest)
Today you will not only change your hotel, but you will also find yourself in a whole new world. From the unspoiled coast, you travel by train (included) to the charming capital of the Côte d’Azur, Nice. Elegant, simple, graceful, city of art and culture, this has always been a hot spot for the world's elite.Day 6: Nice, day of rest or city sightseeing by bike, 6 mi. (10 km)
In the morning you have the opportunity to take part in an interesting city tour by bike (optional) or explore on your own by bike or on foot. The Principality of Monaco is only 25 minutes away by train.Optional city tour by bike
You will enjoy a unique perspective of the city, different from the typical tourist experience. It’s an introduction to "the Best of Nice" on roads that are mostly flat and smooth. There is one hill climb to climb up to Chateau Hill, where you’ll experience breathtaking panoramic views of Nice. The pace of the tour is very relaxed. Daily departures are offered April 15 to October 15 beginning at 10 am.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Price: €38Day 7: Roundtrip to Antibes, 25 to 31 mi. (40 to 50 km)
The famous Promenade des Anglais, one of France's best known and iconic seafronts, takes you along the Mediterranean coast to Antibes. Be sure to visit the Old Town, surrounded by 16th-century ramparts and crisscrossed in a maze of ancient streets. Some call it the cultural heart of the Côte d' Azur. Visit the Musée Picasso, formerly the Grimaldi Castle, where Picasso worked for two months drawing and painting, many of which he left for the city. for its splendid artwork, sculpture terrace, and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.Day 8: Departure
Official end of tour, but you will not want to depart. Be sure to stock up on Provençal specialties at the famous market, Cours Saleya and drink a café au lait before you start your return journey. Or, extend your tour. Nice and the surroundings have a lot to offer and the sun and beaches beckon.You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
On this tour, you will be accommodated in two hotels. In Hyères, the preferred hotel is Hotel La Potiniere, located next to Port de Plaisance, facing Porquerolles island, featuring its own private beach. Decorated in typical Provençal style the guest rooms are functional, comfortable, and peaceful. Many rooms feature a balcony or terrace with a sea view and free Wi-fi. In Nice, the preferred hotel is Hotel Villa Rivoli, a privately-run villa in a 19th Century Belle Époque Building in the historic center, just a short walk from the beaches and Promenades des Anglais. All rooms feature flatscreen TV and free Wi-fi. Some have a balcony and a view of the garden and the surrounding area. Please note, and this is very important, hotel accommodations are based on availability and the above hotels are provided to you as an example of the level of accommodations used on this tour.
Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights with breakfast (4 nights on the Giens Peninsula & 3 nights in Nice)
- 1 train ride: Hyères – Nice
- 1 transfer from the hotel in Hyères Plage to the train station
- 21-speed hybrid touring bike with an aluminum frame, upright riding position, equipped with comfort gel saddles, mudguards, &Schwalbe Marathon puncture-resistant tires
- Bike accessories: One Ortlieb pannier (20 liters), repair kit, helmet, and lock
- Route book, maps, and tourist information material (one set per room)
- 7-day service hotline
What’s Not Included
- Lunches & dinners
- 1 roundtrip boat ride La Tour Fondue – Porquerolles & back (approx. €30)
- Bike Protection
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
Daily arrivals are possible between March 1 to October 31, 2024
Season 1: March 1 to March 31, 2024
Season 2: October 1 to October 31, 2024
Season 3: April 1 to May 31, 2024
Season 4: June 1 to June 30 | September 1 to September 30, 2024Arrivals during the summer, July and August are not possible.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Regular room
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 1516 £ 796 $ 1,378 € 913 Ft 359431 kr 139974 ₪ 3736 ¥ 158009 Mex$ 16759 NZ$ 1655 NOK 10818 zł 3960 S$ 1363 kr 10817 $ 1,012 $ 1765 £ 927 $ 1,604 € 1063 Ft 418483 kr 162971 ₪ 4350 ¥ 183969 Mex$ 19512 NZ$ 1927 NOK 12596 zł 4610 S$ 1587 kr 12594 $ 1,178 $ 1831 £ 962 $ 1,665 € 1103 Ft 434231 kr 169103 ₪ 4513 ¥ 190891 Mex$ 20247 NZ$ 2000 NOK 13070 zł 4784 S$ 1647 kr 13068 $ 1,222 $ 2030 £ 1066 $ 1,846 € 1223 Ft 481472 kr 187500 ₪ 5004 ¥ 211659 Mex$ 22449 NZ$ 2217 NOK 14492 zł 5304 S$ 1826 kr 14490 $ 1,355 Single $ 2279 £ 1197 $ 2,072 € 1373 Ft 540524 kr 210497 ₪ 5618 ¥ 237619 Mex$ 25203 NZ$ 2489 NOK 16269 zł 5954 S$ 2050 kr 16267 $ 1,521 $ 2529 £ 1328 $ 2,299 € 1523 Ft 599577 kr 233494 ₪ 6232 ¥ 263579 Mex$ 27956 NZ$ 2761 NOK 18046 zł 6605 S$ 2274 kr 18045 $ 1,688 $ 2595 £ 1363 $ 2,359 € 1563 Ft 615324 kr 239626 ₪ 6396 ¥ 270502 Mex$ 28691 NZ$ 2834 NOK 18520 zł 6778 S$ 2333 kr 18519 $ 1,732 $ 3043 £ 1598 $ 2,767 € 1833 Ft 721618 kr 281021 ₪ 7500 ¥ 317229 Mex$ 33647 NZ$ 3323 NOK 21720 zł 7949 S$ 2736 kr 21717 $ 2,031 Seaview room in Hyeres
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 1599 £ 840 $ 1,454 € 963 Ft 379115 kr 147639 ₪ 3940 ¥ 166662 Mex$ 17677 NZ$ 1746 NOK 11411 zł 4176 S$ 1438 kr 11410 $ 1,067 $ 1931 £ 1014 $ 1,755 € 1163 Ft 457851 kr 178302 ₪ 4759 ¥ 201275 Mex$ 21348 NZ$ 2109 NOK 13781 zł 5044 S$ 1736 kr 13779 $ 1,289 $ 1997 £ 1049 $ 1,816 € 1203 Ft 473599 kr 184434 ₪ 4923 ¥ 208198 Mex$ 22082 NZ$ 2181 NOK 14255 zł 5217 S$ 1796 kr 14253 $ 1,333 $ 2196 £ 1153 $ 1,997 € 1323 Ft 520840 kr 202832 ₪ 5414 ¥ 228966 Mex$ 24285 NZ$ 2399 NOK 15677 zł 5738 S$ 1975 kr 15675 $ 1,466 Single $ 2446 £ 1284 $ 2,223 € 1473 Ft 579893 kr 225828 ₪ 6027 ¥ 254926 Mex$ 27038 NZ$ 2671 NOK 17454 zł 6388 S$ 2199 kr 17452 $ 1,632 $ 3043 £ 1598 $ 2,767 € 1833 Ft 721618 kr 281021 ₪ 7500 ¥ 317229 Mex$ 33647 NZ$ 3323 NOK 21720 zł 7949 S$ 2736 kr 21717 $ 2,031 $ 3110 £ 1633 $ 2,827 € 1873 Ft 737365 kr 287153 ₪ 7664 ¥ 324152 Mex$ 34381 NZ$ 3396 NOK 22194 zł 8123 S$ 2796 kr 22191 $ 2,076 $ 3558 £ 1868 $ 3,235 € 2143 Ft 843659 kr 328547 ₪ 8769 ¥ 370880 Mex$ 39337 NZ$ 3885 NOK 25393 zł 9294 S$ 3199 kr 25390 $ 2,375 Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 133 £ 70 $ 121 € 80 Ft 31495 kr 12265 ₪ 327 ¥ 13845 Mex$ 1468 NZ$ 145 NOK 948 zł 347 S$ 119 kr 948 $ 89 City bike tour in Nice (Tuesdays and Fridays) $ 63 £ 33 $ 57 € 38 Ft 14960 kr 5826 ₪ 155 ¥ 6576 Mex$ 698 NZ$ 69 NOK 450 zł 165 S$ 57 kr 450 $ 42 Extra night in Nice Season 1 Season 2, 3 & 4 Double/twin $ 158 £ 83 $ 143 € 95 Ft 37400 kr 14565 ₪ 389 ¥ 16441 Mex$ 1744 NZ$ 172 NOK 1126 zł 412 S$ 142 kr 1126 $ 105 $ 198 £ 104 $ 180 € 119 Ft 46848 kr 18244 ₪ 487 ¥ 20595 Mex$ 2184 NZ$ 216 NOK 1410 zł 516 S$ 178 kr 1410 $ 132 Single $ 274 £ 144 $ 249 € 165 Ft 64957 kr 25296 ₪ 675 ¥ 28556 Mex$ 3029 NZ$ 299 NOK 1955 zł 716 S$ 246 kr 1955 $ 183 $ 340 £ 179 $ 309 € 205 Ft 80705 kr 31429 ₪ 839 ¥ 35478 Mex$ 3763 NZ$ 372 NOK 2429 zł 889 S$ 306 kr 2429 $ 227 Extra night in Hyères Season 1 & 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 108 £ 57 $ 98 € 65 Ft 25589 kr 9965 ₪ 266 ¥ 11249 Mex$ 1193 NZ$ 118 NOK 770 zł 282 S$ 97 kr 770 $ 72 $ 141 £ 74 $ 128 € 85 Ft 33463 kr 13032 ₪ 348 ¥ 14711 Mex$ 1560 NZ$ 154 NOK 1007 zł 369 S$ 127 kr 1007 $ 94 $ 174 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 Ft 41337 kr 16098 ₪ 430 ¥ 18172 Mex$ 1927 NZ$ 190 NOK 1244 zł 455 S$ 157 kr 1244 $ 116 Single $ 174 £ 92 $ 158 € 105 Ft 41337 kr 16098 ₪ 430 ¥ 18172 Mex$ 1927 NZ$ 190 NOK 1244 zł 455 S$ 157 kr 1244 $ 116 $ 224 £ 118 $ 204 € 135 Ft 53147 kr 20697 ₪ 552 ¥ 23364 Mex$ 2478 NZ$ 245 NOK 1600 zł 585 S$ 202 kr 1599 $ 150 $ 274 £ 144 $ 249 € 165 Ft 64957 kr 25296 ₪ 675 ¥ 28556 Mex$ 3029 NZ$ 299 NOK 1955 zł 716 S$ 246 kr 1955 $ 183 Extra night in Hyères Seaview Season 1 & 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 125 £ 65 $ 113 € 75 Ft 29526 kr 11498 ₪ 307 ¥ 12980 Mex$ 1377 NZ$ 136 NOK 889 zł 325 S$ 112 kr 889 $ 83 $ 163 £ 85 $ 148 € 98 Ft 38581 kr 15025 ₪ 401 ¥ 16960 Mex$ 1799 NZ$ 178 NOK 1161 zł 425 S$ 146 kr 1161 $ 109 $ 208 £ 109 $ 189 € 125 Ft 49210 kr 19164 ₪ 511 ¥ 21633 Mex$ 2295 NZ$ 227 NOK 1481 zł 542 S$ 187 kr 1481 $ 139 Single $ 224 £ 118 $ 204 € 135 Ft 53147 kr 20697 ₪ 552 ¥ 23364 Mex$ 2478 NZ$ 245 NOK 1600 zł 585 S$ 202 kr 1599 $ 150 $ 292 £ 153 $ 266 € 176 Ft 69288 kr 26983 ₪ 720 ¥ 30460 Mex$ 3231 NZ$ 319 NOK 2085 zł 763 S$ 263 kr 2085 $ 195 $ 365 £ 192 $ 332 € 220 Ft 86610 kr 33729 ₪ 900 ¥ 38074 Mex$ 4038 NZ$ 399 NOK 2607 zł 954 S$ 328 kr 2607 $ 244 Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This self-guided bike tour in France based in two hotels is rated easy. Every cycling stage takes place on Asphalted cycle paths or side roads with very little traffic. Your daily distance can be adjusted to your level!
Airport Info
Fly to Nice (NCE) or Marseille (MRS)
Local Travel
There are direct TGV train connections between the city of Nice and Toulon and onward to Hyeres (approx. 2 hours) and regional trains as well. Travel time is from 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If you are coming directly from the airport, there are several bus services (some direct) that run to Hyères From Marseille Airport you can travel by bus and train to Hyères which takes approx. 2 1/2 hours with two transfers. Upon arrival to Hyères, please use a taxi service to arrive to your first hotel in Hyères Plage. You will be sent more detailed travel information before your tour.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. There are many good websites to use to research regional weather including average high/low temperatures, average rainfall, and more. The Côte d’Azur is protected by hills in the west and the Mercantour Alps in the northwest, meaning a mild Mediterranean climate year-round. This is an area known for its amount of sun per year. In March, well before the tourist season begins, the average high temperatures is 60° F. In June, before the peak of the season, the average high is 77° F. September and October are lovely as well with 77° and 70° F as the average high temps.
Day of Rest
This itinerary features one rest day but also roundtrip rides in which you can opt to stay off the bike and stroll the town or beaches.
Remarks
You will be receiving two different bike rentals on this tour. One in Hyères, and the other in Nice.
Important to know
DOCUMENTS
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.
*Important note: Please check the status of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) as once implemented, will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
We are confident that you will want to book extra nights either before or after your tour!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Rad und Reisen.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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