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 $ 1512 £ 797 $ 1,380 € 913 kr 140112 ₪ 3753 ¥ 157696 Mex$ 16827 NZ$ 1652 NOK 10882 zł 3972 S$ 1364 kr 10858 $ 1,013 $ 1760 £ 928 $ 1,606 € 1063 kr 163131 ₪ 4370 ¥ 183604 Mex$ 19592 NZ$ 1923 NOK 12670 zł 4625 S$ 1588 kr 12642 $ 1,180 $ 1826 £ 963 $ 1,667 € 1103 kr 169270 ₪ 4534 ¥ 190513 Mex$ 20329 NZ$ 1996 NOK 13147 zł 4799 S$ 1647 kr 13118 $ 1,224 $ 2025 £ 1068 $ 1,848 € 1223 kr 187686 ₪ 5028 ¥ 211240 Mex$ 22541 NZ$ 2213 NOK 14577 zł 5321 S$ 1827 kr 14545 $ 1,357 Single $ 2273 £ 1199 $ 2,075 € 1373 kr 210705 ₪ 5644 ¥ 237148 Mex$ 25306 NZ$ 2484 NOK 16365 zł 5973 S$ 2051 kr 16329 $ 1,524 $ 2522 £ 1330 $ 2,302 € 1523 kr 233725 ₪ 6261 ¥ 263056 Mex$ 28070 NZ$ 2756 NOK 18153 zł 6626 S$ 2275 kr 18113 $ 1,690 $ 2588 £ 1365 $ 2,362 € 1563 kr 239863 ₪ 6426 ¥ 269965 Mex$ 28808 NZ$ 2828 NOK 18630 zł 6800 S$ 2334 kr 18589 $ 1,734 $ 3035 £ 1601 $ 2,770 € 1833 kr 281298 ₪ 7536 ¥ 316600 Mex$ 33784 NZ$ 3316 NOK 21848 zł 7975 S$ 2738 kr 21800 $ 2,034 Seaview room in Hyeres
Season 1 Season 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 1595 £ 841 $ 1,455 € 963 kr 147785 ₪ 3959 ¥ 166332 Mex$ 17749 NZ$ 1742 NOK 11478 zł 4190 S$ 1438 kr 11453 $ 1,069 $ 1926 £ 1016 $ 1,757 € 1163 kr 178478 ₪ 4781 ¥ 200876 Mex$ 21435 NZ$ 2104 NOK 13862 zł 5060 S$ 1737 kr 13831 $ 1,291 $ 1992 £ 1051 $ 1,818 € 1203 kr 184616 ₪ 4946 ¥ 207785 Mex$ 22172 NZ$ 2177 NOK 14339 zł 5234 S$ 1797 kr 14307 $ 1,335 $ 2191 £ 1156 $ 1,999 € 1323 kr 203032 ₪ 5439 ¥ 228512 Mex$ 24384 NZ$ 2394 NOK 15769 zł 5756 S$ 1976 kr 15734 $ 1,468 Single $ 2439 £ 1287 $ 2,226 € 1473 kr 226051 ₪ 6056 ¥ 254420 Mex$ 27149 NZ$ 2665 NOK 17557 zł 6409 S$ 2200 kr 17518 $ 1,635 $ 3035 £ 1601 $ 2,770 € 1833 kr 281298 ₪ 7536 ¥ 316600 Mex$ 33784 NZ$ 3316 NOK 21848 zł 7975 S$ 2738 kr 21800 $ 2,034 $ 3101 £ 1636 $ 2,830 € 1873 kr 287437 ₪ 7700 ¥ 323509 Mex$ 34521 NZ$ 3389 NOK 22325 zł 8149 S$ 2797 kr 22275 $ 2,079 $ 3548 £ 1872 $ 3,238 € 2143 kr 328872 ₪ 8810 ¥ 370144 Mex$ 39497 NZ$ 3877 NOK 25543 zł 9324 S$ 3201 kr 25486 $ 2,378 Extra Options
Electric bike rental $ 132 £ 70 $ 121 € 80 kr 12277 ₪ 329 ¥ 13818 Mex$ 1474 NZ$ 145 NOK 954 zł 348 S$ 119 kr 951 $ 89 City bike tour in Nice (Tuesdays and Fridays) $ 63 £ 33 $ 57 € 38 kr 5832 ₪ 156 ¥ 6563 Mex$ 700 NZ$ 69 NOK 453 zł 165 S$ 57 kr 452 $ 42 Extra night in Nice Season 1 Season 2, 3 & 4 Double/twin $ 157 £ 83 $ 144 € 95 kr 14579 ₪ 391 ¥ 16409 Mex$ 1751 NZ$ 172 NOK 1132 zł 413 S$ 142 kr 1130 $ 105 $ 197 £ 104 $ 180 € 119 kr 18262 ₪ 489 ¥ 20554 Mex$ 2193 NZ$ 215 NOK 1418 zł 518 S$ 178 kr 1415 $ 132 Single $ 273 £ 144 $ 249 € 165 kr 25321 ₪ 678 ¥ 28499 Mex$ 3041 NZ$ 299 NOK 1967 zł 718 S$ 246 kr 1962 $ 183 $ 339 £ 179 $ 310 € 205 kr 31460 ₪ 843 ¥ 35408 Mex$ 3778 NZ$ 371 NOK 2443 zł 892 S$ 306 kr 2438 $ 227 Extra night in Hyères Season 1 & 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 108 £ 57 $ 98 € 65 kr 9975 ₪ 267 ¥ 11227 Mex$ 1198 NZ$ 118 NOK 775 zł 283 S$ 97 kr 773 $ 72 $ 141 £ 74 $ 128 € 85 kr 13044 ₪ 349 ¥ 14681 Mex$ 1567 NZ$ 154 NOK 1013 zł 370 S$ 127 kr 1011 $ 94 $ 174 £ 92 $ 159 € 105 kr 16114 ₪ 432 ¥ 18136 Mex$ 1935 NZ$ 190 NOK 1252 zł 457 S$ 157 kr 1249 $ 117 Single $ 174 £ 92 $ 159 € 105 kr 16114 ₪ 432 ¥ 18136 Mex$ 1935 NZ$ 190 NOK 1252 zł 457 S$ 157 kr 1249 $ 117 $ 224 £ 118 $ 204 € 135 kr 20718 ₪ 555 ¥ 23318 Mex$ 2488 NZ$ 244 NOK 1609 zł 587 S$ 202 kr 1606 $ 150 $ 273 £ 144 $ 249 € 165 kr 25321 ₪ 678 ¥ 28499 Mex$ 3041 NZ$ 299 NOK 1967 zł 718 S$ 246 kr 1962 $ 183 Extra night in Hyères Seaview Season 1 & 2 Season 3 Season 4 Double/twin $ 124 £ 66 $ 113 € 75 kr 11510 ₪ 308 ¥ 12954 Mex$ 1382 NZ$ 136 NOK 894 zł 326 S$ 112 kr 892 $ 83 $ 162 £ 86 $ 148 € 98 kr 15039 ₪ 403 ¥ 16927 Mex$ 1806 NZ$ 177 NOK 1168 zł 426 S$ 146 kr 1166 $ 109 $ 207 £ 109 $ 189 € 125 kr 19183 ₪ 514 ¥ 21590 Mex$ 2304 NZ$ 226 NOK 1490 zł 544 S$ 187 kr 1487 $ 139 Single $ 224 £ 118 $ 204 € 135 kr 20718 ₪ 555 ¥ 23318 Mex$ 2488 NZ$ 244 NOK 1609 zł 587 S$ 202 kr 1606 $ 150 $ 291 £ 154 $ 266 € 176 kr 27010 ₪ 724 ¥ 30399 Mex$ 3244 NZ$ 318 NOK 2098 zł 766 S$ 263 kr 2093 $ 195 $ 364 £ 192 $ 332 € 220 kr 33762 ₪ 904 ¥ 37999 Mex$ 4055 NZ$ 398 NOK 2622 zł 957 S$ 329 kr 2616 $ 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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