Cycling in the region : The Essentials

Head out on your bike to discover the finest spots in the south of France, test your limits on a downhill mountain bike, or explore the region in a unique way for an unforgettable family weekend. There are a thousand reasons to get on your bike in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur! Here are some good ideas to help you find the bike route that suits you.

THE ALPES-DE-HAUTE PROVENCE ON TWO WHEELS

Mountain Biking and Cycling

A paradise for cycling, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence offer bike routes for all tastes. Explore legendary landscapes like the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, the valleys of Haute-Provence, the high passes of the Ubaye, the Valensole lavender fields, or the Gorges du Verdon. Mountain passes just for cyclists offer an unforgettable experience in the wilds. For mountain bike enthusiasts, check out the special blog created just for you to find out about the 4,000 km of marked trails and the three Grandes Traversées, unique in France, which take sports cyclists across mountainous reliefs and mountain lakes.

CONTACT :

L’Agence de développement des Alpes-de-Haute Provence [The Alpes-de-Haute Provence Development Agency]
Immeuble François Mitterrand BP 80170 – 04990 DIGNE-LES-BAINS Cedex
philippe.leouffre@ad04.fr / +33 (0)4 92 31 82 22
www.tourism-alps-provence.com

TIPS FOR BIKING IN THE ALPES-MARITIMES

Keep track of these not-to-miss events

The cradle of great downhill champions like Nicolas Vouilloz, Fabien Barel, and Loïc Bruni, the Alpes-Maritimes are loaded with trails for riders and mountain bike enthusiasts. A top spot for bike tourism, recreational cyclists will appreciate the mid-mountain routes that meander towards the blue waters of the Mediterranean – they serve up spectacular views. The bike season is punctuated by dozens of unmissable events, like the Haute Route des Alpes for racing cyclists and the GRANFONDO challenge for experienced cyclists. Mark your calendars!

CONTACT :

Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur
5 rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, 06364, Nice Cedex 4
https://www.nicecotedazur.org

EXPLORE THE BOUCHES-DU-RHÔNE BY BIKE

Cycle from hillside villages to the Mediterranean

To explore the Bouches-du-Rhône and its must-vist cities by bike, myprovence.fr has created a helpful guide of the best bike routes for you!
Take the section of the ViaRhôna route from Arles as far as the mouth of the Rhône, and explore the Roman heritage this area has to offer. Cross the Réserve Naturelle des Marais du Vigueirat before enjoying a well-deserved swim at Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône.
For the most athletic, the Alpilles trails, the Garlaban trails, the Sainte-Victoire trails are wonderfully challenging.
To help you best organise your bike holiday in the Bouches-du-Rhône, take a look at the list of hirers, the good deals, and many other addresses for bike repair and accommodation.

CONTACT :

Provence Tourisme
13, Rue Roux de Brignoles, 13006 Marseille
info@myprovence.fr /+33 (0)4 91 13 84 13
www.myprovence.fr/en

izoard-route-du-tour-de-france-pat-domeyne-1-e1582799815760-1.jpg

THE HAUTES-ALPES : BE PART OF THE LEGEND

Get ready for your climb!

The Hautes-Alpes have loads to delight bike lovers: no less than 12 loops and 21 climbs created for cyclists. Head off to attack the legendary Col du Galibier and Col de l’Izoard, or brave the Grande Traversée des Hautes-Alpes and its Bike Parks on mountain bikes. Want to enjoy the landscape at a more leisurely pace? Opt for the bike routes that are suitable for electrically assisted bikes (eMTB) to take it easy on the climbs.

CONTACT :

Agence de développement Hautes-Alpes [Hautes-Alpes Development Agency]
13, avenue Maréchal Foch 05000 Gap
info@hautes-alpes.net / + 33 (0) 4 92 53 62 00
www.hautes-alpes.net

BIKE TOURISM AND SPORTS CYCLING IN THE VAR

On the paths of the coastline and the hinterland

From your hyper-motivated cousin to your uncle who never misses his nap, but who also enjoys a fun rural outing on his bike, the Var is the ideal cycling destination to keep the whole family happy! The coastline and the hinterland offer itineraries on marked routes, such as the Vigne à Vélo in the Dracénie or the coastal cycle route along the seaside.
Looking for the best mountain biking area? Hyères-Les Îles d’Or, with 95 kilometres of registered bike routes, has what it takes to charm mountain bike enthusiasts.
For family cycle routes, stop off at Porquerolles. There you will find a route for everyone: rides around forts, wine-growing estates and more strenuous trails.
Finally, the Roc d’Azur, the world’s premier mountain bike event, welcomes a wide range of participants and spectators. You will find on Visitvar great accommodations suitable for your bike holiday, cycle hirers, and loads of practical information.

CONTACT :

Var Tourisme
1 boulevard de Strasbourg – BP 5147, 83093 TOULON Cedex
info@vartourisme.org
www.visitvar.fr

DISCOVER THE VAUCLUSE BY BIKE

Bike tips at La Provence à vélo [Provence by Bike]

The Vaucluse is the ultimate bike region thanks to the Luberon, Mont Ventoux, Avignon, the Rhône Valley. La Provence à vélo [Provence by Bike] is the best guide for your bike holidays. Find out about essentialbike routes and mountain bike circuits through the most beautiful villages and landscapes of the Vaucluse. The site is loaded with great tips and practical information to help you prepare for your trip. Find bike hire, accommodation and restaurants that are geared up to welcome cyclists, luggage transport, and even recharging points for e-bikes. You’ll find all you need for an idyllic bike holiday!

CONTACT :

Vaucluse Provence Attractivité
12 Rue Collège de la Croix, 84000 Avignon
info@vaucluseprovence.com / +33 (0)4 90 80 47 00
www.provence-a-velo.fr

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO YOUR BIKE HOLIDAYS

Vélo Loisir Provence

Want to go on a bike holiday in the Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon or du Verdon? Find all the information on the Vélo Loisir Provence site which brings together a network of almost 190 professionals who are registered under the Accueil Vélo [Bikes Welcome] label. Top addresses, vacation packages, practical information, and more. The site has everything you need to prepare for your bike vacation!
The Vélo Loisir Provence association also offers interactive maps of the most beautiful bike and mountain bike routes, which give you information about route difficulty and nearby points of interest.

luberon-vlo-mnerbes-crdit-photo-vlo-loisir-provence-1-1-e1582801288176-1.jpg

CONTACT :

Vélo Loisir Provence
203, Rue Oscar Roulet 84440 Robion
Tél: +33 (0) 4 90 76 48 05 / info@veloloisirprovence.com
www.veloloisirprovence.com