Last Updated on 6 November 2023 by Cycloscope
Cycling the French Riviera Along the EV8
a bicycle touring guide to Southern France
The European Cyclistsโ Federation (ECF) is making strides in its efforts to create an extensive EuroVelo network, allowing cyclists to venture throughout mainland Europe on a road bike.
The Trans-European Cycle Route 8 (EV8) is becoming one of the most picturesque within the network, following the Mediterranean Sea for almost 6,000 kilometers from Cรกdiz in southern Spain all the way round to Cyprus.
Spanning 11 countries and 23 World Heritage sites, itโs unsurprising that the EV8 attracts more tourist interest than most other EuroVelo routes.
If youโve always wanted to venture out on a cycling holiday, what better way to keep fit and explore life on two wheels than to explore the beauty and sophistication of the French Riviera?
From expansive views and sumptuous restaurants to inviting beachfront, weโve got the perfect week-long cycling vacation for you.
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Leg 1 โ Cycling Marseille-Cassis-Les Lecques
The first leg of your journey will be one of the longest distances youโll cycle in a day. Fly into Marseille or fly into Paris and take the TGV down to the south coast with your road bike and youโll roll into Marseilleโs Saint-Charles Station within a few hours.
Take a trip through Marseilleโs picturesque Vieux Port and the Old Town (Vieille Ville). As the third-largest metropolitan area in the country and largest port on the Mediterranean, Marseille fuses laidback with industrial with plenty of cultures and gritty, urban areas to boot.
On departure from Marseille to Cassis, take the direct option of the Rue de Rome, but if youโre particularly keen on scenery, the Corniche du President Kennedy route is recommended, which is 7km longer. As pit stops go, Cassis is ideal.
A quaint little fishing port, its spectacular steep cliffs are a sight to behold. Head east from Cassis along the Route des Crรชtes to Les Lecques for the end of your first leg.
Leg 2 โ Les Lecques-Toulon- Hyeres
Much of this section of the EV8 meanders through urban and suburban areas and does little to capture the imagination. Although there is some picturesque shoreline, youโll also encounter plenty of road traffic.
So, unless youโre an experienced, confident cyclist, itโs probably not the best part of the EV8. An easy way around it is to hop on the train from Les Lecques and head to Hyรจres.
Leg 3 โ Hyรจres-Le Lavandou-Saint- Tropez-Sainte- Maxime-Saint Raphael
Between Hyรจres and Saint Raphael is a 30-kilometer stretch of cycle lanes and back roads, followed by a 50-kilometer length of cycling on a highway. Thereโs light traffic along here, so it shouldnโt be too intimidating.
Along your way, youโll encounter beautiful hillside views of the Mediterranean from Le Lavandou before emerging in the opulent surroundings of Saint-Tropez.
Its port contains some of the worldโs most impressive super-yachts and itโs where many of the rich and famous hang out in the summer season. Itโs by no means cheap, but itโs nice to be able to say youโve checked it out.
When youโre back on the move, the cycle route follows adjacent to the D559 highway, continuing all the way to Sainte-Maxime and Saint Raphael where this leg of the journey finishes.
Leg 4 โ Saint Raphael-Cannes
Undoubtedly, one of the most enjoyable scenic routes along the EV8, the 36-kilometer stretch between Saint Raphael and Cannes takes you along the Esterel Mountains. Although this entire leg is on a highway, road traffic is at a high until you approach Cannes.
This leg isnโt just popular with tourist cyclists but locals, too, particularly in the summer. Youโll probably be overtaken by a train at some point, with the train line along the coastline running adjacent to the D6098.
As you approach Cannes harbor, itโs a good idea to get off your bike and walk the remainder of the journey to soak up the atmosphere, including the sheer enormity of some of the yachts moored up.
Cannes is arguably the chicest and sophisticated part of the French Riviera, so you can expect plenty of plush Michelin-starred
restaurants and expensive boutiques. If youโre not afraid to spend some cash, youโll be instantly taken with Cannes.
The Cannes Film Festival takes place in the latter half of May, so itโs not a good idea to be around when it is on as the town resembles something of a media circus.
Leg 5 โ Cannes-Antibes-Nice
Itโs nice to meander out of Cannes and head further east toward Nice via the old town of Antibes. The most enjoyable route is the Cap dโAntibes where youโll cycle past dozens of homes owned by many of the worldโs most famous celebrities. Youโll eventually arrive in Antibesโ port area, as well as its pocket beach.
Thereโs some mightily impressive architecture here, so do take the time to soak it in if youโre that way inclined. Upon leaving Antibes for Nice, head north around the vast harbor area and return to the bike lanes along the coastal road.
When you arrive in Nice, make sure you take a ride along the Promenade des Anglais, which is a haven for walkers, cyclists, and rollerbladers alike. Of course, a stopover in Nice would not be complete without a short train ride to Monacoโs Monte Carlo.
Walkthrough the tunnel, which forms a dramatic part of the areaโs Formula 1 street circuit. Furthermore, the spectacular Casino de Monte-Carlo is also a must-see.
Leg 6 โ Nice-Menton
If youโve made it to Nice and enjoyed all the sights and sounds of Nissa La Bella, you will be ready to head off on your final leg of the journey along the French Riviera to higher ground.
The sweeping and romantic Grande Corniche road is a real test of stamina, cycling up and down the steep slopes in route to Menton and its steep mountainside.
With dramatic scenery, itโs a must, but if youโd rather explore the views without having to saddle up, local trains operate from Nice to Menton every half hour.
Menton Old Town is like something from a fairytale book. From the harbor looking up at the Old Town, its quintessential orange rooftops towering over the waterfront.
From Menton, you can take a train back to Nice, which operates flights to most European countries from its coastal airport. Alternatively, Nice operates 13 trains daily to Paris, with journey times averaging seven and a half hours.
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From authentic cuisine and unique landscapes to luxury fashion and laid-back vibes, the French Riviera has it all. Exploring the south of France by road bike is an unforgettable experience that youโll cherish forever.
As the EV8 (pictured above in the brown route line) continues its development, youโll eventually be able to explore undiscovered gems such as Albania and Montenegro, as well as the crystal-clear Croatian coastline and other world-renowned destinations such as Venice and Gaudiโs unmistakable architecture in Barcelona. It truly has it all.
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