The French Riviera is the ideal destination for a bicycle trip in the spring season, when its beaches are not crowded with tourists and the streets are more shabby.
This area of France enjoys a unique microclimate that allows you to stay outside and sunbath up to late October. The coast is fully accessible by bike from Nice to Marseille, about 260 km through small fishing villages and exclusive destinations. The trail is always on the floor and largely exploits the local bicycle trails, all well-marked on road signs.
Starting from Nice early in the morning you have the opportunity to spend some time visiting the city by strolling along the Promenade des Anglais and the alleys of the old town. Then start walking right from the waterfront bicycle track in the direction of Antibes, the site of the Picasso Museum. Here the cycle track stop to resume a few kilometers further nearby Cannes.
Once you have arrived in the city you have already traveled about 35 km: our advice is to make a stop here and visit Cannes in the evening. Take a look at at least the Palazzo dei Congressi, where every year is held the Festival of Cinema.
The track continues for about 70 km and arrives at Saint-Tropez. This stretch is one of the most fascinating of the French Riviera because up to the town of Frejus (for 40 km) you pedal between suggestive walls of red rock and the intense blue of the sea. The bike path takes you to Saint-Maxime and leads straight to Saint-Tropez. The latter, despite being famous as a place popular with actors, stylists, international athletes, boasts a glorious past that resides in the old citadel perched on the sea.
At this point we have cycled about halfway and Marseilles is now just 150 km. From Saint-Tropez you take the cycle path in the direction of Cogolin and continue along the coastal road. At Le Lavandou begins the Cycle Track of the Coast, a lane reserved for bicycles and pedestrians, well protected and also marked with dedicated traffic lights. Cycling on this bike track is a pleasure that ends in Toulon. The city is particularly suitable to be explored by bicycle.
As you exit the city the road bends inside and you have to face some long ascent, though not steep, before arriving in Marseille. Alternatively, you can load the bike on the train and travel the last 30 km comfortably seated, watching the alternation of sea and countryside from the window.