After days—or even weeks—of tackling one legendary mountain pass after another on the Route des Grandes Alpes ®, arriving in Nice feels a bit like reaching the summit of a mountain: the effort has been intense, but the adventure doesn’t end there. The French Riviera, with its unique blend of culture, scenery, and relaxed lifestyle, offers a multitude of ways to extend your cycling journey or turn it into an equally memorable experience. Here are a few ideas for continuing your exploration, whether you’re looking for relaxation, new adventures, or cultural discoveries.
1. Explore Nice by bike: between the sea and the hills
Nice is a city made for cyclists. After the challenge of the Alps, why not opt for more leisurely rides along the Promenade des Anglais? Rent a city bike or a hybrid bike and set out to discover colorful neighborhoods like Vieux-Nice, where the narrow streets are filled with lively markets (such as the Cours Saleya) and small restaurants serving local specialties. For a breathtaking view of the Baie des Anges, head up to the Colline du Château: the climb is short but steep, but the reward is well worth the effort!
If you’d rather avoid the hills, the Parc Phoenix or the Coastal Bike Path (which connects Nice to the airport) are perfect for a relaxing stroll along the seafront.
See also: Bike Routes Around Nice
2. Exploring the Côte d’Azur coastline: from Nice to Menton
The Côte d’Azur is perfect for a coastal bike tour. From Nice, you can head to Villefranche-sur-Mer, a fishing village with pastel-colored houses, then continue on to Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d’Ail, where hidden coves invite you to take a break for a swim. Further east, Monaco is only about thirty kilometers away. The drive along the Lower Corniche is spectacular, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Once in Monaco, take the time to visit the Rocher (the historic district) or stroll through the Jardin Exotique.
For cyclists who want to avoid the road, the Coastal Bike Path (currently under construction) safely connects Nice to Menton, passing through picture-perfect scenery.
Tip: If you’d like to extend your trip with a Mediterranean cruise, there are many options departing from Nice or Monaco to explore the Lérins Islands, Corsica, or even Italy.
3. Discover the hilltop villages of the hinterland
If you still have some energy left (and the desire to climb), the Nice hinterland is full of medieval villages accessible by bike. Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Èze or Sainte-Agnès offer quintessentially Provençal landscapes, with olive groves, vineyards, and stone houses. These day trips are perfect for a day spent transitioning between the mountains and the sea. The roads are often winding and steep, but the views of the coast are well worth the effort.
Discover: The most beautiful villages to explore by bike in the Alpes-Maritimes
4. Enjoy the beaches and water sports
After cycling for kilometers, there’s nothing like a relaxing break on a sandy or pebble beach. Beau Rivage Beach in Nice, La Garoupe Beach in Antibes, or Mourillon Beach in Toulon are perfect spots to unwind. If you’re more athletic, try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even snorkeling to explore the crystal-clear seabed.
For a unique experience, why not try beach biking? Some clubs offer all-terrain bikes adapted for riding on sand, such as in Fréjus or Saint-Tropez.
5. Continue the adventure at sea: set sail for the islands
The Mediterranean is the perfect setting for a transition from land to sea. From Nice, you can set out on an excursion to the Lérins Islands (Saint-Honorat and Sainte-Marguerite), accessible by boat from Cannes. These unspoiled islands, where time seems to have stood still, are ideal for a day of hiking, swimming, or tasting wines produced by the monks of Lérins.
If you have more time, a cruise to Corsica or Sardinia is a unique way to extend your trip. The coastal landscapes of these islands are just as breathtaking as those of the Alps, but with an added Mediterranean flair.
Extend your trip with a Mediterranean cruise
6. Immerse yourself in the local culture
The French Riviera also boasts a rich cultural heritage. In Nice, don’t miss the Matisse Museum or the Marc Chagall Museum, which house exceptional collections. Further west, Antibes and its Picasso Museum are worth a visit, as is Grasse, the world capital of perfume, where you can visit historic perfume houses such as Fragonard or Galimard.
For a more unique experience, head to Vallauris, a village known for its pottery tradition, or to Biot, where you can discover the art of glassblowing.
In conclusion
Reaching Nice after the Route des Grandes Alpes, is like opening a new chapter in your journey. Whether you choose to keep cycling along the coast, get lost in the villages of the hinterland, relax on a beach, or set sail, one thing is certain: the adventure is just beginning. So, are you ready to keep the fun going (