Cycling in the South of France

Over 2,000 km of cycle routes in the south of France

The Sud region offers a vast area with something for everyone. Whether it’s Provence with its sun-drenched olive groves and lavender fields, the Alps with their legendary mountain passes, or the famous Côte d’Azur with its spectrum of colours ranging from azure blue to the ochre hues of the Esterel massif, there’s every reason to get out and about! In Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, cyclists can choose their preferred discipline: gravel, mountain biking, road cycling, or cycling tours with family or friends; every cyclist will enjoy the region’s way of life, heritage and culinary specialities.

J. Kelagopian

La dolce vita on the French Riviera

If azure blue is your favourite colour, a coastal ride will be right up your street; it’s easy to cycle along the coastal cycle route between Sanary-sur-Mer and Hyères, or to follow the ‘La Méditerranée à Vélo’ route from Mandelieu-la-Napoule to Nice. The Côte d’Azur offers a wide choice of beaches, swimming in turquoise waters and breathtaking views.

G. Rey

In the heart of the great outdoors: the Camargue, the Alpilles and the Luberon

ViaRhôna, as you reach the end of your cycle tour in Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône, you’ll be forgiven for wanting to carry on and discover the secrets of the Camargue. Then, to admire the Alpilles, the Tarascon–Cavaillon stage of La Méditerranée à Vélo will be the natural starting point for a lovely getaway towards the traditional villages of the Alpilles mountain range. And for a cycling holiday following in the footsteps of Jean Giono, the 241 km ‘Autour du Luberon by bike’ route will delight fans of long-distance cycling tours.

VLP - Julien Abellan

Greenways of the South

For families, the Via Venaissia cycle route, which links the ViaRhôna to the Mediterranean, offers a lovely family ride between Orange and L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. These are two fascinating towns where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll whilst discovering their rich cultural heritage. You can also take the Calavon greenway from Cavaillon to Condamine, with Apt as the highlight. An easy warm-up ride along the Mediterranean by bike…

Damien Rosso

Around the Giant of Provence

An iconic figure with its almost lunar summit, it stands alone against the Provençal sky at an altitude of 1,912 metres. And those who have cycled up it know that on certain days of bad weather, it can prove too much even for the most determined cyclists. To win it over gently, to tackle it from the opposite direction, to tame it – why not cycle round it instead? Then, time to climb it!

L. Terrail – Grandes Itinérances

Conquering the Alps by bike

Sporty types will be in their element – the Southern Alps are a fantastic playground for road cyclists, gravel riders and mountain bikers alike. With the Route des Grandes Alpes, Les P’tites du Soleil, the Durance à vélo and the two Grandes Traversées VTT, Transverdon and the Alpes Provence, it’s easy to gain altitude or set off on a bikepacking adventure to conquer the Alpine peaks. For those who prefer a long-distance touring ride, the Grand Tour des Préalpes d’Azur is the perfect warm-up before tackling more ambitious challenges!