Vence / Nice Véloroute littorale

The Route

This stage takes you along quiet little roads, in good part on stretches formerly owned by the Chemins de Fer de Provence, up to Saint Jeannet. Only for experienced cyclists. Not suitable for families. Signposting runs out at Le Broc, at time of writing, but a study is underway regarding the section between the village and the bridge, the Pont de l’Esteron (RM2209 for 6km). You’ll find signposts again for the cycle route from Pont Nucéra, a bridge at the Bec de l’Esteron.

Surfacing: a few stretches on gravel at the level of Gattières and between Carros and Le Broc.

After Le Broc, you descend via the M2209 to reach the Route des Iscles, going alongside the Esteron River, then following the Var River. The cycle route hasn’t been completed around here; along the Var, you’ll find alternating stretches on cycle paths and stretches along roads that can be very busy with motorized traffic. 
At St-Laurent-du-Var, pass under the last bridge, then pick up the signposting for La Méditerranée à vélo again. Climb towards the right, then right again on the bridge, to make sure you’re riding towards Nice.

Tourist Offices

• Bureau d’information touristique métropolitain de Vence
• Office de tourisme métropolitain de Nice

SNCF train services

• Gare de St-Laurent-du-Var
• Gare de Nice

Don't miss

• Vence: the historic town surrounded by fortifications; the Matisse Chapel; the town’s 24 fountains; the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de la Nativité; craquelin (a type of brioche made with a mix of cream and almonds) to give you strength! Also not to be missed in summer, the renowned music festival, Les Nuits du Sud.  
• Saint-Jeannet: the historic viaduct and startling vineyard at St-Jeannet
• Carros: Château de Carros containing the CIAC (Centre International d'Art Contemporain)
• Le Broc: the central square with fountain; views down on the Var Valley; the lake below the village, for picnicking or a walk
• St-Laurent-du-Var: the historic town; the 11th-century Romanesque church; citrus groves and horticulture (specialities including roses, carnations, lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits); the protected natural bird reserve 
• Nice: the Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels); the seafront Promenade des Anglais; Port Lympia (the main harbour); Musée des Arts Asiatiques; Musée Matisse; Musée Chagall; Parc Phoenix; Cathédrale Notre-Dame; Palais Sarde; Château de Nice; Cours Saleya and Vieux Nice; Mont Boron and the Fort du Mont Alban; Cimiez Garden and Monastery; the Russian church.