The Mediterranean by bike, from Draguignan to Menton

Begin the first day of your French Riviera by bike tour, succumb to the charm of the Var back country. In Draguignan, the “town of the dragon”, stroll through the narrow streets and visit the new Fine Arts Museum. Stop off in the charming village of Callas to see the olive oil mill, before crossing the Rayol viaduct. Then continue to Fayence, one of the 9 hilltop villages of Var. From the top of the clock tower, you’ll love the beautiful panoramic view over this typical Provençal village.

Stay at the cosy Les Oliviers hotel with swimming pool. 

After a filling breakfast, take to the roads of the Grasse region, amid the scents of rose, jasmine, lavender and mimosa. On reaching Grasse, the international perfume capital, visit the perfumeries and the cathedral, not forgetting the flower gardens at the Fort France Villa, the Noailles Villa,  the Mas des Pivoines, etc.

Spend the night at a hotel of typical Provençal charm, the Bastide Saint-Antoine in Grasse. 

The third day of your cycling adventure takes you to Cannes. Far from the red carpet and buzz of the film festival, the town invites you to take a pleasant stroll along the Croisette and in the old district. Take a boat trip to the unspoilt islands of Lérins.

Sleep like a baby at the Bastide de l’Oliveraie, with swimming pool and views of the hills and the Mediterranean Sea.

Leaving Cannes, follow the coastline against the backdrop of the turquoise sea. This is the easiest stage of the itinerary, ideal for a family bike ride. It leads to Juan-les-Pins and Antibes, where food lovers will enjoy visiting the beautiful indoor market. You can stroll around the port, visit Villeneuve-Loubet Marina, follow the Cagnes-sur-Mer cycle path and reach the Promenade des Anglais in Nice before exploring the old part of the town.

Spend the evening in the shade of the palm trees at Casa Musa, a truly outstanding guesthouse in Nice.

Prepare to climb! After the previous day’s gentle cycling, you now begin a climb from the marina 507 meters above sea level.

As you cycle along the Riviera on this uphill section, a magnificent panorama unfurls before you as you begin to tower over Saint-Jean Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu harbour and Cap d’Ail.

Enter “Beausoleil” into your navigation device if it won’t give you a route to Monaco. Visit the principality to see the yachts and the famous casino.

Stay at the Hostellerie Jérôme  in Turbie, a delightful hotel with a gourmet restaurant where the food is divine. 

The last day takes you to Menton via Cap Martin. Explore the old town and the Jean Cocteau museum.

Welcome to the French Riviera in all its authenticity, with blue lagoon waters, lemon trees, olive groves and lush green gardens.

Further reading : 

• The French Riviera

6 gardens on the French Riviera where you can prolong the summer vibe