Provence in southern France is popular for recreational cycling and mountain biking. There are plenty of opportunities.
In and around the major towns there are many cycle paths. In Lorgues and also at the coast there is a lot for people who like to cycle.
For the more energetic biker we recommended a tour through the vineyards.
MOUNTAIN BIKING AND RECREATIONAL CYCLING IN PROVENCE
A nice starting point with the bike is the " Train des Pignes " , an old train track that runs through the entire Provence and ends in Nice . Not all pieces are perfectly passable, but the majority is doable. Even for the less experienced mountain biker / recreational cyclist it is possible to ride this track.
Also from Antibes to Nice is a very nice bike path along the coast.
Train des Pignes
A good starting point is Lorgues (Coordinates 43.498636,6.352394) , here you have two routes:
- You can take Chemin des Train des Pignes Ouest. It runs from Lorgues west along the villages, St Antonin and Chateau Mentone , along Salernes Aups and continue towards Lac st Croix .
- You can also take Chemin des Train des Pignes Est. It runs from Lorgues eastwards along the villages Sauveclare, along Flayosc Draguignan Les Arcs and continue towards the coast .
These routes are full of old bridges , beautiful olive groves and vineyards . Because the old railway line had to be for the trains , quite flat , he is easily accessible and it is generally through nature , so you get a good picture of the authentic Provence .
We also recommend the bike path from Antibes to Nice.
This is entirely along the coast and the path is mostly flat. You will have beautiful views, you'll pass several beautiful beaches and restaurants , here you can stop for a great lunch.The trip from Antibes to Nice takes around 1.5 hours and 1.5 hours back .
See also : http://www.fietseninfrankrijk.info/nice.htm
OFFROAD MOUNTAIN BIKING IN PROVENCE :
Provence is ideally suited for off-road mountain biking . There are thousands of trails to take. The best thing is the GPS itself to explore the beautiful trails, but we have some tips written down below.
Lorgues Taradeau Thoronet:
You start in Lorgues at the chapel "Notre Dame de Florieyes" on Chemin the Fréjus. From here you take the 'Bois de Astros' to Taradeau . You drive to chateau Rasque where at the top you have a wonderful viewpoint. After you can cycle to the village and follow the road inside to Vidauban. There you drive along the river L' Argens via Thoronet back to Lorgues .
ROADBIKES IN PROVENCE :
There are many beautiful trails to ride. It is very important to take enough water because it can be really hot in summer (see: The weather in Provence). The months: March, April , May, September and October are especially good months to cycle.
Several times already the Tour the France passed the Provence (Draguignan , Lorgues , Cotignac).
There are many variations of routes in Provence, from flat parts to steep hills. For those who really want a challenge, drive from Lorgues to TourTour and if you can manage even further to Lac st Croix . This route is almost completely uphill , one advantage: the way back is a breeze .
Also have a look at:
http://www.routeyou.com/Lorgues/
There is also a very nice route from Aups via Entrecasteaux to Cotignac , see also:
