Winter Cycling In The South Of France
Winter skies in Cannes - Côte d’Azur
The French Riviera.
With azure seas, deep blue skies and the Maritime Alps reaching down to the sea, the Côte d’Azur is a destination where cyclists flock to all year round.
in winter, the mild temperatures stay around 10-12 degrees with plenty of sunshine but it's not unusual for this to rise to 16-18 degrees. Autumn and Spring are particularly special as the weather is like a good UK summer. There is a reason why many of the pro peloton choose the French Riviera as their place to live...
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Video of a coast road ride to the Estérel National Park - January 2018
The Préalpes d’Azur
In the winter months, the climate is still very mild. The roads nearer the coast become the ‘go to’ destination for winter cycling. Starting at the Mediterranean coastline, and running from the Italian border East of Monaco to L'Estérel National Park West of Cannes is an area that sits between the Préalpes and the coast.
There are many fantastic routes transversing this terrain creating journeys that can be as challenging or as easy as you want to make them.
The Mimosa in L’Estérel - West of Cannes. The Alpes in the distance
The Roads
Climb the famous Col d’Éze or the Route de Colomars to Aspremont. Cruise along the undulating Moyenne Corniche or head to the Mimosa covered hills of L’Estérel via Antibes and Cannes.
There are many roads and routes that are only known by the locals who live in the area.
Armed with our self-guided cycling routes on your GPS or phone, you will have access to the best cycling routes in the Côte d’Azur.
If you do take a cycling holiday in the winter, why not take a day out and go skiing? The resort of Gréolières is just 45 minutes away and offers downhill skiing as well as excellent cross country Ski du fond’.
A typical route showing points of interest and essential information.
Self-Guided Cycling Routes
Our self-guided cycling routes have been created from local experience and take the seasons into account.
We can give you the power building climbs that are not possible in the Alpes due to the temperatures and weather. Or, if you prefer, you can ride just inland of the coast and enjoy spectacular views over the Mediterranean without any big climbs.
Our self-guided routes are free to guests at Villa Olivade. We can also help with bike hire if you require it. We have secure alarmed storage for your bike and bike box as well as tools and spares.
The Côte d’Azur is just a 90-minute flight from the London Airports and Villa Olivade just 20 minutes from there. Within one hour, you can be cycling with the sun on your back following one of our self-guided cycling routes.
Have a look at our our availability then use the flight checker for flights from your nearest airport (opens in a new window).
If you need any advice, or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and ask.