Nice, Cote d' Azur, France

Nice is on the French Riviera and is built on the pebbly shores of a curving bay. It is France's 5th biggest city. Nestled between the sea and the mountains behind, it is ideally placed as a base for your cycle holiday. Although the 5th biggest city, it has a maze of cycling paths that criss cross the city, and is very bike friendly. The once-sleepy grande dame of the Cote d'Azur is now its vibrant artistic hub, with cool new bars, restaurants and galleries enlivening its classic sights. 

Where to Ride?

You are almost spoilt for choice with Nice as your base. The only disadvantage is that everything is uphill from the coastal city. Our recomendations would be to head North East, up towards Eze, and the Col de Madone or North West towards Vence and Gourdon and search out the beautiful Gorges du Loop. If you want a flat day, you can follow the coast all the way to Cannes. For some route options, click here. 

Where to Stay?

Nice has many great hotels. Our favourite is the Splendid Hotel and Spa. Located centrally, you have Nice on your doorstep and are just a couple of roads back from the beach and the great cycle path along the Promenade de Anglais. It has a great rooftop bar and breakfast room, with views over the city.  Contact us for more personal recommendations.

Where to Eat?

Nice has so many great restaurants. Our favourites include:

Le Bistronome - A small typically French restaurant

Restaurant Le Panier - French food in the heart of the old town

Davisto Restaurant Italien - Our favourite Italian in Nice.

Also don't miss Cafe de Cyclist down by the port. A very chic cycling cafe. 

What to do, other than ride?

Other than cycling and spending time on the beach, we recommend:

Promenade des Anglais

Stroll up and down the promenade taking in the bright blue sky and the outstretching ocean, there is enough to see and do just on the water front alone

Palais Masséna

Ornate center for Riviera art & artifacts to the belle époque, including Napoleon's death mask.

Old Town (Vieux Nice)

The city’s vibrant old town, with narrow cobblestone streets and pastel-hued buildings where shops sell Niçoise soaps and Provençal textiles, plus meats and cheeses.

Musée Matisse

The Musée Matisse in Nice is a national museum devoted to the work of French painter Henri Matisse.

What Climb not to miss?

Don't miss climbing the Col de Vence or the Col d' Eze

What you didn't know about Nice?

Elton John has a house here and the airport is one of the busiest for private Jet movements.