Nice-San remo // cycling the French and italian riviera

Distance Nice - San Remo/return: 120 km
Climb: 1.000 m+
​Main routes: The coast road to Italy, passing through Monaco
Close to: Various French and Italian villages near the coast
Level of difficulty: Easy-Moderate.
Season: Recommended to cycle out of the main tourist season due to much traffic July-September.
Tip: Bring lights as you pass through multiple tunnels.

Do you dream of cycling cruising at both the French and the Italian Riviera?

It is absolutely a dream that can come true! Cyclists cruise these beautiful coast roads every day and cars are used to cyclists, although I do recommend that you avoid the crowds on the roads during the peak-tourist season in July and August. 

The route from Nice, if you follow the coast, is taking you through varied sections of uphills, flats and downhills: Bigger towns, small coast towns, amazing landscape stretches, world-famous beaches and a few tunnels before you reach the outer skirts of Ventigmiglia. You can read about the route from Nice to Ventigmiglia here.

Every year in March, San Remo hosts the worlds longest one-day professional cycling race: Milan-San Remo. Love for cycling is integrated in the town that has created a 20 km long cycling path that follows the old train tracks along the coast and is closed off from 4-wheels traffic. On a warm day, it is like cycling through a cooling Spa, as you cycle through the iconic cycling/pedestrians' tunnel that is 1-2 km long and a part of the cycling path. Cycling stories from the region are displayed throughout the tunnel that has been designed by and for cycling lovers. 

The path starts near Ospedaletti. Look out for the sign from the main road as it is a bit hidden. In San Remo you find several pretty located beach-side cafés designed for cyclists and their bikes! :)

If you want to combine the tour with more climbing - search for village routes in the back country or cycle from Nice-Menton via Col d'Eze and la Turbie. If you want to ease the cycling, you can easily make it shorter if you go back to Nice by train from Ventigmiglia (cycles are free to carry on the train - look for the special doors for bike-people).

Bon courage!

Tina Baltzer

Lifesparkz Bike Tours