Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur

The Pays de Sault, a green vacation resort, boasts over 160 km of mountain bike trails and over 260 km of hiking trails, listed on maps and topo-guides distributed by the tourist office. All in all, you can look forward to some great walks through oak and pine forests, lavender and spelt fields. At the tourist office, you'll also find a cyclo-guide with 9 cycling circuits starting from Sault, including 66 km through the Gorges de la Nesque and 33 km through the Plateau d'Albion.

To be lucky enough to explore the whole island in one day trip, rent a bicycle is essential.  for all levels. However, Attention, two-wheeled vehicles are very quickly stormed: to have the opportunity to find one of them, it is better to arrive early at first boats!

In the Queyras, opportunities for exploration abound, but a good level of fitness is essential due to the significant differences in altitude. If you're interested in this prospect, an excellent starting point would be to acquire the "Promenades VTT dans le Queyras" topo-guide, available from all the region's Tourist Offices. This guide features itinerary sheets at different levels, with detailed descriptions. For mountain bikers, the Saint-Véran and Col d'Izoard climbs are exciting challenges.

Mountain biking is the trendy sport that replaces winter skiing on the steep slopes in the summer. You will be able to exercise while enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful landscapes of the resort which blossoms in the beautiful days. The terrain of Montgenèvre is mostly suitable for this and the ski lifts play the game, with a gondola for example. You can easily access to various downhill runs (1 bike park with 12 trails) adapted to all levels. You can get information by phone : 04 92 21 91 73.

Recognized as a mountain bike site by the French Cycling Federation, the Pays des Écrins offers 200 km of marked trails, with no fewer than 15 circuits suitable for all levels, whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider. These varied routes, some with higher levels of difficulty, offer access to exceptional natural sites. Among the options on offer, the Vallouise "trans-territoire" offers a 36 km loop starting from Argentière, passing through Ailefroide, with a brown grading.

The Colmiane site has been specially designed to offer two downhill bike trails: one of green difficulty, 4.5 km long and with a 300 m vertical drop, and the other of blue difficulty, 3 km long and also with a 300 m vertical drop. The ascent is easy thanks to the chairlift, and each trail has its own identity to enable progression adapted to the cyclists' level. Following the signposts is the key to a safe and enjoyable descent on these specially prepared ski trails.

The Ochres by bike ? The country of Forcalquier and the mountain of Lure? Or the whole loop at your own pace? This is what this beautiful region has to offer! Choose your itinerary (IGN map: Parc Naturel Régional du Luberon, 1/60 000e; or Michelin map: 81 and 84, 1/200 000e). And for those who are still hesitating, a brochure is available for free download online.

For those who have already decided, this is a fabulous family walk, where you can take the time to discover nature while getting some exercise. Since summer 2002, 130 km (Forcalquier, Manosque, Lourmarin, Cavaillon section) have been added to the existing 105 km (Cavaillon to Forcalquier, via Apt), for a total loop of 236 km. If you don't want to pedal all that, there are already many sections to enjoy. For example, a 22 km greenway that passes through Apt, or "le pays d'Aigues à vélo", a beautiful 91 km circuit, soon to be marked out.

But if you opt for the 236 km loop, you can start from wherever you want, and will not necessarily need a map. Indeed, to facilitate your orientation, the loop is marked out in both directions. But don't forget to bring sun cream, sunglasses, a cap and a bottle of water! The stages are punctuated by perched villages, Provençal landscapes, bories, lavender with stops for tasting local products, this 5 to 7 day route guarantees pleasure and discovery!

This route invites you to ride in the last territory attached to France in 1947. The village of La For and the classified valley of Roya have many historical and architectural treasures, which will be known to you as the kilometres travelled… Among them, the sanctuary of Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines deserves an extended stop: You will discover a whole range of culture and traditions in the Brigasque region. The Saint Martin collegiate church, the castle of the counts of Lascaris and the Rooster bridge are also worth a visit, as well as the famous Cà d'arbinée, typical of the Haute high Valley in the form of amphitheatre.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 8 km.

Duration: 1 p. m.

Difficulty: .

Here is the ideal place for a bike ride with a family! Very little relief, rich and colourful flora, small roads secure and isolated from circulation: the Quail plain definitely meets all the criteria for a successful outdoor exit. If the heart tells you, you can even add to the historical, geographical and biological explanations available on the website of the Alpes-Maritimes General council (www.cg06.fr). It would be a shame to miss the unusual story of the Quail meteorite, whose breeding is now visible in the church bell!

Tariff: free.

Difficulty: .

Distance: 6,5 km.

Common departure: Quail (communal parking near the hostel).

Useful: bicycles can be booked by telephone from the town hall.

The canyon of the Nesque can be discovered by bicycle, by a 65 kilometers loop which connects the communes of Villes-sur-Auzon, Méthamis, Sault and Monieux. This itinerary on the side of the mountain is quite long and is reserved for sportsmen. However, you can approach it by sections to facilitate the walk. For example: only 6 kilometers separate Sault from Monieux. Take the opportunity to visit these two villages which offer beautiful panoramas on the valley.

The town of Peyruis and its surrounding area are extremely suitable for bicycle rides. let us go back to the saddle! This circuit begins with the entrance of the camping Les Cicadas, and develops in the first part in the heart of an agricultural plain where fruit trees reign. Then it penstock the A 51 motorway over a few kilometres. The return to the village can be carried out through the various routes leading to your right: rallongez it or shortchange it as you wish.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 9 km.

Duration: 1 h.

Difficulty: very easy.

Between good friends or with your toddlers, this easy ride by bike invites you to discover the corners of the Durance valley. At the beginning of the ruins of the Marquis de Piosin castle, at the top of the village of Peyruis, it then alternate between trails, trails, grimpettes and dishes. With pedal shots, it will take you successively near the Jas jas, remnant of a past peasant tradition, and then to the Pierre Planted. And there, a few pretty points of view are your journey and can be used for short breaks.

Tariff: free.

Distance: 7,5 km.

Duration: 1 p. m.

Difficulty: pretty easy.

Walk between two waters, or rather between two lands: you are here between the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and the Alpes-Maritimes. Moreover, it is in Saint-Auban, in this second department, that you will have to rise in the saddle. Are you ready? If this loop does not have a major problem, however, a mountain BIKE will be rigorous to survey the 6 kilometres that await you. First, you will be progresserez in a green oak forest on a winding and sometimes battered path. Then, as a second part, you will tour the aerodrome through a bois bypass. Guaranteed show if you fall at the time of the training of the French team of Vélivoles!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 6 km.

Duration: 40 minutes.

Difficulty: .

At the beginning of St. Roch's Square in Peyruis, this bike ride presents absolutely no difficulty. It is therefore particularly recommended for families and cyclistes. In the programme: 4,3 km, or about minutes, unless you prefer to stop here or there, to enjoy the surrounding calm. St. Roch Chapel, the Manosque Canal and the Lit bed (small rivers) will delight your short journey. You will then return to a good port by doing half-turn, simply!

Tariff: free.

Distance: 4,3 km.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Difficulty: very easy.

Enjoy mountain biking in summer in an exceptional setting, without the presence of ski slopes! Choose from two green trails, four blue trails, four red trails and two black trails. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, you'll be able to enjoy this sport in a grandiose environment, with a total course of 27.5 km, guaranteeing thrills and spills. Mountain bike outings accompanied by an instructor are available, including discovery of Isola 2000 trails, an introduction to freeride and a snack break.

Enjoy the fresh mountain air to make mountain biking. Auron has the largest mountain bike area in the Alpes-Maritimes department. Served by 4 ski lifts and 1 be lift lift, these are 50 km of slopes (1 black, 4 red, 9 blue and 3 green) and 17 circuits all available. What to satisfy small and large, fans of thrills or not.

This is the brand new concept store dedicated to cycling enthusiasts located in the heart of Valbonne village. You will find a selection of top-of-the-line road bikes, as well as a unique range of clothing, helmets, shoes and accessories for men and women. As an added bonus, Michael & Adam offers e-mountain and e-city bikes for rent, all over a good cup of coffee. Whether you are a cycling enthusiast or on vacation in Valbonne, this is a must for all cycling enthusiasts.

Thanks to its 1,000-meter vertical drop, Le Seignus becomes a favorite spot for mountain bikers during the summer season! With 8 signposted downhill itineraries, there's something for beginners and experts alike. The Clos-Bertrand and Gros-Tapys cable cars and chairlifts provide easy access to the top three green, two blue and three red runs. The site is also accredited by the French Cycling Federation for its numerous cross-country and boardercross loops and itineraries.

How peaceful it is to ride along the water. This 35km bike tour follows part of the Carpentras canal (3 hours). The water comes from the Durance and irrigates the Comtat Venaissin plain, which is covered with market gardens and orchards. From the Gargamiane plateau, a vast field of olive groves, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Ventoux and the Dentelles, towards which you'll reach Beaumes-de-Venise. You'll also pass through Loriol-du-Comtat and Aubignan.