Cyclosportives in Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Spanning over 31,400 km², it consists of 6 departments 🔥: the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, the Hautes-Alpes, the Alpes-Maritimes, the Bouches-du-Rhône, the Var, and the Vaucluse. Lovers of cyclosportives you are in for a treat 🚴; the region is marked by ideal paths and routes for breathtaking bike rides 💨. Additionally, a true commitment is in place to promote cycling 🚲. Since 2019, 9 major cycling routes have been mapped in the region (EuroVélo 8, the ViaRhona, the Calavon Greenway…), giving you plenty of opportunities to prepare for your next events 🏅. Because yes, rides are nice, but competitions are more thrilling 💥.

With challenges in the mountains 🏔️, at the foot of the Alps, your legs will certainly feel the burn 🥵. Several races are held at the peak of the region , offering you magnificent views 💐. Otherwise, the seaside is also on the map, and a competition with your feet in the sand 🏖️ is certainly very motivating (to keep pedaling faster, not to take a swimming break 🩱). Come on, put on your capèou and protect yourself from the sun ☀️ because there, generally, the weather is favorable! With over 300 days of sunshine a year, you northerners might feel a bit envious... 🫣

In Provence, the sun shines, and history speaks! 📖

The Provençal heritage ✨

Rooted in contemporary art and Roman history 🏛️, the region is full of traditions. You're aware that they have quite a special language, Provençal… 💬 Vé mon fada, le cagnard il tape aujourd’hui, on va finir énsuqué. Marcel Pagnol, a French writer 🇫🇷 and child of the PACA region, is a notable figure. His books are filled with expressions from the region 📍, which may not be easy to read… Today, these words are used daily in the South, especially in Marseille 🩵. Take a stroll on the Old Port, and let us know if you understand anything from their conversations… 🗯️ In the 1st century BC, this place was conquered by Rome 🇮🇹, which gifts it with a wealth of Roman remains today. Three sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage: the Triumphal Arch and the Ancient Theatre, both located in Orange 🍊, as well as the Arles Amphitheatre. And Rome didn't just leave behind stones 🪨; Vaison-la-Romaine is the perfect demonstration of this. Just in its name, they've deliberately requested to attach "La-Romaine" to proudly claim their roots 💗. A perfectly legitimate request, as it houses the largest archaeological site in France. And then there's the landscape, ah the beautiful Provence, just uttering its name conjures the sound of cicadas singing 🦗. The Haute Provence Geopark is often described as magical 🪄 with its diversity. More than 2,000 km² of terrain, over 1/3 of Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Fossils, lavender fields 🪻, lakes, plains, forests... So much variety offering an exceptional terrain! 🤩

Indulge in the South

For a great bike ride, you'll need a burst of energy ⚡️ and what better way to get that than a good hearty meal? In the PACA region, don't worry, you'll have plenty of strength to pedal hard 💪. Let's start with a tasty sauce: aïoli. A tradition that smells strongly of the south of France, but also garlic… 🧄 The pistou soup, nothing more comforting. Summer vegetables, broth, pasta, and homemade pistou 🍲. It's so good that we eat it all year round! Yes, for this soup there is no hot or cold season 🤪. To end on a sweet note, a little delightful cake originating from Saint-Tropez: the Tropézienne 🍰, easy to remember. A soft brioche filled with cream and sugar. With all that, you'll leave with a full belly.

From the coast to the peaks: pedal to the rhythm of the South

Between waves and turns

For those who associate the south with the sea 🌊, it's normal! With its 1,035 km of coastline, there's plenty of opportunity for some beautiful swims. But stay focused, we're here to pedal 🙂‍↔️, so best to combine the two. And the organizers have understood this well, and there are perfectly planned events 📅. The GFNY Cannes, which runs through the middle of Cannes ⭐️, offers you a route close to the red carpet. A star event to welcome the biggest star: YOU 🫵. La Lazaridiès, offers you a course that passes by the beautiful coastline of Mandelieu-la-Napoule, a neighboring town of Cannes. But be careful, just because there's the sea doesn't mean there isn't any elevation 📈. The rest of the course is on the routes of the Alps, so the scenery will be quite varied, as will the elevation. Heading to Marseille, the second largest city in France, for a tour in the Bouches-du-Rhône. With a quite comprehensive discovery of the Marseilles hinterland roads 🛣️, the views will be typical of the region. An immersion in the heights of the south, with cicadas as cheerleaders, it will push the legs to pedal faster! ☄️

Conquering the giants of the south

Well, when we think of the south, we usually think of the sea 🏝️. But in PACA, that's not quite the case. Yes, there are waves and sand, but that's not all. A large part of the region is home to steep terrains ⛰️. You're aware that the giant of Provence is found here: the Mont Ventoux, the beautiful, the true, and a bike ride on its slopes is a great privilege 🍀. The Grandfondo Colnago Mont Ventoux or Le Grand 8 Ventoux are two events not to be missed if you want to climb the giant. And let's not forget the Alps! This historic mountain range 🌟 is a favored spot for seasoned cyclists. 190,000 km² of mountains, cyclists with legs of steel, you're in for a treat 🤭. Whether it's for weekend rides or crazy competitions, it's a beautiful playground. There you'll have the Grandfondo la Vençoise, the Alpes Verdon Tour, the BikingMan Alpes Maritime, or even the Mercan’Tour Bonette. You can see that a variety of routes are available in the region 🤩.

The South in all-terrain version

Otherwise, for those who like to see it all, what could be better than the Paris Nice Challenge. This is the race that offers you the perfect mix of sea and mountains 🏞️. With Nice as a central point, the maritime passage is mandatory. But the Alps are much closer, so with a few pedal strokes, you'll reach the Alpine slopes! 😜 The Mercan'Tour Madone Peille, is also a good choice to mix waves and mountains. Other races are also organized in the region, each with their own unique settings 🧐. The Outdoor Cycling Series - Baronnies Provençales, one of the stages of the Outdoor Cycling Series. This concept is simple: a Tour de France of Regional Natural Parks. So, if you love beautiful landscapes, you can hardly do any better. Vroom 🏎️, head to the Bol d’Or, a historic endurance race following in the footsteps of the greatest mechanical sports competitions ⚙️. Yes indeed, a competition on the legendary Paul Ricard circuit, it just makes you dream. 

Well, with all these ideas, tips, and planned events, it's hard to believe you wouldn't want to visit the region. Whether for a leisurely ride, training, or a competition, the region welcomes you with open arms 🤗. Méfi, you might want to stay a little longer than planned once you've seen everything! 😉