Author Topic: Cyclig Cote D'Azure.  (Read 8592 times)

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Offline TomB

Cyclig Cote D'Azure.
« on: April 15, 2006, 04:04:10 pm »
I was wondering if anybody could comment on cycling conditions along Cote D'Azure in France? The map looks exciting, with all the familiar names along the coast, but is it doable by bicycle?
Cheers,
Tom B
Ottawa


Offline rtwbikerider

Cyclig Cote D'Azure.
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2006, 01:01:56 am »
Tom,
   I've cycled the Cote D'Azure a couple of times. I believe I came down the N7 to Frejus or St. Raphael, then onto the N98 to Menton. I believe the N98 is called the Lower Corniche. Anyway, it's certainly possible, and often enjoyable, to ride the French Riviera. You won't be the only cyclist on the road, especially on a Saturday. The local drivers seem used to sharing the road with cyclists out on training rides. There are a few tight squeezes near Monaco. Just give the buses and Rolls' the right of way, and all will be good. You won't record any personal bests on this stretch of road, but it's a lot of fun to ride. After Menton, the Italian Riviera is less enjoyable (tunnels, blocked sea views, fewer Rolls'). Have fun.


Offline TomB

Cyclig Cote D'Azure.
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2006, 10:34:39 pm »
rtwbikerider,
Thanks a lot. I am more of a slo mo long range self supported cyclist, so some trafic and some show is OK, as long as I am not totally out of place. I wanted to make it ~San Remo to Marseille.
TomB


Offline Mira!

Cyclig Cote D'Azure.
« Reply #3 on: June 07, 2006, 12:06:37 am »
Wow, Tom, you bring back memories.  A friend and I rented mopeds back in 1969 and did Cannes - Nice - Monaco.  Cannes to Nice is flat enough, but lots of traffic along the Med, if I recall.  We did the Grand Corniche between Nice and Monaco, which had fabulous views, but by bicycle - whoa!  Are you a climber?
:-)
Nancy Stimson


Offline TomB

Cyclig Cote D'Azure.
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2006, 07:44:49 pm »
Nancy,
Thanks a lot. I have a few climbs under my belt. And the best way to enjoy land, even a crowded one is by bike.


Offline BobG

Cyclig Cote D'Azure.
« Reply #5 on: June 10, 2006, 06:32:14 pm »
Tom, The best cycling in France will be on the smaller 'D' routes (Departmental routes) colored yellow and white on the Michelin 1/200,000 scale maps. You will find these in abundance winding around the hills of Provence looking down upon the Cote d'Azur. The red 'N' routes can be pretty busy and noisy right on the coast. You can mail order the Michelin maps in advance or pick them up locally as you go at any bookstore. Their maps #83 and 84 cover the region in great detail. They also have a larger map called "Provence-Cote d'azur" that covers a broader area in the same scale. Link together the white and yellow roads and avoid the red and you can't go wrong! Enjoy!

This message was edited by BobG on 6-10-06 @ 2:34 PM