Cycling in Nice is a great way to get around Nice, avoid traffic and also get a bit of exercise. For the last few years, local authorities have been busy building and extending bike lanes to encourage this environmentally sane mode of transport.

The entire length of the Promenade des Anglais from the Port to the airport has bike lanes; it makes a very nice ride. Interior roads that run east-west through the Quartier des Musiciens also have bike lanes that are well-separated from traffic with rows of trees and shrubs.

Map of Cycling Lanes

For more details, find the cycling layer on Google maps.

Cycling Tours

Taking a bike tour is a great way to discover off-the-beaten-track Nice and explore the region. You can cover a lot of ground easily and get up Nice's hills for a look at Nice's less well-known neighborhoods such as Mount Boron. And what could be more enticing than pedaling along the coast to nearby Villefranche-sur-Mer? Most bike tours now use electric bikes which makes it even easier to appreciate the sights. Here are some possibilities:

Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer by E-bike
Five hours with an optional stop at the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat or Villa Kerylos in Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Starts at Place Garibaldi.

E-bike Tour of Nice
Three hours including a visit to Castle Hill

City Highlights E-bike Tour
Two and one-half hours including Castle Hill, Mont Boron and Fort Alban

Riviera Grand Panoramic E-bike Tour
Six hours including Mont Boron, Fort Alban, the Grande Corniche, Villefranche, La Turbie, Eze

Bike Share

Gone is the much maligned Velo Bleu as of February 2024. Although cheap to rent, the rental process was cumbersome and the bikes themselves were often broken. Two new operators have taken over the bike share market: Lime and Pony. Both operate through their dedicated apps. Although more expensive than the old Velo Bleu, the process is significantly easier. Just

download the app,

add a payment method,

choose your plan

locate the nearest bike

scan the QR code on the bike's handlebars

return the bike to a dedicated parking area (very important)

All available bikes are electric. Although Pony claims to offer mechanical bikes I haven't found any. Scooters are also available. Both apps offer to rent by the minute but it's usually cheaper to look for a daily or weekly plan. For example, Pony offers a 7-day pass for only €5. Lime has a basket in front which makes it good for carrying packages. Pony has a rear seat.

Where to Rent a Bike

Many bike rental places insist on an 8-hour minimum. The most flexible offer I've found is

Mobilboard (2 Rue Halévy) which offers a 2/4/8-hour rental for €10/12/15. E-bikes are also available at a reasonable price.

Other bike rental places in Nice include:

Roller Station (49 quai des Etats-Unis) which offers 8-hour rentals for €14.

Bike Trip (21 rue Rivoli) which offers 8 hours on a mechanical bike for €14. Electric bikes (€30), scooters and motorcycles are also available.

Holland Bikes (2 rue Blacas) which offers daily rentals for €17 and eBikes for €35

Booking bikes (9 rue Massenet) which offers an 8-hour rental for €14 and a daily rental for €24.

Rentals include a helmet and lock. Insurance may be included or may be a few euros extra.

Rules and Safety

Helmets are not required but it's a good idea to wear one. Along the Promenade you'll be sharing the bike lanes with segways. It's wise to stay alert. On crossings marked with blue pedestrians have right-of-way and you're required to stop. It's not only illegal but dangerous to ride along the tram tracks on avenue Jean Medecin. A better bet for a north-south route is boulevard Gambetta. Note that the busiest time for biking on the Prom is Sunday. I try to avoid weekends altogether.

Suggested Easy cycling routes in Nice

Nice to Antibes

There are protected bike lanes along the coastal route all the way from Nice to Antibes. It's entirely flat and a great, scenic ride. There are small, beachside cafes along the way and you can refill your water bottle in the beach showers.

Nice to Villefranche-sur-Mer

Marked cycle lanes end at the Port. Continue east around the Cap du Nice. The road starts to climb steeply shortly after Coco Beach. As you descend with the bay of Villefranche-sur-Mer in front of you, the views are magnificent.

Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer

Pedal along the Promenade west past Nice Airport. Cross the Var river and head past Cap3000, the shopping center. As an interesting detour turn left after crossing the river and head down to the riverbanks. You'll pass through the parking lot but keep following the river about 1km. Eventually you'll come to the mouth of the Var as it enters the sea. There is a protected bird sanctuary there, known for a great variety of migratory birds.

The Var river

Take the Promenade heading west past Terminal 1 of Nice Airport. Turn left at Terminal 2 following the marked bike path. Downhill, you'll come to the Var river where there is a marked bike path that runs about 4km along the river. There are no cars and few other cyclists on this flat, tree-lined path. Bring water.

Saint Antoine de Ginestière

Looking for a sportier ride? Take the Promenade west until Les Canailles beach. Cross the Promenade, taking av de Fabron, bearing left and following signs to the Musée d'Art Naif. Turn right at the pedestrian walkway through the Parc d'Indochine and then right again at the end of the park. About 25m later turn left on bd Napoleon. Turn left at the first traffic light and then make the first right. Take chemin de Terron uphill on lightly trafficked roads for a unique view of "rural" Nice. Keep climbing After 45 minutes, you'll arrive at Haut Fabron, a residential neighborhood. Turn right and follow signs to Ginistière or the Archet Hospital. From there it's downhill back to the Promenade with occasional sea views.

Related Pages Nice Travel Planner Getting Around Nice

Last updated March 13, 2024