Cycling in the Var
The Var is the perfect playground for cycling enthusiasts! Take to the trails in the heart of the Massif des Maures, enjoy the island of Porquerolles in autumn on an electric bike, or cycle around the Verdon! And check out the events organised throughout the year, including the unmissable Roc d’Azur, Europe’s biggest mountain bike event!
Ideas for "different" cycling
Discover our Le Var à vélo brochure, with ideas for routes and breaks, themed itineraries and advice on how to cycle "differently"!
The four main cycling routes in the Var
The Var is criss-crossed by four major itineraries that are sure to get you out and about! Between sea and mountains, vineyards and hilltop villages, it's by bike that you can best appreciate the variety of the Var countryside.
- Parcours Cyclable du Littoral Varois (Var Coastal Cycling Route ): sea-lovers will be amazed by this route, which will reveal sublime views of the Grande Bleue!
See the full route
- La Méditerranée à Vélo: a more technical route, this is the French section of EuroVélo 8, which crosses the Haut Var over 135km from east to west.
See the full route See the Var sections
See our tourist route
- The Tour du Verdon by bike: breathtaking panoramas, remarkable sites and majestic forests.
To find out more
- La Vigne à Vélo and its shady routes are sure to appeal to families and those looking for a more leisurely ride.
Find out more See the route
Loops and circuits for the more experienced
Are you an experienced cyclist, used to riding on paths as well as small and large roads? No problem! there are 13 cyclosportive loops and other hilly routes throughout the department (with more new circuits to come!). Aimed at the most athletic riders, these routes offer the chance to push your limits while discovering an outstanding natural and cultural heritage. The Verdon dams and the gorges route are yours for the taking! You can climb up to Mont Lachens, "the roof of the Var", admire the pre-alpine landscapes or explore the Maures massif..
The Var has plenty to offer mountain bikers
Whether you're into mountain biking, gravel biking, cross-country or anything else, there are more than a hundred routes waiting to help you discover the most hidden corners of the Var countryside. Two FFC mountain bike bases(Hyères and Provence Verdon), three Bike Parks and a Pump Track will enable you to enjoy mountain biking in all conditions! Events, festivals and randuros take place regularly, not forgetting the unmissable Roc d'Azur, Europe's biggest mountain bike event, held in Fréjus every October.
Accompanied tours and breaks
Do you like a bit of variety? Then this is just the thing for you! If you're a cycling enthusiast, but you're also passionate about cultural heritage, local produce and wine tours, then our guided tours are for you! From three-hour excursions to five-day breaks, you'll be able to sample all the delights of the Var's natural and cultural heritage.
To get an idea of what's in store, download our cycling brochure or contact the tourist offices.
"Accueil Vélo" label
They're all less than 5 km from a route!
If you want to eat, sleep or have your bike repaired, think about the service providers displaying the Accueil vélo label! Restaurants, hotels, hire companies, repair shops, tourist offices or tourist sites... establishments displaying the dark green badge guarantee a wide range of services for cyclists:
- Services dedicated to cyclists (luggage transfer, washing and drying facilities, bike hire, etc.)
- A warm welcome and expert advice guaranteed
- Suitable facilities (secure bike sheds, repair kit, etc.)
Instructions to follow
For your own safety, here are a few things to remember:
- Avoid the height of summer (high temperatures, heavy road traffic, possible closure of forest areas)
- Choose a route suited to your physical abilities
- Check the weather forecast
- Check the condition of your bike
- Take a repair kit with you
- Wear a helmet
- Adapt your clothing (a reflective waistcoat must be worn outside built-up areas, at night or when visibility is poor)
- Pack food, water and sun cream
- Respect the highway code
- Remember to warn those around you
- Checkforest access permits if you are coming between June and September
Services and activities
See also...
