Day 1 | Arrival – Flight to Nice + train ride to Hyères
The flight from Vienna to Nice was pleasant and uneventful. After collecting our luggage, we searched online for a suitable train connection to Hyères and made our way to the train station on foot (approx. 6-8 min walk). The two-hour journey flew by as we watched the varied panorama of the Côte d’Azur pass by – a deep blue sea with various beaches, a partly hilly landscape, and Mediterranean towns. From there, we took the bus to the hotel – very convenient as the stop is right opposite.
We were already expected at the reception and received a warm welcome. As there is no elevator, they even offered to carry our luggage to the upper floors – but we managed it ourselves :D. We were also informed that there would be fireworks at the lighthouse opposite the hotel between 9:30 and 10:00 p.m.
After arriving at the hotel at around 6:30 p.m. and feeling a little exhausted after the long journey, we decided to enjoy dinner at the hotel’s beach restaurant. With our feet in the soft sand, the sunset on the horizon, and an excellent rosé, it was an atmospheric evening all round.
A short walk along the beach promenade rounded off the day before we settled down on the hotel’s beach loungers and enjoyed the fireworks.
Day 2 | Bike tour Hyeres - Porquerolles (+ferry trip)
After a delicious breakfast at the beach restaurant, we set off on foot to pick up our rental bikes. The bike shop Amotos et Velos – Rent Shop was only about an eight-minute walk away. There we were greeted by charming, helpful staff who took plenty of time to answer our questions. Our e-bikes were equipped with a handlebar basket, but there were no panniers. Luckily, I had brought my own, so I had plenty of room for my camera equipment.
Back at the hotel, we were given a code for the garage door at reception so that we could park the bikes safely later. Fully kitted out and equipped with plenty of water, we finally set off on our first tour towards the TLV Portz de la Tour Fondue ferry. The route took us partly along well-maintained cycle paths and partly along busier roads along the coast and public beaches. A particularly beautiful section led past the salt flats, where we even spotted a few flamingos.
Once we arrived at the Tour Fondue, we bought tickets for the ferry (164 euros for four people and four bikes). Our timing was perfect: we were able to board right away. The short crossing with a fresh sea breeze took us to the port of Porquerolles.
Our first destination was Plage Notre-Dame beach. Thanks to the e-bikes, we were able to master the route along nature trails and gravel paths, uphill and downhill, with ease. We were rewarded with beautiful views and a fantastic beach panorama. Back at the harbor, we stopped for lunch at a cozy restaurant.
Well fortified, we then set off for the windmill of Porquerolles. Passing beautiful olive groves, we reached our destination. From there, it was mostly downhill back to the village, where we treated ourselves to a refreshing drink before taking the ferry back to the mainland.
We parked the bikes safely at the hotel and freshened up for dinner. Just five minutes later, we were strolling along the harbor promenade of Hyères, lined with restaurants and small shops. We opted for the brand-new Aldo restaurant, which had only been open for a few months, and were rewarded with an excellent dinner. With our bellies full, we wandered through the small shops for a while before heading back to the hotel.
Day 3 | Hyères – Les Salins – Le Lavandou (Bormes-les-Mimosas)
Another beautiful day of cycling lay ahead of us. After breakfast, we set off in high spirits toward Le Lavandou. We rode along well-maintained bike paths, passing vineyards and small wineries. High above Le Lavandou, we could already see the village of Bormes-les-Mimosas in the distance.
When we arrived at the beach promenade, we locked up our bikes, relaxed briefly on the beach, and then stopped at a restaurant directly opposite for lunch. Afterwards, we continued our ride through the town and left Le Lavandou again along the bike path.
The return route to Hyères was mostly flat, along wooded paths and bike trails away from the road. Small souvenir and swimwear shops lined the promenade before we made a quick stop at the large “Hyères” sign near the Ceinturon roundabout – a popular photo spot. Incidentally, the structure is made of environmentally friendly mineral fibers.
That was already our last day of cycling in Hyères. We returned all four bikes to the rental shop and ended the day in the hotel restaurant.
Day 4 | Nice Old Town and rest day
As our Côte d’Azur cycling tour is a double star tour, after breakfast and check-out we headed back to the train station and returned to Nice. From there, we walked about ten minutes with our luggage to the hotel.
The Villa Rivoli, a house dating from 1890, is located in the historic center and is only a four-minute walk from the beach promenade. The rooms are furnished in a magnificent style, and the breakfast room impresses with a cozy armchair corner, piano, and fireplace.
After stowing our luggage, we headed to the bike shop. It was right across from the hotel (very convenient). The bikes were equipped with panniers and taken to the hotel parking lot. Then we made our way to the promenade and the old town. A colorful hustle and bustle awaited us there. Narrow cobblestone streets, small boutiques, craft shops, and little squares with cafés and restaurants kept popping up, inviting us to linger. The old town also had a lot to offer architecturally, from colorful facades to baroque churches. We couldn’t stop marveling at everything and quickly racked up our 10,000 steps for the day.
In the evening, we ended the day in a restaurant with a beach lounge and watched the moon slowly rise over the sea – an atmospheric end to the day.
Day 5 | Train journey, Grasse – Cannes – Antibes – Nice
Today was the longest stage of our cycling tour. First, we took a train to Grasse. Handy: The trains have separate compartments for storing bicycles.
Once we arrived in Grasse, we headed straight for the perfumery and the Fragonard Perfume Museum. Thanks to our e-bikes, we mastered the climb with ease. After parking our bikes, we took part in a free guided tour in German and learned fascinating details about perfume production. With a few fragrant souvenirs in our luggage, we continued our tour.
From Grasse, we headed towards Cannes. However, this route is only recommended for experienced and fit cyclists: frequent steep descents required full concentration and good brakes. One section even had to be re-routed at short notice because the planned route suddenly led to a hiking trail – an adventure in itself. We were rewarded with the sight of a sparkling turquoise-green lake and a clear river.
We finally reached Cannes on a well-maintained bike path. The city was lively and bustling, with its long sandy beach, numerous yachts in the harbor, and cruise ships off the coast.
Our next stop was Antibes, where we took a break in a small bar. The owner’s humor created a great atmosphere – not just for us, but for all the guests. We also had a great view of a huge white Ferris wheel.
Before heading back to Nice, we made a detour to the statue “Le Nomade,” an impressive work of art right by the sea. With the setting sun behind us, we finally continued on to Nice. On the last stretch, past the airport, we made a short stop to photograph the full moon over the sea – an atmospheric end to this long, eventful day of cycling.
Day 6 | Nice, market
Our last day of cycling on this business trip took us along the promenade to the harbor and the somewhat quirky restaurant La Réserve. From there, we rolled downhill back to the old town to visit the “fragrant” market: stalls full of colorful spices, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, cheese, soaps, and much more ensured a lively atmosphere and a variety of impressions.
In the afternoon, our group split up. While some took the opportunity to swim in the sea one last time, others strolled through the old town once more and enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
At the end of the day, we returned to the beach lounge bar where we had felt so comfortable before. Then it was time to pack our suitcases for the journey home the next day.
Day 7 | Journey home Nice - Vienna
After breakfast, we spent some time at the hotel before taking the metro to the airport. Check-in went smoothly and the plane took us safely to Vienna.
The double centre-based tour on the Côte d’Azur is truly unique. Great bike paths, fantastic weather, beaches, and promenades. Each town has its own charm and beautiful surroundings. Has this story whetted your appetite? Then book your own dream trip to the Côte d’Azur
