For a cycling adventure with your children, it’s essential to opt for short, safe routes. 15-25 kilometers with the youngest, 40 kilometers maximum with the most adventurous, according to their age and level. Choose routes with low gradients. Each at his or her own pace, take time to contemplate the scenery, and if need be, punctuate the walk with a few breaks, visits or swims. For total immersion, take the little-traveled secondary roads.
Looking for an easy, accessible itinerary in an unspoilt natural setting? At the gateway to the Mercantour, a number of mountain trails are ideal for family activities. The 8-kilometer Brigasque trail is a must. In the heart of the Roya valley, the listed village of La Brigue welcomes you at an altitude of 800 meters. Throughout the 1h30 walk, you’ll be immersed in the history of this border region.
Vtt La Brigue Isabelle Fabre MinAn ally of the independent traveler, the bicycle or mountain bike also allows you to visit a destination at your own pace, stopping off at the points of interest of your choice, whether cultural, architectural, artisanal, gastronomic or geological. It’s so easy to cycle and learn!
A number of tourist loops are particularly interesting, such as the Tour du Farguet, a beautiful, easy and accessible mountain bike ride. From the Col de Braus, it takes in the coastline as far as the Estérel massif. Along the way, you’ll come across numerous military structures such as the Mont Barbonnet and Mont Gros forts. Stop off at the medieval village of Sospel and its famous 12th-century bridge for a timeless cultural stroll.
And don’t miss the Circuit de la Lavina, starting in Breil-sur-Roya. Olive-growing country, you can explore its hectares of olive groves and delve into the history of the Mediterranean fruit. Along the way, you’ll also discover some of the oldest Romanesque monuments in the département.
If you want to discover the mountains without getting too tired, there’s the electric-assist bike! With each pedal stroke, the mountain bike’s motor accelerates the pace. This means you can enjoy longer, steeper rides, even if your participants are at different levels.
The area around Sospel is famous for mountain biking. Many champions train here all year round. Rolling climbs on forest tracks, descents on more technical trails… The region is ideal for those who want to warm up their calves! More than 10 routes are listed in this mountainous area
Reserved for the more athletic, a number of routes lead up to the legendary Col de Turini. Used in particular by the Monte Carlo Rally, it is renowned for its succession of hairpin bends. Culminating at 1607 meters, it’s the perfect pass for mountain training on wild roads. If you’d like to challenge yourself, choose loop no. 2, which takes you up the lacets of Turini.
Another option is the Authion circuit, part of which takes place in the heart of the Mercantour National Park.
Also discover the TRANS RIVIERA Roya Bévéra Menton race for those who like to push themselves to the limit!
With its incredible variety of terrain, the region has a lot to offer mountain bikers. It’s hardly surprising, then, that the département has produced such great champions as Nicolas Vouilloz and Fabien Barel, world champions in downhill mountain biking, and Nicolas Filippi, world junior champion in cross-country.
Haute Route Du Sel Vallee De La Roya Conitours Consorzio Operatori Turistici Provincia Di CuneoThe Haute Route du Sel is a trail that winds its way at an altitude of over 2,000 meters over the vertiginous ridge on the French-Italian border. Once a link road between Provence and Piedmont, today the circuit is dedicated to contemplation… Departing from Tende or La Brigue, let yourself be won over by this most impressive experience in a high mountain setting.
The Roya Valley and its villages are waiting for you! Road and rail access has been improved. Only the Col de Tende tunnel is currently closed.
