Opt for a city break – a day in town combining exploring and touring!
Whatever the season, discover, or re-discover, some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful towns along the route! Don’t forget to check the weather forecast to make sure the experience will be enjoyable. Above all, do improvise according to your feelings, making the most of such a visit. Drink in the atmosphere of these towns, following themes that interest you.
An urban adventure
Looking to break up your cycling trip, adding variety? Looking for a cultural stop or an urban adventure along the way? Whether going around town by bike or on foot, for a day or a weekend, there are many possibilities for exploring the fine towns along the cycle route.
A day to spare, or wanting to make the most of a sunny weekend?
Hop on a train for a different break, discovering museums, castles and other urban curiosities...
- Don’t miss Narbonne, a city boasting 2,000 years of history!
- Discover Perpignan Catalan-influenced medieval centre
- Experience the charms of the port of Sète, nicknamed the Venice of Languedoc
- Explore Montpellier, its historic centre and fine mansions, its relaxing parks and contemporary architecture
- Cycle around Arles to marvel at its historic wonders, including its Roman amphitheatre
- In Cannes, promenez vous sur l’immanquable Croisette et ne manquez pas le palais des festivals et le quartier historique du Suquet
- Explore Nice heading into the city centre from the famed seafront Promenade des Anglais.
Let others take the strain! Follow our guide to help you organise your city adventure – find the information you need here!
Prepare your city break
Do make the most of the tourist documentation available from the relevant tourist office websites, or by visiting these tourist offices in person.
Opt to get around using public transport for a stay during which you won’t then have to worry about where to park your car, instead combining public transport + bike.
Find out about useful services and locate them:
- Secure lockable bike parking spaces and left-luggage facilities
- Bike rental companies
- Electric battery recharging points
Tips
Choose the right bike for you, with a comfortable saddle. Also consider the option of an electric bike so that you can enjoy your adventure to the full with ease!
Cycling-friendly towns and cities
Certain towns and cities provide guides or pages specifically for cyclists in the city. Make the most of them.
- The city of Narbonne has a page dedicated to cycling around town. On it, find ideas on cycle trails and bike services.
- Perpignan Méditerranée Métropole proposes an informative document on cycling within its area. On it, you’ll find a map showing cycling provisions and all manner of information on bike rental companies, cycling discovery trails and more. Also find inspiring ideas for exploring the urban area on its page dedicated to cycling. The town offers an Accueil Vélo guide listing all the cycling services you might need!
- Sète provides a very full page to help you explore the port by bike.
- The city of Montpellier provides a practical guide, “Vélo + train” (Bike + train), offering cyclists information on accessibility for cyclists around town.
- For Arles, consult the town’s tourist page dedicated to cycling trails and services.
- Cannes has a special page on the Méditerranée à Vélo and offers ideas for staying over.
- To explore Nice, find all the information you could need for your cycling break in the city!
Extending your stay in town
If you’d like to extend your city break, book a night in town.
Find the list of relevant Accueil Vélo-accredited accommodation where you’re sure to receive the best of welcomes.
Tips
Think ahead regarding where you want to eat too. Stay in accommodation where breakfast is provided, ready-prepared picnic baskets are an option for lunch, and where an evening meal is available (such as at B&Bs offering table d'hôtes dining). That way, you don’t have to worry about such practicalities on a packed day’s cycling. For a chance to meet people living in the area you’re cycling through, think of the B&B option, with meal provided!