This cycling holiday from France to Italy, from Nice to Genova, follows the golden turn from Munich to Genova. For centuries, many travelers have come here every year, but especially in the last century, this stretch of coast has become the home of the Beau Monde. Obviously it's not a coincidence. The blue sea, the rugged coastline, pastel-colored villages and the climate are a combination that is rarely found elsewhere. Now it is finally possible to discover it by bike. The coastal road, the Aurelia SS n° 1, is very scenic, but busy and sometimes quite narrow, so you will pedal as much as possible on secondary roads and often inland, where there are some not too long or strenuous climbs. Only a few stretches will take you to the Aurelia. Through a combination of cyclepath in good part on former railway tracks, secondary roads, and inland lanes, we offer a beautiful journey, but only suitable for adults who are quite fit for a few climbs. The entire route is signposted, but we recommend using GPS tracks to simplify the route.
Day 1: Arrival at Nice
Individual arrive at Nice. You can visit this pearl of the French Riviera, famous for its promenade along the sea, called the Promenade des Anglais. The bikes and the package including road book, maps and luggage tags will be delivered the next day at breakfast.
Day 2: Nice > Ventimiglia 42 Km
The second day starts by climbing on slopes that are not too steep along the beautiful scenic route called Haute Corniche which passes through La Turbie, where the Arch of Augustus is located, which bears witness to the passage of the Roman army along this stretch of the Mediterranean. The view of Montecarlo is splendid. Then you go down to Cap Martin and continue to Menton, also known as the city of lemon. This historic city preserves a fort on the sea. We recommend a stop to visit Vieux Menton and the Basilica. Shortly after you pass the border at Ventimiglia and enter Italy.
Day 3: Ventimiglia > Imperia ~ 49 km
The Ligurian coast appears today in all its splendor. Past Bordighera, at the beginning of the 20th century a resort town for the Italian aristocracy, we reach Sanremo, the city of flowers, elegant and full of ancient palaces and villas surrounded by wonderful plants. Opportunity to visit Bussana Vecchia, a village destroyed by an earthquake, restored by a group of artists who live there. Otherwise, continue on the beautiful cyclepath with a view of the sea - once a railway - to San Lorenzo. Overnight stay in Imperia / Porto Maurizio. Do not miss in Porto Maurizio the convent of the Poor Clares with its extraordinary white portico overlooking the sea.
Day 4: Imperia > Alassio ~ 44 km
Continue to follow the coast through the picturesque fishing villages. The brightly colored houses are full of terraces. A very characteristic village is Cervo. The splendid parish church can be seen from afar. Continue in the direction of Marina di Andora to find a beach suitable for a refreshing swim. This area is also called the Riviera delle Palme. Then you leave the coast, climb among the olive trees along the shady hills before descending to Alassio, a favorite tourist destination for its elegance and white sandy beaches.
Day 5: Alassio > Finale ~ 44 km
Today the trail partly follows the Roman route of the Via Julia Augusta up to Albenga, a small town with art treasures such as the Cathedral of San Michele, the 5th century baptistery and the twenty towers. You leave the coast again towards Toirano, a beautiful medieval village famous for its lime stone caves, then back to the sea up to Borgio, where we climb towards Verezzi, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, where every year a theater festival takes place. From here you descend to Finalborgo, another wonderful medieval village surrounded by ancient walls
Day 6: Finale > Savona ~ 34 km
From Finale you continue along the sea towards Finalpia and from there you climb on the Manie plateau overlooking the sea, where you cycle along the woods. Spectacular is the descent to Noli, another beautiful village with its medieval towers and the Romanesque church of San Paragorio. Along the Aurelia or along the pedestrian path you get to Sportono, where you can swim in the clearest waters of whole Liguria in front of the island of Bergeggi. Continuing eastwards, you reach the beautiful seafront of Savona.
Day 7: Savona > Arenzano ~24 km, train to Genoa
You follow the seafront to Albissola, the beach is backed by extensive bathing establishments. Continue to follow the coast to Albissola, the beach of Celle Ligure and then the beautiful city of Varazze, with its waterfront. From here the bike path to Arenzano starts on the site of the former railway. Crossing tunnels, railway bridges and with splendid views of the sea you reach Arenzano, where we recommend a stop in the splendid park surrounding the Villa Negrotto Cambiaso, now seat of the town hall. Here you return the bike and receive your luggage. Then take the train to Genoa, ancient maritime city with a unique charm, the final point of the journey.
Day 8: Genoa, departure or extra nights
