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Mountain Bike Trails in Cannes — 6 of Our Favourites

Discover the top Cannes biking routes

The French Riviera has a real mixture of terrain and trails - something for riders of every ability, from complete beginners to the hardcore expert downhill riders.

Find loads of top tips and local insights in our Cannes Mountain Biking Guide.

Les Balcons d'Azur, Saint Raphael mountain biker

1. Les Balcons d'Azur, Saint Raphael

A circular route that takes in several climbs in the beautiful Esterel National Park, between Saint Raphael and the city of Cannes.

This route has been officially graded as a red route, meaning that it is not suitable for beginners or for those who are not used to mountain biking.

dirt jumps at a bike park in south of france

2. Bike Park Mougins

Location
Mougins

This area specifically designed for skills and fitness improvement in Mougins is open throughout the year.

  • Pump track: Track with bumps and sharp turns. The purpose of this track is to maintain – or even increase – speed by rolling on the bumps, pumping between bumps and in turns... without pedalling, of course. For beginners to advanced, from age eight.
  • Dirt area: Tracks for performing figures and jumps (from age 12, blue and red track).
  • Ludik Par : Area with wooden modules and light-relief grounds, to provide safe conditions for youngsters to learn mountain biking and acquire experience rapidly from age six (green and blue track).

Four downhill tracks in the heart of two hectares of forest; four downhill tracks to start, improve and hone your skills. Each track features 24 modules (bumps, drop, wall ride, mini-wall, whoops, etc).

• Black trail (expert level, steep slope, very difficult modules)
• Red trail (experienced level, steep slope, difficult modules)
• Blue trail (intermediate level, medium slope, moderately difficult modules)
• Green trail (beginners’ level, gentle slope, easy modules)

Fitness area: stainless steel modules enable everyone to stay fit at their own pace, to work their abdominals, pectorals, slim, do some cardio...from age 14 / beginner to advanced.

Signage: Signs have been placed in all mountain-biking areas, with information on the itinerary, age and conditions of access, safety instructions, emergency phone numbers. They are there for your information.

Opening hours: Access to the Bike Park is possible weekday: 10:00-19:00 (until 20:00 in June/July/August/Sept).

two mountain bikers enjoying the view in Circuit des Monges, Theoule-sur-mer

3. Circuit des Monges, Theoule-sur-mer

Explore the beautiful area that is the Massif de l'Esterel, from Théoule-sur-Mer and its foothills overlooking the Mediterranean, their high cliffs with purple hues and the unusual landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes.

The Rocher des Monges, sits at the central point of this circuit, and rises to 300m. A good example of the volcanic massif, it consists of compact lava, that has eroded over the years to create numerous caves and unexpected lunar sculptures. The entire route is carried on good trails that means this is a good bike ride for beginners to enjoy; a pleasant circuit in a particularly attractive setting.

Siagne Canal

4. Siagne Canal, Mandelieu la Napoule

The Siagne Canal is approximately 50km long and provides the town of Cannes with its water. It was constructed in 1868 and today provides a lovely walking route or picnic spots.

Joining the canal at Avenue Bellini, visitors can enjoy the surrounding mimosa and eucalyptus trees plus a fantastic view point which looks out over the bay and the Lerins islands. Its starting point is Saint Cezaires before winding all the way down to La Californie in Cannes.

This is a great trail that can take you as far as you wish. A small section of around 6km, should take you about 40-45 minutes to bike. Great for someone looking for a quick blast of exercise. Or alternatively you can tackle the whole distance and enjoy a day out!

mimosa flowers above cannes

5. Circuit des Mimosas, Cannes Area

The best time to enjoy this circuit is actually in the winter. In January and February you get the chance to enjoy the full bloom of the mimosa, the entire Tanneron massif is dressed in yellow.

An easy circuit this is an ideal Sunday afternoon bike ride with the family, that can be taken at a leisurely pace. It takes around 1.5hrs to complete, or 2hrs if you are stopping to enjoy the views!

About Mountain Biking in Provence mountain biker

6. La Croix des Gardes

Location
Cannes

To get away from the hustle and bustle of busy Cannes, head half a mile north of La Croisette to La Croix des Gardes. Here you will find, amongst some beautiful villas, over 80 hectares of protected forest and paths. 

There are several different viewpoints to enjoy which offer panoramic views over the town of Cannes, the bay, the Lerins islands and the foothills of the Alps. If you are into your gardening, the botanical trails won't disappoint, with an arboretum containing over 40 different species of mimosa. Interestingly this area historically was favoured by the British for its natural beauty and privileged position.

This rugged landscape places you in the countryside, yet you're surrounded on all sides by urban life. Ideal for hiking, walking, running or mountain biking, it's a wonderful setting of tranquility and well worth visiting.