12 Cycle Paths to Explore the Var Countryside by Bike
All the charms of the Var countryside can be seen by bike – which makes Cotignac a destination of choice for bike tourists and cycle enthusiasts. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a beginner looking to enjoy some stunning landscapes, Provence Verte and the Haut Var offer a multitude of bike routes suitable for all levels, allowing you to discover the Provençal vineyards and villages from this fantastic, freeing angle.
Mountain cycle paths from Cotignac
The wooded hills and winding paths around Cotignac offer varied routes, ranging from gentle slopes to tougher, more technical terrain. Take a tour of Lake Carces, crossing the surrounding villages, or go swimming in Salernes, or take the forest trail on the Bessillon massif. There are many routes that combine sections of clay and small rocky paths, perfect for a sporty outing in the midst of nature.
VTC-VAE bike trails in Provence Verte and the Haut Var
For those who prefer electric bikes (VTC-VAE), Cotignac offers cycle paths that are less physically demanding but just as visually captivating. The two routes that go from Cotignac meander through vineyards and olive groves, offering breathtaking views of the village and its surroundings, reaching as far as Entrecasteaux, Carces and Thoronet Abbey. Thanks to the book of the electric bike, you will be able to climb hills and cross fields effortlessly, and so of course fully enjoy every moment.
Road bike trails in Provence Verte and the Haut Var
Traditional road cyclists are included in these routes too! There are numerous cycle paths on less-frequented roads, ideal for long walks or rides to the rhythm of cicadas and birdsong. These routes cross green valleys and typical villages of Provence with remarkable histories and traditions. Along the way, local vineyards and wineries will entice you to taste the region’s wines.
The Mediterranean by bike / EuroVelo 8
Provence Verte and the Haut Var are marked by ‘La Méditerranée à vélo’, a very ambitious cycle route that connects the Pyrenees to the Alps, from Spain to Italy. The landscape of our region is the French section link of EuroVelo 8, which invents another way to discover the coast of the Mediterranean at your own pace.
The section which runs through the Var is 104.69 km, from Meyrargues to Draguignan. One of the gems of this route is the private chateau of Saint-Martin-de-Pallières, a medieval fortress that sits on a rocky outcrop. Along the route, the Vallon des Carmes in Barjols or the Sillans waterfall offer refreshing breaks to recharge your batteries; then between Salernes and Flayosc, the old Provence railway weaves through a parade of spectacular, wild landscapes. And then, after climbing the hill to reach Le Flayosquet, an exciting descent awaits you to end your journey in style, on this final section of the route towards Draguignan.
Whether you are a fan of mountain biking, electric bikes or road cycling, the Var countryside is marked by stunning cycling routes. Get ready to cycle through unspoiled landscapes to get some exercise and experience unforgettable adventures!
