Nice: must-see motorcycle routes for a half-day or full-day trip

Nice is located between the sea and the mountains. Motorcycle routes start directly from the city and lead to varied landscapes. You can ride into the hinterland in a few minutes or follow the coast to the east and west. Half a day is enough to enjoy it. The Mediterranean climate allows for year-round outings with a few precautions in winter.

Short trips from Nice for half a day

The Corniche road to Èze

The Corniche leaves Nice via Boulevard Carnot, which becomes the D6007. It quickly climbs above the sea. The first bends begin at Villefranche-sur-Oise. The road overlooks the deep harbor where cruise ships are moored. The hairpin bends climb up to the Col d'Èze at an altitude of 370 meters. The medieval village of Èze is perched on a rocky outcrop. The stone houses cling to the slope. The cobbled streets wind their way to the top, where there is an exotic garden. The view stretches across the Baie des Anges to Cap d'Antibes. This trip covers about thirty kilometers round trip from Nice. Allow about forty-five minutes to climb at a leisurely pace. The return trip can be made via the Basse Corniche at sea level or the Grande Corniche, which is even higher, passing at an altitude of five hundred meters.

The Turini Pass via Sospel

The Col de Turini is located seventy kilometers from Nice. The D2204 and then the D2566 lead to the pass through Sospel. This small town nestles in the Bévéra valley. The 13th-century medieval toll bridge spans the river. Colorful houses line the banks. After Sospel, the road climbs towards the pass via a series of hairpin bends. The 144 bends between Sospel and the pass are numbered. The asphalt is in excellent condition. Coniferous forest covers the slopes. The pass peaks at 1,607 meters. It is the highest point accessible all year round in the Alpes-Maritimes. The panoramic views open up onto the surrounding peaks, which exceed 2,000 meters. This trip takes two to three hours round trip, depending on your pace. The pass may be closed in case of snow from December to March. Check conditions before setting out in winter.

The Napoleon Road to Grasse

The Route Napoléon begins in Golfe-Juan and climbs towards Grasse, then continues towards the Alps. From Nice, head to Antibes along the coast. Then take the N85 at Golfe-Juan. This historic road follows the route taken by Napoleon on his return from Elba in March 1815. The route is marked by milestones bearing the imperial eagle. The climb to Grasse crosses hills covered with mimosa and olive trees. Grasse is located at an altitude of 350 meters. The town has been producing perfumes since the 18th century. The Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard factories are open to visitors. The old town center still has narrow streets and shaded squares. This trip covers about 80 kilometers round trip from Nice. You can return by the same route or descend towards Cannes and then follow the coast. Allow two and a half to three hours for this loop. The road alternates between forest passages and open areas with views of the sea and the hinterland.

Day trips around Nice

The Wolf Gorge Loop

This trip combines several points of interest over approximately 150 kilometers. Leave Nice and head towards Vence. Vence is 25 kilometers away. This medieval town still has its ramparts and fortified gates. Continue towards Tourrettes-sur-Loup on the D2210, a fortified village dating back to the 15th century. The houses form a continuous rampart around the promontory. Head towards the Gorges du Loup. The road runs alongside the canyon carved out by the river. The limestone cliffs drop steeply for several hundred meters. The Pont du Loup bridge spans the gorges at a height of 100 meters. The Courmes waterfall plunges 75 meters into the void. Continue towards Gourdon. This village, perched at an altitude of 750 meters, overlooks the entire coast. The castle dates back to the 9th century and was rebuilt in the 17th century. The gardens, designed by Le Nôtre, offer views of the sea. Descend towards Grasse, then return to Nice via Cannes or the Route Napoléon. This loop takes five to six hours with stops.

The Tinée circuit and the Var valley

This route climbs two alpine valleys to the ski resorts. Leave Nice via the Var Valley towards Plan-du-Var. The road runs along the left bank of the river. Mountains rise up on either side. Villages cling to the slopes. After fifty kilometers, turn off towards the Tinée Valley. This road climbs towards Isola 2000. The resort is located at an altitude of 2,000 meters. The architecture of the 1970s contrasts with the traditional chalets. The surrounding peaks exceed 2,500 meters. Descend via Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée and rejoin the Var Valley at Saint-Martin-du-Var. Return to Nice via the same route. This circuit covers a total of around 200 kilometers. Allow six to seven hours. The climb to Isola offers spectacular views of the mountains. There are numerous hairpin bends in the last few kilometers before the resort. This trip is suitable from May to October. Snow can block access in winter, even if the main roads are cleared.

The Italian Riviera to Sanremo

Nice is located thirty kilometers from the Italian border. The Basse Corniche runs along the coast towards Menton. Monaco appears after fifteen kilometers. The principality is located on the slopes facing the sea. The Rock of Monaco supports the Prince's Palace and the Cathedral. Continue towards Menton. This border town has a microclimate that allows citrus fruits to be grown. Menton lemons have been renowned since the Middle Ages. Cross the border at Garavan. The road becomes the SS1 on the Italian side. Ventimiglia is five kilometers away. The Friday market attracts French visitors. Continue on to Sanremo, twenty-five kilometers away. This Italian seaside resort still has its 1905 casino and palaces. The old village of La Pigna climbs up the hill in narrow streets. This trip covers about 130 kilometers round trip. Allow four to five hours with stops.

Rent a motorcycle in Nice with Good Motors

Good Motors offers 24-hour self-service motorcycle rental in Nice, with pick-up in the city or at the train station depending on your destination. The Nice airport location is convenient for those arriving by plane. You can pick up your motorcycle directly without going through an agency. The system operates day and night. This option is ideal for motorcyclists who want to plan their trip freely without time constraints. Rentals are available to those aged 18 and over. Please note that no models are available for those without an A1 license. Young drivers must have at least this license.

For short trips around Nice, such as the Moyenne Corniche or Grasse, an A2-restricted motorcycle is more than sufficient. The Royal Enfield Himalayan offers useful handling in the tight corners of the hinterland. This motorcycle is suitable for A2 and A license holders looking for a lightweight machine.

For long trips to Alpine passes or the Italian Riviera, a motorcycle with an A license provides greater comfort over time. The Honda Africa Twin is suitable for varied routes between mountain hairpin bends and faster sections. This motorcycle is reassuring on fast descents while remaining playful in a series of turns.

Weather and best times to ride around Nice

Spring and fall offer the best conditions. Temperatures range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius from March to May and from September to November. The days remain long in May and September. The light enhances the landscapes. Autumn colors paint the forests of Tinée and Var. Spring brings mimosa flowers to the hills of Grasse.

Winters remain mild on the coast, but mountain passes close as soon as the first snow falls. The Col de Turini and roads to Isola 2000 become impassable from December to March in some years. Check conditions before setting out. Coastal roads remain open. Temperatures rarely drop below 10°C in Nice. Sunny days alternate with rainy periods. Autumn rains can be heavy in October and November.

Leaving Nice by motorcycle

Nice offers a variety of options for motorcycle trips. Short routes to Èze or Grasse take around two hours. Day trips to the Gorges du Loup or the Tinée Valley take five to seven hours. The Italian Riviera is an alternative way to discover another country without traveling too far. The roads are well maintained. There are many curves in the hinterland. Traffic can be heavy on the coast in summer. It is best to leave early in the morning. The villages offer restaurants and cafés for breaks. Rent in Nice with Good Motors makes planning easy. Pick up your motorcycle whenever you want and head straight to your destination. The choice between an A2 or an A depends on your license and the type of trip you have in mind. Both options allow you to fully enjoy the roads around Nice.

Book your motorcycle on Good Motors directly at
Nice: https://goodmotors.agency/villes/nice

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