Just 45 minutes from Nice in the beautiful Bévéra valley, Sospel is a haven for mountain bikers of all types, from the serious downhillers to the enduro buffs. You can expect dry and exposed rocky trails through shrub-covered ground and lush wooded areas.
Mountain Biking in Sospel
World renowned bike park for intermediate to expert bikers
Great resort for technical single track or to put in some winter downhill training. There’s a bike-park, a year round downhill trail and some graded XC trails making up a total of 150km of riding.
The year-round mild climate and low rainfall make great conditions for mountain biking. With loads more quality riding in the vicinity, not to mention across the border in Italy, this is a must-do trip when the weather is miserable back home.
Due to the geology and natural terrain of the area you will find that it is a mix of nice easy climbs on forest tracks and technical rocky singletrack descents. But not suitable for beginners. The network of 150km waymarked trails from green to black has been created by the FFC.
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What to see
Sights in Provence
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Cathedrale Saint-Michel, Sospel 
Cathedrale Saint-Michel, Sospel
Flamboyant Baroque cathedral in a beautiful square
The heart of the old town of Sospel opens out into a wide sunny square dominated by the colourful facade of the Saint-Michel cathedral.
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Fort St Roch, Sospel 
Fort St Roch, Sospel
Second world war fortifications, part of the Maginot line
This remnant of the second world war is a huge engineering feat made from lots of concrete and once housed machine guns and barracks.
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Mont Agaisen Fortress, Sospel
A mountain top defensive position from WWII
Learn about the French defences from the Germans and the strategic position of this fort in the battle for Nice in World War two.
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Eco Musee, Breil-sur-Roya
Exhibition of vintage trains, trams & buses
Museum charting the history of transport in the area, with lots of old vehicles to look at. Located in an old rail warehouse in Breil.
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Monastere de Saorge Monastery
Former Franciscan convent in the mountains above Menton
Beautiful baroque architecture, examples of 17th- and 18th-century frescoes and furniture and a large terraced garden.
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Train des Merveilles
Scenic train journey taking you from the coast in Nice into the mountains further north
Merveilles means “marvels” and it’s hard to know whether they named the area for the stunning scenery, the beautiful old medieval villages or the archaeological findings going back 5000 years. The railway carriages are painted with designs inspired by the prehistoric rock carvings that have been discovered in the region.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Provence
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Mickael Feval Restaurant
Fine dining restaurant with 1 Michelin star
This elegant restaurant is a must-visit for any lovers of modern cuisine and cooking methods. They embrace local produce and evolve their dishes according to the seasons.
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Cote Sud Restaurant, Uchaux
Delicious food and wine at reasonable prices in a charming setting
The Cote Sud has a charming sophisticated interior and includes a lovely terrace where you can enjoy your food when the weather is warm enough.
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La Cour d'Honneur Restaurant
Beautiful courtyard & local French cuisine in an unusual, magical setting
Located right in the centre of Avignon on a well known shopping street is La Cour d'Honneur.
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L'Autruche Restaurant 
L'Autruche Restaurant
Great value, good quality fresh food with plenty of variety from day to day
Small restaurant where you will never eat the same thing twice. Their menu is solely based on what good fresh ingredients the local market has to offer in the mornings.
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L'Atelier de Jean-Luc Rabanel Restaurant
One of the finest restaurants in Arles with two Michelin stars
This wonderful contemporary-styled restaurant features dishes that you may never have suspected to have existed.
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L'Epice & Love Restaurant 
L'Epice & Love Restaurant
Charming homely restaurant serving delicious dishes at fantastic prices
This is a popular place with both locals and travellers. It has a small cosy interior so if you want to dine there, best to get there earlier rather than later.
What to do
Things To Do in Provence
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Bike Tours & Rentals
Guided bike tours and bike rental around Provence
Enjoy cycling in Provence with experienced local guides, premium electric bikes and a choice of guided tours or independent rides. From tailored cycling experiences and wine-tasting tours to Mont Ventoux climbs, there are options for different abilities and interests, with convenient bike delivery to your accommodation also available.
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Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
The largest waterpark in France not far from Avignon
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
19 super water slides on one site, with toboggans & the black hole
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
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Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark situated in the heart of Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
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Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
A really family orientated waterpark with slides & a flying boat
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
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Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
Aquatic leisure park within a 5star campsite close to Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Provence
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Le Guintrand Hotel, near Bedoin
Small hotel with a bar restaurant, popular with cyclists
This small hotel lies just to the east of Bedoin village in Sainte Colomb, within easy reach of Mont Ventoux.
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Mon Ventoux B&B, near Sault
A four room B&B with outdoor pool and jacuzzi
This charming B&B has four individually decorated bedrooms, free WiFi and indoor storage for bikes.
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La Madelene B&B, Malaucene
Guest rooms in a renovated 12th century priory building
This B&B is located between the villages of Malaucene and Entrechaux, near the base of Mont Ventoux.
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Le Grand Jas B&B, near Sault
A restored stone farmhouse with great views of Mont Ventoux
This B&B has unbroken views of the mighty Mont Ventoux and is decorated with a charming mix of old and new fixtures and fittings.
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Lou Cardalines B&B, near Bedoin
A B&B with views of Mont Ventoux and a swimming pool
Set in a traditional Provencal building, and carefully renovated, Lou Cardalines offers two guest houses with direct garden or terrace access.
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Domaine de Pierravon B&B, Bedoin
Charming guest house in the foothills of Mont Ventoux
This fortified farmhouse has been converted into a lovely B&B not far from Bedoin village centre.
