Var by bike is a totally different way to discover the territory. The Pradet greenway, the Maures cork-oak trails, the Bandol vineyard loops, the Porquerolles cycle paths (forbidden to cars), the Verdon plateau climbs. E-bikes have democratized the experience — what was once for athletes is now accessible to everyone.
Our rental partners offer: road bikes (carbon, race-ready), e-bikes (excellent for hills and longer distances), MTBs (full suspension for technical trails), and gravel bikes (versatile, road + paths). Helmets, antitheft, repair kit, water bottle included. GPS routing available on request.
Best months: April-June and September-October for mild temperatures. July-August requires early morning starts. Wind: mistral days can make road riding tough but offer perfect coastal trail conditions on the leeward side.
Bike rental: types and pricing
What's available:
- City bike (urban, basket): €15-25/day. Best for short flat rides.
- Trekking bike: €25-40/day. Mid-range, versatile.
- Road bike (carbon): €40-70/day. For experienced riders, road only.
- E-bike (electric assist): €40-80/day. Best for varied terrain, casual riders.
- MTB hardtail: €30-50/day. For trails, casual mountain bike.
- MTB full suspension: €50-90/day. For demanding trails.
- Tandem: €40-60/day. Romantic option.
- Kid bikes (8-12 years): €15-25/day.
Weekly rates: typically 5x the daily rate. Helmet, antitheft, repair kit included.
Top cycling routes in Var
By region:
- Sainte-Maxime to Saint-Tropez (coastal, 15 km one way, easy with e-bike): the iconic route. Beach stops possible.
- Bandol vineyard loop (30 km, medium): Bandol → La Cadière → Le Castellet → return. Vineyards, perched villages.
- Massif des Maures (40-60 km, hard): cork oak forests, hidden chapels. Climbs and descents.
- Porquerolles island tour (15 km on the island, flat): perfect for families. Take the shuttle to the island, rent at the port.
- Plateau du Verdon (30 km, hard): high altitude, panoramic views. Best e-bike.
- Pradet greenway (Toulon to Pradet, 12 km flat): family-friendly.
- Cogolin to Sainte-Maxime via vineyards (20 km, medium).
Guided cycling tours
With a local guide:
- Half-day guided tour (€60-90/person): vineyard visit + tasting, or hidden chapels in the Maures.
- Full-day tour with lunch (€100-150/person): longer route, lunch at a winemaker or village restaurant.
- Multi-day cycling holiday (3-7 days): hotels along the way, luggage transferred. From €600/person.
- Family tour (3h, easy): pace adapted to kids, snacks included. €70-120/family.
- E-bike tour for less athletic groups (3-4h, easy): everyone can keep up regardless of fitness.
Tips and safety
For a great ride:
- Helmet mandatory (provided).
- Cycling shoes useful for road bikes (or sneakers for casual).
- Padded shorts for rides >2h.
- Sun cream, sunglasses, hat or cap.
- Water (1L per hour), energy bars or fruit.
- Cell phone for emergencies + GPS if going off-route.
- Repair kit (provided): tube, pump, multi-tool. Most rentals include roadside assistance call number.
- Drinking and cycling forbidden in France (>0.5g/L blood alcohol).
Frequently asked questions
E-bike or normal bike?
E-bike for hills and longer distances. Normal for short flat rides. Difference of €10-20/day.
Best season?
Spring (March-June) and autumn (September-November). In summer, very early in the morning or e-bike to compensate for heat.
Bike to Porquerolles?
Cars banned on Porquerolles. Rent at the port (€12-18/day) for the cycle path tour. Take the shuttle without your bike.
Routes — easy or hard?
Both available. Greenways are flat and family-friendly. The Verdon Plateau or the Maures backcountry are demanding.
Children?
Yes from age 8 on a normal bike. Smaller kids in a child seat (carrier) or in a child trailer.