Antibes Travel Forum

We'll be in the area for a week in late spring and would prefer not to rent a car. We'll be staying at Les Jardins d'Ulysee (near Thalazur) which seems to be a bit remote by some standards. How practical would it be to rent bikes to get around town? What about using bikes to visit neighboring places (Cagnes especially)? My partner is in good physical shape (he's a runner) and I am willing but not particularly athletic. Any recommendations?

Hi. We spent a week at the Gardens of Ulysses. It's very nice but the traffic in the area is horrendous. We were there in July (World Cup win and Bastille Day / lots of fireworks) but we've been back as late as November and it is still bad traffic. I'm from Los Angeles so I know bad traffic. Believe me, the Riviera is the worst.

Bicycles would be wonderful! We walked as many places as we could. There's a shortcut down to a little strip mall with a Petit Casino (grocery store) that we used regularly. At the end of the strip mall is a boulangerie that has marvelous roasted chicken. You can walk to the Mediterranean too.

You can easily bike into Antibes which is a really nice town. The Old Town is wonderful. Don't miss the Picasso Museum and be sure to look at the views out the windows. Vallauris has Picasso's War & Peace which is worth a trip too. There is bus service in the area although it's as slow as the traffic. Bikes were passing us all the time. (That would be you!)

It might be worth getting in shape so you can do it. It can get pretty hilly just a mile inland. As a matter of fact, les Jardins d'Ulysee are up a pretty steep slope if you are out of shape.

Cagnes is a pretty long bike ride unless you ride regularly and you will be dodging that nasty traffic. You might consider the bus for that one. If you use the bus, be sure to visit St. Paul de Vence above Cagnes.

We had a car and used it for sightseeing, just not around the Mediterranean. Once you are inland a mile or so, the traffic disappears. (Magic!)

On bicycles, ride down to Juan les Pins and Golfe Juan. We enjoyed the beach at Golfe Juan. If you get there early, you'll have it to yourselves.

You've got time, get out your bike and get used to it. The Riviera is a great place for a bike and you will make better time than the cars. There is also excellent train service along the Riviera you should check out.

Have a great trip. The views from the side and back rooms at Jardins d'Ulysee are fabulous! (Oh yes, their washing machines take forever.)