The French Riviera by motorcycle: an itinerary between museums and wildlife

The spirit of Nice

We set off from Nice, the beating heart of the French Riviera. The appeal of Nice is as subtle as it is rousing. The maze of alleyways in the historic centre reveals the city’s most authentic side, its coloured houses and typical stores, fashion boutiques and traditional markets. The Promenade des Anglais, the famous seafront, showcases the splendour of the French ‘belle époque’, with its grandiose palaces and elegant pomp. And for those interested in the city’s vibrant cultural and artistic history, a trip to the splendid Matisse and Chagall museums is a must. But now it’s time to climb back on board, as the journey continues.

A gem overlooking the sea

Eighteen miles south of Nice is Antibes, the second stop on our on-the-road adventure. We reach it via a gently winding road, which offers glimpses of beautiful nature and incredible views of the ocean. The city of Antibes is both ancient and modern. Traces of the past, like the bastions that flank the sea or the grandiose arch that serves as the gateway to the touristic port (the second largest in the world), are magnificent. The Grimaldi castle, built on the ruins of the ancient Greek-Roman acropolis, houses the beautiful Picasso Museum. The Spanish painter fell in love with the light and magic of the French Riviera, residing for a brief period in the building that now hosts the exhibition. But Antibes is also a dynamic, lively city, full of shops and bars in which to experience the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd.

The brightest star

Continuing along a road that hugs the sea and offers fantastic views, we reach Cannes, the pearl of the French Riviera and our final destination. Everyone knows it for its Festival, the Croisette and the red carpets, but Cannes offers so much more than the draw of the movie stars. You can relax in the sun on golden beaches, or browse the stalls at the Marché Forville covered market, taking in the intense scent of the herbs, the bright hues of the flowers, fruit and vegetables, and the cheerful calls of the vendors. For those who want to appreciate the city’s history, a visit to the Le Suquet district is a must. Located on a hill, it is home to a medieval castle and a gothic church, for an atmosphere that is light years from the glamour for which Cannes is famous.

It is here that our trip concludes, having travelled between past and present, sea and mountain, nature and culture. A two-wheeled adventure with the wind on our skin, to remember forever.