Saint-Tropez

This Gravel & Coffee will give you several options, a main course and 3 shortened routes of the same course. 2 of these will start in Cavalaire sur Mer (all routes pass by here) All routes are rideable in both directions, combine the shorter routes and you will end up in riding the complete route and some extra (gravel) roads. When you don’t ride these in the opposite direction, I made sure that when you do the same roads it will be in the opposite direction so they give you an other view on this beautiful region.

The Day I did film the YouTube video it was foggy,  so the amazing views on the Côte d’Azure are missed in the video, fortunately I did some filming in the days before so I can offer you here some pictures of these views. 

The main course 

The ride starts at the famous old office of Les Gendarme de Saint-Tropez. a series of French cult films out of the 60s. I am not sure if the museum is worth a visit, I choose not to go inside. From there you will be fast outside the small town and hit the first gravel climb to the windmill of Pallas.

To reach the windmill I provide you 2 options, one (in the video) with a bit more gravel but very steep, I had to walk parts and in the opposite direction it is steep to go down to, so if you are not a skilled rider I would take option B. This is not less beautiful but a bit less challenging, and a bit more road.

After a short but challenging path through the hinterland we arrive at the next beach. Gigaro. Here we will discover domaine de la Tourraque. A challenging climb will be rewarded with its beautiful nature and views of the azure coast. 

Back to Saint-Tropez

 Yes it is time to go back to Saint-Tropez and its colorful terraces in the Harber. But not before a last climb. Originally I planned to include the climb to the lighthouse completely. But after my visit there I decided not to visit the lighthouse. Because you can’t reach the beautiful sea views by bike and you can’t see the lighthouse well either. So if you bring a lock and are not afraid of walking without a bike, it is definitely worth a visit. But the route will not. 

Just turn right when you leave the gravel path instead of left. A good km later you will discover the tower. After that you take the same road back to complete the route.

We will pass some more vineyards gravelling before we have to go on the big road. Unfortunately for the last 5 km I did not find a good solution on Gravel or B roads that do not involve beach walking or private roads. I was thinking of doing this part first, but it will make the route more technical because most of the climbing will be tarmac and the descents will be more off-road.

From the windmill we ride towards Gasselin on a paved road. and down to the longest climb and probably the part with the most beautiful views. However when you do this part, like me in the video, in the fog, even then it was a beautiful ride.

For those who love a challenge there are 3 side roads that bring you even higher with more amazing views. However I did decide to leave these for the MTB rides and I didn’t include them in the course. To me, these options don’t offer enough extra and with 1500m of climbing the route is already challenging enough.

Halfway the ride at the end of this highlight road and with most of the climbing behind us. We go down to an old railroad track on a smooth fast descent. As Der Lokomotiv, I can never miss a rail trail. Thisone follows the Côte d’Azur, you pass by beautiful bays through 2 well-lit tunnels. Into Cavalaire sur Mer.

 A good place for recuplay or as a start for your adventures. Here the route follows the sea next to the beach. On busy days I would advise to take the cycle path along the road. Yes, a bit less fun and beautiful. But even on a sunny day in January I found it too busy with walkers to have fun while cycling. 

The cycle path will quickly connect back to the gpx.

Download the Route

Venue:
Centre ville Saint-Tropez, France

The Route:
70,4 km, 1430 m+, 52 % Unpaved

Saint-Tropez is a vibrant city known as a jet set destination on the Côte d’Azur. But Saint-Tropez is not only worth a visit for the rich. The city is actually a very cute coastal town, where you will find small streets, colorful houses and authentic restaurants.

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Shorter Routes