Circuit des Monges, Theoule-sur-mer
An easy mountain bike circuit that takes you through the Esterel
Explore the beautiful area that is the Massif de l'Esterel, from Théoule-sur-Mer and its foothills overlooking the Mediterranean, their high cliffs with purple hues and the unusual landscapes of the Alpes-Maritimes.
The Rocher des Monges, sits at the central point of this circuit, and rises to 300m. A good example of the volcanic massif, it consists of compact lava, that has eroded over the years to create numerous caves and unexpected lunar sculptures. The entire route is carried on good trails that means this is a good bike ride for beginners to enjoy; a pleasant circuit in a particularly attractive setting.
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What to see
Sights in Antibes
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L'Esterel National Park
A volcanic range of mountains covering around 32,000 hectares and stretching between Saint-Raphael and Theoule-sur-Mer.
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Musee de la Mer, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
Situated within the Royal Fort on Ile Sainte-Marguerite in the Bay of Cannes, this museum is a place not only of learning but also of rich history.
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Abbaye de Lerins Monastery (Lerins Abbey), Ile Saint-Honorat
Located on the island of Saint Honorat, the abbey is still occupied by monks. It's possible to receive a guided tour and re-charge your spiritual batteries.
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Fort Royal Museum, Ile Sainte-Marguerite
In 1617, the Duke of Guise gave Jean de Bellon the task of building a fort intended to block sea access to Cannes. Constructed between 1624 and 1627 on the site of remains that dated back to Roman antiquity, at the time it was nothing more than a simple fortified house.
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Musee de la Photographie (Photography Museum)
Right in the centre of the old town of Mougins is an interesting photography museum. On display are various antique cameras plus old photography equipment, and a large collection of portraits of Pablo Picasso.
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Mougins Museum of Classical Art
In the heart of the old village of Mougins, discover how the beauty of the ancient world has influenced neoclassical, modern and contemporary art.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Antibes
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Le Nacional Restaurant
Le Nacional is a THE Beef and Wine restaurant in the heart of historical Antibes. A restaurant that will excite the taste buds of gourmet meat aficionados. The choicest pieces of beef provided by the highest quality butchers.
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Le Jardin Restaurant
Ideally located on the hill in Cannes, the Hotel de Mougins is only five minutes from Sophia Antipolis, ten minutes from Cannes and Grasse, and twenty five minutes from Nice International Airport.
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La Table de Pierre Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
La Table de Pierre offers refined, garden-led cuisine by Chef Emmanuel Lehrer in a romantic setting with views over the estate.
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La Cap Beach Restaurant, Juan les Pins
Open from April till October for lunch and from June till mid-September for dinner, this fantastic restaurant offers delicious fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
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Toile Blanche Restaurant, St Paul de Vence
Toile Blanche Le Restaurant offers fresh, seasonal dishes inspired by the Mediterranean, where simplicity meets creative flair.
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Cafe Royal Restaurant
The Cafe Royal is located on the ground floor of the Hotel Royal Antibes.
What to do
Things To Do in Antibes
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Luxury Lizard Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Cannes Islands Boat Trip
A trip on a luxury motor boat with the professional crew to guide you on a fabulous day out on the ocean from Antibes to Cannes.
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Road bike hire
This company is based in Cannes and offers a wide range of road bikes, with delivery available to Antibes.
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Motorbike hire
Based in Cannes, motorbike and scooter rental so you can explore the South of France.
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
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Luxury SMILE Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the Riviera to any destination of your choosing.
Directions
From the town of Théoule-sur-Mer follow the road towards the seafront of Frejus. After a few hundred metres, turn right onto a small steep road going towards the cemetary (look for the sign "piste des Saoumes"). Beyond this, at a housing estate, proceed on the trail of Saoumes (access gate) which, via an undulating path, leads to the col of Théoule-sur-Mer.
Take the ascending track to the col du Trayas (235m) at the foot of the Rocher des Monges. The track passes the summit by the west. After this turn right and go down towards Théoule-sur-Mer by the trail of Miners (piste des Mineurs) and a small road to return to your starting point (after passing under the railway).
Alternative route - bike around the summit of Grosses Grues (441m) from the col du Trayas (235m). Follow the trail of the three cols until the col de la Cadiere (241m) and then go back on the road at the col Notre Dame (324m), continue down the Grues trail that brings you to the col du Trayas.
