Whether through the orange fields of vines in autumn, on the winding cliff paths in winter, enjoying the mildness of spring or along the coastal towns in summer, Bandol and its surroundings have this I don't know what that appeal to bikers. Let us introduce you to our 4 most beautiful roads for a motorcycle ride in the western Var.
You have been warned! : the motorcycle remains a vehicle that can be dangerous. So be sure to respect the Highway Code, especially on the paths that we are going to suggest to you.
The sun road: from Six-Fours-les-Plages to Saint-Cyr-sur-mer
Travel time from Brusc: from 40 minutes to a day!
Let's start this article with a bit of sunshine, shall we? If you are staying with us, in our sublime city of Bandol, it is also for see the sea of course! From the Brusc district in Six-Fours-les-Plages to the charming port of Lecques in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, the road that runs along the coast contains wonders.
A beautiful peninsula named Gaou, the immense sandy beach of Good grace connecting Six-Fours-les-Plages to Sanary-sur-mer, a ledge that looks like paradise to the Quai des pointus in Bandol, a lovely little port called trap to finish on the locals' favorite, the beautiful Lecques Bay… Here is a journey of almost 40 minutes on which you can admire the blue of the Mediterranean and cross the seaside towns of Provence.
Of course, enjoy it for yourself. stop and discover the specificities of each village like the charming cobbled streets of Sanary, the splendid coastal path from Bandol or the excellent glaciers of Saint-Cyr-sur-mer. Ultimately, this walk could well last a whole day!
The best known: from Beausset to the Paul Ricard circuit
Travel time from Bandol: 30 minutes one way.
If you are a aficionado of the motorcycle, you can not miss the famous Paul Ricard circuit. Located in the commune of Castellet, it is known for hosting numerous car and F1 races, but also and above all for hosting for several years the no less legendary Bol d'Or. You know, this legendary motorcycle race more than 24 hours!
Apart from the fact that you can of course go and watch the performances of the participants, what interests us all year round is the route that takes you to this circuit. From Bandol, take the D559B, Then DN8. A road on which you will quickly gain altitude as you go through the chicanes and get closer to the Paul Ricard slopes.
🏍️ Good to know : the Paul Ricard circuit, otherwise known as the Castellet circuit, offers track driving sessions for amateurs. If you are interested, click here to know more.
The most natural: in the heart of the AOC Bandol wine estates
Travel time from Bandol: from 20 minutes to a whole half-day!
Perhaps you have already heard of the AOC Bandol wines ? Well, imagine that, despite what one might think, the vines producing these wines are not located in Bandol, but in the surrounding communes such as La Cadière d'Azur and Le Castellet. The appellation bears the name of the old trading port from which the bottles were sent all over the world… Interesting, isn't it?
Let's leave the story aside to focus on the roads that cross these two hilltop villages of the Var. From Bandol, take the D559B and let yourself be carried away. You will quickly be surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see. The good news: no matter the season, the landscape is always as beautiful! At a junction, you will have the choice between continuing towards the Castellet or else, of La Cadière d'Azur.
If you opt for the first choice, head to the Bandol Wine House. In addition to the beautiful road that will take you there, you will discover the entire history of this appellation on site. And if you opt for the Cadière d'Azur, D559B, continue with the D82. You will end up having on your right an incredible view of La Cadière d'Azur on your left and the vineyards on your right. Don't hesitate to plunge into the small tracks connecting the different areas. Some will take you to hamlets like the Burnt ou Sainte-Anne du Castellet. And in any case, take photo breaks to capture these breathtaking landscapes.
The canyon-style route: the Gorges d’Ollioules
Travel time from Bandol: 45 minutes one way.
Let's now head to a completely different Provençal village, that of Évenos. Although the latter is known for its Peony Festival, it is especially appreciated by climbers who love to climb the slopes of Destel. At the foot of this massif, a road leads to the town of Ollioules (where you will find excellent nougats (by the way). Well, that's exactly the path we want to take you on.
Imagine, two immense limestone walls on either side. Below, a river called La Reppe flows there all year round. And right next to it, in this formation that could remind us of a local canyon, a winding road that gradually sinks. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Ollioules gorges.
Want even more?
Here is a non-exhaustive list of other roads and places that you, dear bikers, will enjoy reaching from Bandol:
- Mount Faron in Toulon: superb view over the entire harbor.
- The Signes plateau: green meadows and paraglider flights are on the program.
- The Ceyreste road: for its undulating bends.
- The legendary Route des Crêtes (Cassis): impressive panoramas of the horizon.
- Gémenos via Sainte-Baume: the beauty of a typical local massif.
Whether it's by the sea, in the middle of vineyards, at the bottom of a canyon or heading towards a legendary circuit, you'll have understood, there's no shortage of possibilities for motorcycle outings! And we hope that this article has given you some ideas for your next road trips…So, wrap yourself up in your suit, put on your helmet and get on your two-wheeler… Let the exploration begin!
❤️ PS : if you take pictures, share them with us on Instagram by tagging us @bandoltourismeofficiel. We will report the best shots!
