Paddle and electric bike activity in Villefranche

This Paddle and electric bike activity in Villefranche offers an active way to explore some of the most beautiful spots along the French Riviera. Though I haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed itinerary and glowing reviews suggest it’s a fantastic choice for travelers craving a mix of scenic views, gentle adventure, and local flavor.

What we love about this tour is how it combines two very different ways of exploring—cycling along the waterfront with an electric bike, then switching to paddleboarding to get closer to the water. It’s ideal for those who want a balanced mix of land and sea, all in a manageable four-hour window. One potential consideration is that it’s limited to small groups (max six), which could mean a more personalized experience, but also requires booking in advance.

This experience suits active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic sightseeing, and a touch of water-based fun. It’s perfect for those who want to see Villefranche-sur-Mer, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, and the famous Promenade des Anglais, without feeling rushed or overcrowded.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines electric biking and paddleboarding to see both land and sea highlights.
• Small-group experience: Max of 6 travelers ensures personalized attention.
• Includes essentials: Snorkeling gear, drinks, and guided support add value.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Ideal for active travelers: Suitable for most, with most participants able to join.
• Beautiful scenery: Enjoy stunning coastal views and local ports along the route.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The 4-hour duration strikes a good balance, offering enough time to appreciate the French Riviera’s scenery without dragging on. Starting at the early morning 9:00 AM, it’s tailored for those who like to start their day with an active adventure. The use of electric bikes makes it accessible even if your fitness level varies, as they help you tackle hills and longer stretches with ease.

The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and drinks makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a mini seaside adventure. And the fact that the tour is guided means you can relax and learn about the area from someone knowledgeable, rather than just wandering aimlessly.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Promenade des Anglais

Your adventure begins along Nice’s famous promenade, a well-loved stretch of palm-lined walkway. This iconic promenade offers sweeping views of the coast and the Mediterranean. The 30-minute stop provides an excellent chance to soak in the lively atmosphere, snap photos of the sparkling water, and get a feel for the Riviera vibe.

What you’ll love: This stretch is often bustling with locals and visitors alike, making it a lively start. For history buffs, the promenade is a symbol of Nice’s glamorous past, and you’ll get a sense of the city’s modern Mediterranean charm.

Stop 2: Port Lympia

Next, you’ll head to Port Lympia, a picturesque harbor filled with colorful fishing boats and yachts. This spot is great for observing the local fishing culture and enjoying the peaceful waterfront atmosphere.

What you’ll love: The port’s charm lies in its authentic, working harbor feel, really contrasting with the tourist-heavy Old Town. It’s a perfect place for some quick photos and to appreciate the maritime life that’s been part of Nice for centuries.

Stop 3: Villefranche-sur-Mer

The highlight for many is the 1.5-hour paddleboarding session in Villefranche-sur-Mer. You’ll collect your paddleboards, then set out to explore the bay. This area is known for its calm waters and stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal location for paddling.

What you’ll love: The opportunity to get close to the water and snorkel with provided gear. One reviewer described it as an “amazing tour,” appreciating the chance to see some of the best views of the Riviera from the water.

Stop 4: Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Peninsula

After paddling, you’ll head toward Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, a renowned peninsula famed for its luxurious villas and rugged coastline. The paddle portion lasts about 1.5 hours, giving ample time to enjoy the scenery and perhaps spot some marine life while snorkeling.

What you’ll love: The combination of paddleboarding and the dramatic cliffs of the peninsula creates a memorable experience. The calm waters and scenic vistas make it one of the most picturesque parts of the tour.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are paddleboards, snorkeling gear, an electric bike and helmet, soda, and a guide. These essentials mean you can focus on enjoying the experience without worrying about extra costs for equipment. Having a guide is a big plus, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area or new to paddleboarding or biking.

Snacks are not included, so consider bringing some water or light snacks if you think you might get hungry. The tour’s price of around $96.07 per person offers good value, considering the equipment, guide, and scenic locations.

Practical Considerations

The tour departs at 9:00 AM from 7 Av. Villermont in Nice, which is close to public transportation. This makes it easy to reach from most accommodations in Nice. The small group size (up to 6) ensures a more intimate experience but also means booking well in advance is advisable—it’s often booked 6 days ahead.

Weather is a key factor; this activity requires good weather, and if canceled due to rain or poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with the main requirement being a reasonable level of comfort in water and on a bike.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

One reviewer, Emma, gave the tour a perfect 5-star rating, describing it as “an amazing tour” that allowed her to see the whole of the French Riviera. She appreciated the stunning views and the friendliness of the guide, saying she would definitely recommend it.

This kind of feedback highlights how well the tour balances guided expertise with freedom to explore at your own pace, especially on paddleboard and bike.

The Sum Up

This Paddle and electric bike tour in Villefranche offers a well-rounded, engaging way to see the French Riviera. It’s especially appealing for travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want a more authentic, active experience beyond traditional sightseeing. The combination of scenic cycling, water-based fun, and guided insights makes it a great value.

If you’re looking for a manageable, scenic adventure that captures the beauty of the Riviera from both land and sea, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s suited for most active travelers, couples, and small groups who appreciate personalized attention and a touch of water fun.

Whether you’re a seasoned paddleboarder or new to biking, the supportive guides and calm waters make this experience accessible. Just remember to book ahead, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for some truly memorable views.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting at 9:00 AM and ending back at the meeting point in Nice.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 7 Av. Villermont in Nice and concludes at the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the use of snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, electric bikes and helmets, soda, and a guided experience.

Is this activity suitable for all fitness levels?
Most travelers can participate, thanks to the electric bikes which assist with hills and longer rides, making it accessible for various fitness levels.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund available if you cancel within this window.

What should I bring?
While the tour provides most equipment, consider bringing water, sun protection, and perhaps a light snack. Comfortable clothing and water shoes are advisable for paddleboarding.

Is snorkeling included?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, allowing you to enjoy the marine life in the calm waters of Villefranche and Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 6 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and attentive guidance.

This tour offers a lively, scenic way to experience the French Riviera’s coastline—balancing activity, scenery, and cultural highlights. It’s an excellent choice for travelers wanting to add some active fun to their Riviera visit.