Very hard to take in that this was to be the final day of our tour!
The morning started cool and within half a mile, and the porridge barely landed in the stomach, when we commenced our main long climb of the day, around 9km!
“Just keep spinning, just keep spinning”, it seemed to go on and on with the tiredness that had accumulated in our legs after 3 of the hardest days.
The morning sun was in our eyes as we ascended the gorge and as ever the views were our reward!
At the top of the climb we knew we’d broken the back of the day (if not broken ourselves) and that we would make it to our final destination – Nice, now largely downhill.
Day on day the spectacular views in the gorges and mountains of the region never ceased to amaze!
The descents were a pleasure and gave an opportunity to practice taking the switch back bends at speed – although always taking care, and some more cautious than others!
Jo and Soo had found a superb position for our final picnic lunch on the tour. Overlooking the paragliders!
A bride and attendants on a hen gig turned up and we wondered if the bride was going to paraglide in a veil!
After lunch we continued descending, counting down the milestones as we approached Nice.
The steep bare craggy rock faces of the gorge made way for pine covered mountains and eventually into urban Nice.
This was a huge contrast to the environment we had been riding through, with increased traffic, buildings and people!
My legs actually started to feel a bit lively as we neared the end of our journey.
Arriving at the sea front was emotional. We hugged and took celebratory photos.
We could see planes descending precariously into the seafront Nice airport.
Then we rode along the seafront to the iconic “I Love Nice” sign for more photos.
Time was tight as Adrian had flown out to Nice with a bike box for our onward journey to Pontevedra for the World Championship Age Group Standard Aquabike which I will be competing in on the 26th September.
Just time for a very quick dip in the warm sparkling clear waters of the med.
Then back to the accommodation to pack up the bike.
We did make time, however, for a celebratory meal together, and reflected on our incredible journey across France en Velo from St Malo to Nice.
Unforgettable!
Our accommodation was La Providence, Nice (updated prices 2026)
Thank you:
Claire Moyle: photographer and videographer. Claire was usually ahead which gave time to pause for a photo opportunity. Claire has a great eye for a picture and helped capture the memories of our journey for ourselves, and to share with others.
Carol Boreham: route, lunch stop and break planner!
Sally Dickens: chipper every day, always kind and encouraging
Soo Smith: Soo cycled the first half but made the wise decision to ride in the vehicle as she had recently suffered with shingles, but she picked up the support baton alongside Jo, and was a first-class shoe and water monitor! She did plenty of washing up and was great to listen to as she read the description of the next day’s stage from the book
Jo Taylor: Didn’t hesitate to take three weeks to drive and support us rising to the challenge of driving across France and sharing the adventure. She did a lot of shopping and trips to the laundrette! She also made time to seek out her own adventures in every location.
Myself (Jenny Oliver): Chief porridge maker, navigator and IT support.
We had the most incredible adventure together and wouldn’t have missed it!
Would we do it again? – Ask us next week!
I have created a GiveWheel page to support my chosen charities – Sussex Cancer Fund and Cancer United.
So far, we have raised £1,720.00 + £310.00 Gift Aid.
If you would like to help me reach my target of £2,000, please visit https://gvwhl.com/QV7EB