Bicknell Cycle Route is a sports-tourist route that develops into a loop from the Mediterranean coast into the hinterland of the Maritime and Ligurian Alps, straddling Italy and France.
Inspired by the explorations of Clarence Bicknell, an English botanist from the late 19th century who chose Bordighera as his place of residence, this route is more than just a classic path, it's a real journey through places visited and described in this innovative scientist's great research work.
Starting from Bordighera, through a train approach along the Ventimiglia, Breil-Sur-Roya, Tende route, the route takes bikers to the peaks of the Roya Valley and then continues towards the surroundings of Casterino and the Valley of Wonders. Afterwards, the journey continues through the villages of La Brigue, Triora, Molini di Triora, and Bajardo to reach the heights of Sanremo, from where it finally returns to Bordighera through the Montenero hiking network.
- Difficulty: medium
- Duration: 3 days/2 nights or extended 4 days/3 nights
- Lenght: 115 km
- Elevation gain: 4000 m + / 5000 m -
Advice: This route is recommended for people with a decent level of fitness and sufficient technical ability to handle a bicycle. Given the nature of the route, it is advised to divide the experience into multiple days, with a first stop in Tenda or Casterino and an eventual second stop in Triora or Molini di Triora for those less trained.
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Day 1 - VENTIMIGLIA - TENDE
On the Trail of Wonders | From Bordighera to Tende
Following in the footsteps of Clarence Bicknell more than a century after his explorations, the Bicknell Cycle Route begins on the seaside of Bordighera and gradually enters the wild landscapes of the Roya Valley.
After departing from the Riviera dei Fiori, the experience continues aboard the legendary Train des Merveilles, the historic panoramic railway connecting the Mediterranean coast to the Maritime Alps through spectacular viaducts, rock-carved tunnels, and breathtaking alpine valleys.
Upon arrival in the medieval village of Tende, a guided visit to the famous Museum of Wonders introduces the history, culture, and archaeological heritage of these fascinating borderlands, preparing riders for the outdoor adventures of the following days.
From here, the first high-altitude rides begin. The route climbs towards Casterino, Clarence Bicknell’s historic summer retreat, crossing dense pine forests and spectacular alpine scenery.
The day ends with an enjoyable descent into the stunning Fontanalba Valley, in the heart of the Maritime Alps.
Highlights
- Bordighera and the Riviera dei Fiori
- Journey aboard the Train des Merveilles
- Medieval village of Tende
- Museum of Wonders
- Climb towards Casterino
- Descent into the Fontanalba Valley
Technical Information
- Distance: 33 km
- Elevation: 1600 m ascent / 1700 m descent
- Terrain: Alpine roads, gravel tracks, and panoramic trails
- Level: Intermediate
- Landscape: Sea views, alpine valleys, and conifer forests
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DAY 2 - LA BRIGUE - TRIORA
Sacred Art and Ancient Legends | From La Brigue to Triora
The second day of the Bicknell Cycle Route crosses landscapes suspended between alpine culture, wild nature, and ancient borderland legends.
The journey begins in La Brigue with a visit to one of the most remarkable sites in the Maritime Alps: the Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines, often known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Alps.” Its extraordinary 15th-century frescoes preserve a unique artistic and spiritual heritage hidden among the mountains.
Leaving the sanctuary behind, the route climbs once again through dense larch and fir forests in the Sanson area, following ancient alpine roads and untouched landscapes before crossing back into Italian territory.
The itinerary finally reaches Triora, the famous medieval village known as the “Village of Witches.” Among narrow stone alleyways, ancient herbal traditions, and stories linked to the witch trials of the 16th century, Triora still preserves a mysterious and fascinating atmosphere.
It is a place that would certainly have captivated Clarence Bicknell, who was deeply passionate about botany, nature, and the ancient knowledge of the Ligurian mountains.
Highlights
- Notre-Dame-des-Fontaines
- 15th-century frescoes
- Alpine forests of the Sanson area
- Crossing the Italian-French border
- Triora and its witch legends
Technical Information
- Distance: 30 km
- Elevation: 1000 m ascent / 1000 m descent
- Terrain: Alpine gravel roads, forests, and mule tracks
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Landscape: Alpine forests and medieval villages
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DAY 3 - TRIORA - BAJARDO - BORDIGHERA
From the Peaks to the Palms | From Triora to Bordighera
The final day of the Bicknell Cycle Route takes riders from the mountains of the Ligurian hinterland back to the sea of the Riviera dei Fiori, completing an extraordinary journey between the Alps and the Mediterranean.
The ride starts in the atmospheric medieval village of Triora, surrounded by mysterious legends and mountain landscapes, before climbing towards Monte Ceppo through magnificent beech forests and high-altitude woodland.
From the summit, one of the most spectacular panoramas of the entire itinerary unfolds: a natural 360-degree balcony overlooking the Ligurian Alps and the Maritime Alps, where mountains and sea seem to merge together.
The descent then continues towards Bajardo, an ancient mountain village linked to druidic traditions and a place that fascinated Clarence Bicknell thanks to its rare flora and extraordinary biodiversity.
As the route approaches the coast, the scenery changes dramatically: the air begins to smell of sea salt, alpine forests give way to Mediterranean vegetation, and the sandy trails of the Monte Nero area guide the final kilometers back to the sea.
The return to Bordighera marks the end of an unforgettable journey of approximately 115 km through alpine culture, historic trails, untouched nature, and unique landscapes between Italy and France.
Highlights
- Climb to Monte Ceppo
- Panoramic views over the Ligurian and Maritime Alps
- Bajardo and its ancient druidic legends
- Sea-view trails of the Monte Nero area
- Return to the Riviera dei Fiori
Technical Information
- Distance: 50 km
- Elevation: 1400 m ascent / 2300 m descent
- Terrain: Alpine forests, gravel roads, flow trails, and Mediterranean single tracks
- Level: Intermediate / Advanced
- Landscape: Alpine mountains, Mediterranean vegetation, and the Ligurian coastline
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EXTRA DAY - TREKKING TO THE ROCK ENGRAVINGS IN THE PARK OF WONDERS
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USEFUL INFORMATION
Ritrovo e partenza
- 3 days/2 nigths
- Min 2 /Max 6
- Download PDF
- From € 550.00
- Group discounts available. Minimum of 10 people.
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