Aquabike drop anchor in Nice

The Cote d'Azur is well known for its mild winter climate and warm Mediterranean waters, but even in Spring the temperatures here don't tend to get above 15°C...now that's pretty chilly!

Through June, July and August it is a perfectly acceptable 21 to 24°C, warm enough to relax in and just enough to cool you down on those hot summer days. But there are some determined and dedicated people in Nice and the neighbouring town of Beaulieu-sur-Mer who can be seen in the waters all year round, pedalling away as they exercise on 'aquabikes'.

This fairly recent exercise craze combines water with pedal power, buoyancy and resistance, sitting on a bike, submerged in the water you undertake something of a spinning class. For the last three years Florence of Aqua Bike 06 has been running classes every day during the summer and on the weekends during winter. 

Now, this is the kind of sport that appeals to me in the summer, but I have to admit that getting in the cooler winter waters is not top of my list! Getting your stomach in past the cold lapping waves and remaining in there for half an hour is a big ask. However, the thermal shock and turmoil are said to allow regular drainage and improved circulation...so who am I to argue?

Read our review of the activity here and judge for yourself.