What happened on our road trip? You’ll find all the highs and lows in our Porsche Macan vs Taycan comparison test. But this article is about something else entirely – it’s all about making an impression. Café du Cycliste have long been one of our favourite brands, because few others blend performance and French savoir-vivre with such effortless style. While many labels have vanished into the same Scandinavian look – minimal, functional, yet somewhat forgettable – Café du Cycliste put personality back on the road. Technically impressive but never just functional. Stylish without looking overly sporty. Outfits with character and clever little details that catch you off guard, whether you’re on a bike, in a Porsche or sipping a flat-white at your local patisserie. You stand out without being overdressed. In short: distinctive. And that feels incredibly good.
On our trip to the Côte d’Azur, we visited the headquarters – and, unsurprisingly, the café – of Café du Cycliste in Nice, where we met up with marketing manager Jacqueline and founder Rémi. The mission? To scout out the best insider spots in Nice and map out our test routes along legendary Rallye Monte-Carlo roads. After all, road cyclists and rally drivers have a soft spot for the same stretches of tarmac. Alongside a ton of impressions, we brought back a stack of photos – and we’ll also be showing you our three favourite outfits. Who knows, maybe you’ll find a bit of inspiration for your next microadventure.
Our 3 Favourite Café du Cycliste Outfits – Road Trip Edition
Poisson Volant & Pantalon Sauvage
Born between the ocean and the Alps – built for the outdoors.
Héloise and Maria – these might sound like a pair of best mates, and in a way, that’s exactly what they are. The two pieces of kit embody the French spirit of adventure, with cargo-inspired details, freedom of movement and real character. It’s the kind of outfit made for free spirits who feel at home outdoors and draw the line between everyday life and adventure wherever they choose. The flying fish – Café du Cycliste’s emblem – captures that exact balancing act between worlds: from sea to summit, from escapade to everyday, and back to reality again. Just one word of warning: that crisp white doesn’t hide a thing. It wears the marks of movement like quiet proof of stories lived and small triumphs earned.
Long sleeve: Café du Cycliste Maria | Trousers: Café du Cycliste Héloise | Watch: Ponctuel
Ready for Riviera Rain & Alpine Terrain
Elegance meets protection against the elements – breathable, wind-resistant, and cleverly designed.
The Félicie trousers and Alizée jacket bring a touch of French savoir-vivre to rugged conditions. Ripstop stretch fabric and ankle poppers meet a weatherproof high-tech membrane and taped seams – and the whole package looks so good, you’ll still be turning heads in a downpour. In the end, the rain held off, but we were more than ready for mountain gusts and sudden changes of scenery.
An outfit that delivers – on the bike, in the Porsche, and over an espresso afterwards.
Jacket: Café du Cycliste Alizée | Trousers: Café du Cycliste Félicie
Backpack: Café du Cycliste Rucksack
Savoir-vivre with Lift-off Potential
Alina in soft off-white is the textile essence of French nonchalance – cosy, warm, oversized and just as versatile as your day is long. Worn with a blazer, under a jacket or on its own by the sea, this jumper brings elegance to any layering combo and keeps you shielded from the chill while riding . Paired with the Félicie trousers in understated grey – stretchy yet tough – you’re all set for take-off.
Jumper: Café du Cycliste Alina | Trousers: Café du Cycliste Félicie
Conclusions
Our road trip had it all – speed, tech, breakdowns, epic spots – and our kit really delivered. Whether we were flying through hairpins or swearing swearing our way along a gravel track, in Café du Cycliste gear we looked the part. Stylish but never overdressed. Technical without the geek factor. The French just know how to dress – not only in Paris, but on gravel roads and coastal routes along the Côte d’Azur, too. And let’s be honest: if things don’t go to plan, you might as well look cool while it’s happening.
You can get the looks straight from Café du Cycliste.
Words: Robin Schmitt Photos: Robin Schmitt, Robin De Nys
