6 Legendary Climbs of the Côte d’Azur for Road Cyclists

The French Riviera isn't just about sunny beaches and luxury yachts — it’s also a paradise for serious cyclists. Between the Mediterranean Sea and the Southern Alps, this region offers iconic climbs that blend scenic beauty with physical challenge. At Baroudeur Cycling, we’ve selected 6 of the most legendary cols of the Côte d’Azur, perfect for those seeking high-level riding and unforgettable views.

Each climb includes: start point, distance from Nice, ascent variations (if any), and a difficulty scale from 1 to 10 to help you plan your adventure.

1. Col de Braus (1,002 m)

Start: Sospel
Distance from Nice: 35 km
Ascent: One route – 9 km at 7% average gradient
Difficulty: 6/10
Profile: A quiet, elegant climb with famous hairpins and minimal traffic. Ideal for warming up or early season rides, with sweeping views toward the Mediterranean.

2. Col de la Madone de Gorbio (925 m)

Start: Menton
Distance from Nice: 40 km
Ascent: Single climb – 16 km at 6% average
Difficulty: 7/10
Profile: This is a mythical testing ground for pro riders — Chris Froome, Richie Porte, and yes, even Lance Armstrong used this climb as their benchmark. It rewards with epic views of the Peille village and the southern Alps.

3. Col de Turini (1,604 m)

Starts: Moulinet or Lucéram
Distance from Nice: 60 km
Ascents:

• Moulinet: 22 km at 6%
• Lucéram: 28 km at 5.5%
  Difficulty: 8/10
  Profile: A Tour de France favorite, the Turini is a long alpine-style climb with dozens of switchbacks and breathtaking forest views. A must for riders prepping for stage races or Gran Fondos.

4. Col de la Bonette (2,802 m)

Start: Jausiers
Distance from Nice: 180 km
Ascent: 24 km at 6.4%, including summit loop
Difficulty: 9/10
Profile: Officially the highest paved road in Europe. Long, exposed, and epic. A bucket-list climb for any serious cyclist, with a Mars-like summit and 360° views of the Mercantour.

5. Col de Vence (963 m)

Start: Vence
Distance from Nice: 20 km
Ascent: 14 km at 4.5%
Difficulty: 5/10
Profile: Popular with local riders for its gentle gradient and views over the Riviera coastline. Lavender, thyme, and rosemary scent the climb, making it a multisensory experience.

6. Col d’Èze (507 m)

Starts:

• From La Turbie: 8.1 km at 5.6%
• From Nice: 1.6 km at 8.1%
  Distance from Nice: 10 km
  Difficulty: 6/10
  Profile: This short but punchy climb has seen many final stage time trials. It offers staggering views of Cap Ferrat and the Mediterranean — especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Why Ride the Côte d’Azur Climbs?

• Pro-level terrain: Perfect mix of coastal and alpine climbs
• Unique Mediterranean scenery: Sea, mountains, perched villages
• Less crowded than Alpine giants
• Custom routes available with Baroudeur Cycling

Explore the Côte d’Azur with Baroudeur Cycling

We offer custom road cycling trips including:

• Tailored itineraries and expert local guidance
• Premium bike rental or support for your own setup
• Baggage transfers and mechanical assistance
• Charming boutique accommodations
• Routes tested and approved by serious riders

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