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Best Cycling Climbs of the French Riviera

4 nights from £475.00

Cycling Trip Highlights

  • The views from Col d’Eze over St Jean Cap Ferrat
  • Climbing the famous Col de la Madone
  • French riviera chic restaurants, bars, hotels and beaches
  • The bass corniche, low road, through Monte Carlo, Menton and out to Italy
Best Cycling Climbs of the French Riviera
4 nights from £475.00
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WE LOVEThe Climbs
The French Riviera has some of the best climbs in France and there's a reason you might bump into Team Sky and other pros. From the Col d'Eze towering over the rich and famous play area of Cap Ferrat and Cap d'ail to the epic Col de la Madone, there is no shortage of epic climbing out in the French Riviera.
WE LOVEThe Views
There is nothing quite as stunning as the view from La Turbie overlooking Monaco and Beausoleil (quite literally beautiful sunshine). Crystal blue waters, medieval hilltop villages and quaint French cobbled squares provide unforgettable views.

What's Included

Our suggested French Riviera cycling holiday

We can tailor make this trip for you
Day 1Arrival into Nice

Arrive into Nice airport and we will take you to your hotel. We work with hundreds of hotels on the Riviera from Monaco to Nice to Cannes. Whether you’re looking for inexpensive, boutique or grand, we can organise this for you.

Day 2Ride the Col d'Eze

Your trip will be unique and bespoke to you. Today’s recommendation is the climb up the Col D’Eze from Nice. The challenging ascent of the Col d’Eze (a gradient of up to 8.5%) contrasts with the lush vegetation as you climb out of Nice.

The tranquil view from the vantage point over Cap Ferrat and the quaint village of Eze are moments of inspiration as you top out at Eze le Col. Keep riding up to La Turbie, down to Beausoleil and then enjoy the coastal road back into Nice. This makes for a spectacular ride and a great introduction to cycling on the Riviera.

Day 3Menton, San Remo and the Climb to Peille

One of our favourite rides on the Riviera is the route from Nice out to Menton. You can choose the coastal route that heads through Monaco and whilst it’s a little busier than the Moyenne Corniche, you can experience riding over the Formula 1 starting grid and through it’s famed tunnel. Head round the cap at Roquebrune Cap Martin and stop for some lunch at Le Cigale overlooking the water.

From there, either carry on to San Remo or head straight up. The climb from Menton twists through forests, past streams and through the cobbled streets of hilltop villages, before you eventually reach Peille. The climb is not well known and it will only be a few locals and some pros who know it well for company.

Day 4Col de la Madone

The Madone is the most infamous climbs in professional cycling. It’s not its scenery, difficulty or hairpins or the fact that it has never featured in the Tour de France.

The Col de la Madone is infamous because it was Lance Armstrong’s testing ground and it has become an integral part of the Armstrong myth. It demands attention and if you can get up it in 45 minutes, you’re doing well.

Day 5Departure

Today we can take you to back to the airport or you can choose to extend your holiday.

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What to ExpectFrom famous climbs to the stunning Mediterranean shores

The French Riviera offers incredible climbing and beautiful villages. Discover beautiful regions such as St. Paul de Vence, Grasse, Eze and flatter but long coastal rides. Visit the Tanneron and Esterel hills in the west, famous climbs such as the Col D’Eze and the Col de la Madone, in the east or head out even further towards the high Alps.

9.6km long at 5.2% average
Col d'Eze
14.5km long at 6.3% average
Col de la Madone
11.2km long at 5.7% average
Col de Braus
19.3km long at 5% average
Col de Vence

How's the Weather? in French Riviera

The SpringMarch to May
Spring is a magical time to visit as vibrant colours appear on the hillsides and the weather begins to warm up after a cold winter. As you move into the later months of Spring, particularly May, the weather is warm without being too hot and the summer crowds have yet to arrive.
The SummerJune to August
The summer on the French Riviera is usually very hot with little rainfall. It's best to cycle in the mornings before the midday sunshine.
The AutumnSeptember to November
September is usually a great month to travel as the weather remains warm and the summer crowds have left. October can also be warm although it's traditionally the wettest month and it gets colder with more rain as you move into November.
The WinterDecember to February
The French Riviera is best avoided in the winter as it's often very cold.

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