Classic Nice Cycling Routes

Nice tops the list as one of Europe’s most iconic cycling destinations. This coastal town has been the
scene of many a Tour de France stage finish and start, as well as hosting the Grand Départ in 1981
and 2020; a historic gateway between the Mediterranean coast and the great Alpine climbs of this
grand tour. It offers the practical advantage of heading straight from the city centre into the nearby
mountains, following quiet backroads, conquering legendary cols and sweeping descents that have
shaped our imagination of this magical destination for decades.
And it’s not just the roads. Off-piste there are a host of gravel routes in Nice that take riders weaving
through the forests of the Estérel Massif, up into rugged and rocky mountains, across ancient donkey
tracks trodden in over centuries, and over some of the highest unpaved roads of the Côte d’Azur.
If you’re in town for a European cycling holiday, this classic Nice cycling guide will help you get
clipped in and riding the routes that have etched this city into cycling history.

NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTES

LEISURE NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO CAP D’ANTIBES

The ride from Nice to Cap d’Antibes is a friendly first taste of cycling on the Côte d’Azur, following the
coastline westbound and curving through the neighbourhoods of Cros de Cagnes, Le Lautin and La
Fontonne. The route doesn’t stray too far from sea level, giving you a close up of the local marinas,
beaches and seaside towns, with long stretches of smooth road and open views across the
Mediterranean. Riders easing themselves into the area enjoy modest elevation and a relaxed pace;
an ideal coastal loop if you’ve got first-day-in-the-saddle or recovery-ride energy, or you’re simply
looking for a chance to experience the hum and sights of Nice road riding without kicking up into the
higher mountains inland.

Nice to Cap d’Antibes – Route Info
● Distance: 75 km
● Elevation: 600 m
● Level: Leisure

INTERMEDIATE NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO ÈZE & COL DE LA MADONE

From the Eat Sleep Cycle Hub at the city’s Port, this classic Nice cycling route heads east along the
coastline before turning inland, climbing steadily through the hillside villages that overlook the azure
Med. The road above Èze has long been a proving ground for professional cyclists, most famously as
the setting for the Col d’Èze time trial, a traditional finishing stage of Paris–Nice. Beyond Èze, the
ascent passes through the village of La Turbie and onto the Col de la Madone, a climb known for its
manageable gradients, quiet tarmac and uninterrupted views back towards the coast. It’s one that
demands a steady effort rather than brute force, a great day-two spin and a first real taste of the
classic climbing that characterises cycling in and around Nice.

Nice to Èze & Col de la Madone – Route Info
● Distance: 70 km
● Elevation: 1,500 m
● Level: Intermediate

ADVANCED NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO COL DE BRAUS & COL DE TURINI

One of the region’s great road rides; a long, demanding and beautiful route that carries riders deep
into the Maritime Alps. Leaving Nice, the road gradually kicks up through the Paillon Valley along the
Col de Nice, before the energy changes at the foot of the Col de Braus, where percentages hit double
digits at points on the tight switchbacks these foothills are known for. After descending into Sospel,
there’s a chance to grab lunch and coffee. Next up is a classic beast, the impressive Col de Turini,
with more switchbacks and sudden exposure, gaining height quickly as the road twists towards the
1,600 m summit, a frequent feature in the Tour de France. After that, it’s a gentle 50 km sweep back
to Nice. It’s a route that demands respect and careful pacing, but rewards effort with expansive views
and a clear sense of just how far the roads above Nice can carry you.

Nice to Col de Braus & Col de Turini – Route Info
● Distance: 115 km
● Elevation: 2,700 m
● Level: Advanced

NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTES

LEISURE NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO LA TURBIE & FORT DE LA REVÈRE

This gentle gravel loop offers a quiet introduction to the city’s surroundings, climbing gradually above
Nice into the wooded hills that sit between the coast and the high mountains. The route is a mix of
short stretches of tarmac with wide gravel tracks, winding through Mediterranean forest and open
clearings before reaching Fort de la Revère. From here, the views stretch across Monaco, Cap Ferrat
and the Med, just in case the pines make you forget you’re on the Riviera. This is a non-technical
route ideal for gentle exploration for newbie off-roaders or a calm and scenic rest-day spin. It will lift
you quite literally out of the bustle and into woodland for some serious perspective. Start or end at the
Eat Sleep Cycle Hub at 11 Quai des Deux Emmanuels at the Port for a ride-inspiring espresso or chat
with our staff.

Nice to La Turbie & Fort de la Revère – Route Info
● Distance: 30 km
● Elevation: 650 m
● Level: Leisure

INTERMEDIATE NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: MONT FÉRION GRAVEL LOOP

The Mont Férion gravel cycling loop takes riders up inland from Nice into quieter, wooded terrain,
trading coastal views for a sense of growing remoteness. Experienced roadies that have felt the thrill
of a col’s multiple switchbacks with relish in the satisfaction of the gravel equivalent. These tracks feel
cut into the hills and ancient woodland, making the most of wide fire roads that wind past firs and
oaks, with openings that reveal the valleys and ridgelines of the Maritime Alps. This is another 50-50
tarmac-gravel ride, where the track is largely rideable throughout, (beware of the odd sandy section),
but the sustained climb means this route requires more might than its shorter, coastal cousins. A
classic Nice gravel route is there ever was one and a great balance between endurance and off-
roading. It’s a longer day in the saddle, so start out at the Port with a coffee at Eat Sleep Cycle or
Café du Cycliste before heading on your way.

Mont Férion Gravel Loop – Route Info

● Distance: 75 km
● Elevation: 1,900 m
● Level: Intermediate

ADVANCED NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: VIA DEL SALE

The Via del Sale is one of the most ambitious Nice cycling gravel routes accessible from the Nice
region, tracing an old military and trading road high above the valleys on the border between France
and Italy. This route requires some logistical planning as a short car journey is required to reach the
start point. But once you’re clipped in, the following 100 km offer pure, unspoilt Alpine beauty. This
route is a mash-up of ancient donkey tracks, fire roads, ridgelines and switchbacks… the ultimate
cocktail of memory-making tracks experienced riders dream of. This is the pinnacle of gravel riding on
the Côte d’Azur. It might be a few kilometres from the coast itself but if you’re in Nice to ride, this
beast is unmissable.

Via del Sale – Route Info
● Distance: 99 km
● Climbing: 2,800 m
● Level: Advanced

Any questions? Drop us a message or come and see us at our Eat Sleep Cycle Hub in Nice, at 11
Quai des Deux Emmanuels, right on the Port, for a pre-spin espresso.