So I’m going to be in Nice in a few weeks. I have one (maybe two) day I can ride when I am there. I’ve found a few bike rental shops, so I don’t think that should be a problem, but any recommendations would be welcome. What I’d like to know is what should I ride? I think Col d’Eze is on the list due to location and fame. This can be a big ride as I’ll have all day. I don’t think I will have car access so most likely be riding out of town. Anyone have experience?
No personal experience but local guy that’s World Tour pro for EF Education, Joe Dombrowski, lives there so check out his Strava (when he’s not racing in Utah or a Giro)–riding seems amazing based on his pictures while riding!
I was there with a couple of friends for a week this spring. The mountains are really close to the city, so there is no need to get a car ride to start elsewhere.
There are many really nice options and we did several of the famous climbs in the area. However, my favorite was probably the IM course, which is an absolutely beautiful ride.
So I’m going to be in Nice in a few weeks. I have one (maybe two) day I can ride when I am there. I’ve found a few bike rental shops, so I don’t think that should be a problem, but any recommendations would be welcome. What I’d like to know is what should I ride? I think Col d’Eze is on the list due to location and fame. This can be a big ride as I’ll have all day. I don’t think I will have car access so most likely be riding out of town. Anyone have experience?
I have been there twice riding with friends. A really nice ride is to go from Vence, up the col de vence (same hill as the race will go) and in Bouyon go north to Toudon by Roquesteron and Vescous. Then back down to the Var-river and Carros… did that ride last spring: https://www.strava.com/activities/1534813797
Or you can take the car to isola and ride the fameous “isola2000”. https://www.strava.com/segments/10090422
Not to miss is also riding by the Var-River and hit the climb up to Utelle. and maybe if you want a real HTFU-day go furher away and ride the “Col de Turini”
BR Johan from Sweden
So I’m going to be in Nice in a few weeks. I have one (maybe two) day I can ride when I am there. I’ve found a few bike rental shops, so I don’t think that should be a problem, but any recommendations would be welcome. What I’d like to know is what should I ride? I think Col d’Eze is on the list due to location and fame. This can be a big ride as I’ll have all day. I don’t think I will have car access so most likely be riding out of town. Anyone have experience?
We were there in June to preview the 70.3 IMWC bike course. We stayed west of Nice in Vence. Some fabulous riding! Getting east of Nice took a long leadin. We did this one day for Col d’Eze and looped back thru Eze using the lower corniche road. Spectacular views. We were traveling with some folks waiting on us so we didn’t go further east. If you do Eze id recommend continuing to Menton and then up Col de Madone. For a really big day maybe add in Col de Braus. You can return from the interior above Nice. Col de Turrini looks awesome too, but is a distance stretch.
We’re back for about 10 days around the race and I’m mapping out rides!
Note on cars. Traffic in an around Nice is an absolute shitshow. There has also been some construction ongoing along the waterfront which makes it even worse. I would suggest planning on riding out and back if possible. If you have help that can pick you up then maybe ride out and have them meet you.
Vence greolieres, causols is one
If I had one day, and a car though you can take the train, I’d go to menton
Col de brouis is amazing outside sospel
I live outside cannes. I find starting at the coast a bit of a PITA due to traffic etc
I’d consider a train down to menton and head up in to mercantour
2015 I rode (from Villefrance-sur-Mer) to Eze, La Turbie, and down to Menton. Didn’t do Col de la Madone but should have. Then back via the coast roads through Monaco. Stunning part of the world.
Rented bikes from Cycles Camellini in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, would recommend.