recommended route
FFC cycling circuit no. 3 - La Madone de Gorbio
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Road cyclist - saint-AgnèsPhoto: Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur
For the more experienced cyclists, take on the greatest by climbing the legendary Col d'Eze (507m), before setting off to climb the Madone de Gorbio, which rises to 925m in the middle of a wild landscape.
Not far from Nice's port district, the legendary Paris-Nice climb begins, the Col d'Eze , which has been the scene of great feats by some of the world's greatest cyclists. On the way up, with the sea in view, you'll be treated to incredible views of the Cap Ferrat peninsula and the old village of Eze. You'll also come across many of the professionals who train here, particularly in winter, escaping the hustle and bustle of the seaside.
On the descent from Menton, a little-travelled road overlooking Cap Martin and Menton leads directly to the hilltop village of Gorbio. Stop off at the fountain in the square to refill your water bottles, which come directly from the stream that gives the village its name and rises in Peille. A short descent and the cyclist tackles the judge of the day: the Col de la Madone, frequented by most professional cyclists living in the nearby Principality of Monaco.
All the outdoor activities in the Nice Côte d'Azur region can be found at https://outdoor.nicecotedazur.org
Author’s recommendation
Circuit for experienced cyclists - FFC colour: black
Track types
Safety information
Emergency number: 112
BASIC RULES
-Choose a route suited to your physical condition and do not overestimate your abilities.
-Before setting off, find out about the weather in the mountains and when the passes open.
-Remember to carry identification and a number to call in case of danger
-Respect traffic lights
-Preferably use cycle paths when they exist, in other words, a sign may require you to do so.
- If the "cycle path" sign is square: you decide.
- If it is round, you must use the lane.
-Respect the environment and other road users
THE RIGHT REFLEXES FOR RIDING IN A GROUP
-Riding two abreast is permitted, but you must keep to a single lane:
- at dusk or when visibility is poor
- when a vehicle wanting to overtake announces its approach.
-In the event of a breakdown, move to the side of the road, not the carriageway.
- Come to a complete stop for the whole group at stop signs, yellow lights and fixed or flashing red lights.
-Communicate within the group and use verbal language and body language to signal an obstacle or a vehicle. A simple gesture or word is all it takes to avoid a fall or an accident.
Tips and suggestions
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Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
- Leaving from the Port of Nice
- To reach the foot of the Col d'Eze, follow the signposted route on the east side of the Place de l'Ile de Beauté along rue François Guisol and then immediately right onto rue Fodéré.
- At the intersection with Boulevard Stalingrad, turn left onto this road in the direction of Menton via the Grande Corniche RM 2564 and continue straight ahead to reach the crossroads with Boulevard Bischoffsheim.
- This is the starting point for the ascent of the legendary Col d'Eze climb in the Paris-Nice race .
- As you pass the summit, continue on the RM 2564 towards the village of La Turbie. Continue on the RD 2564 down towards Roquebrune-Cap -Martin. After the junction with the A8 Bella Vista Palace motorway, take the RD 50 towards Gorbio - Cimetière. This road leads directly to the hilltop village of Gorbio. The descent continues on the RD 23 towards Menton, and here too you shouldn't miss the junction on the left, signposted Saint-Agnès on the RD 223, which takes you straight into the first hairpin bends of the day's star climb on the RD 22 , with average gradients of 7% and maximums of 12%.
- Once over the summit of the Col de la Madone de Gorbio (925 m), the descent joins the RD 53 in the direction of La Turbie. Once you have crossed La Turbie, follow the RD 2564 in the opposite direction to the outward journey, and then take the RM 45 towards Eze Village. Return to Nice via the Moyenne Corniche(RM 6007), formerly the Nationale 7. Follow the arrows to Le Port to complete the circuit.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Fast and express trains (TGV, Corail) link the Côte d'Azur to all the regions of France and all the major cities of Europe.
Bus routes can be found at: https://www.lignesdazur.com
Directions
Nice is served by the A8 "La Provençale" motorway, coming from Aix-en-Provence to the west and the border to the east. To reach the city centre, five exits have been designed to take you directly to the area of your choice:
- Exit 50: Promenade des Anglais
- Exit 51: Saint-Augustin / airport
- Exit 52: Saint-Isidore
- Exit 54: Nice nord
- Exit 55: Nice est
Parking
Parking close to the departure point. Some car parks may charge a fee.Coordinates
Equipment
EQUIPMENT
-Wear an approved helmet
-Check the condition of your tyres
-Take a repair kit with you in case of a puncture
-Prefer at least one flashing LED light to attach to the seatpost so that you can be seen by other motorists, especially in the many small tunnels in Metropolitan France.
Localization
Weather at the route's trailhead
Statistics
- 8 Waypoints
- 8 Waypoints
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Route
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Gradient
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