Montagnes à la Carte The cols of the Alpes Maritimes offer some of the best riding in Europe. Providing inspiration and perspiration in close to equal measure. The plethora of roads, routes and rides that the region offers up to any visiting cyclist is innumerable. From hors category climbs to spins by the sea, from breaks for the Italian border to gravel grinds, from classic Cols to unknown tracks. To salute the roads we ride, we've created a badge for each col. To claim your badge you need to connect your Café du Cycliste account to your komoot account and go out and ride. All badges are free to a good, and deserving home. To learn more and get started on your collection, head to our badges page here. MADONE D’UTELLE This has long been a place of pilgrimage and healing, but one that for cyclists has remained a well-kept secret – beloved of local riders… until recently. In March 2016, the penultimate stage of Paris-Nice finished on the summit, bringing the views from this holy site to a wider audience. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,174m Length: 15.3km Ascent: 894m Average Gradient 5.8% Max Gradient 8.0%   Read more COL DE LA BONETTE Don’t look too hard at the Bonette’s claim – seen on signposts the length of the ascent from Jausiers in the north and from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée in the south – that it is the highest road in Europe. Instead, marvel at the panorama in front of you which will make the debate seem inconsequential. KEY INFO Altitude: 2,802m Length: 25.8km Ascent: 1,652m Average Gradient 6.4% Max Gradient 15.0%   Read more COL DE TENDE Alpe d’Huez famously has 21 switchbacks, hairpins, or lacets - call them what you want. The Passo dello Stelvio has 48 on the classic eastern side but that’s in 16.5km and all on tarmac. The Col de Tende manages the same number in 7.4km. If you like getting off the beaten track, you will like the Col de Tende. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,871m Length: 7.4km Ascent: 587m Average Gradient 8.0% Max Gradient 18.0%   Read more COL D’ÈZE Between Èze village and the fort runs the Route de la Grande Corniche, the highest of the three corniche roads that lead from Nice towards Monaco and Italy. Starting almost at the Café, it takes you steeply out of town, past villas and under palm trees, winding up through the hills to a height of 507m. KEY INFO Altitude: 507m Length: 10.0km Ascent: 490m Average Gradient 4.9% Max Gradient 10.0%   Read more COL DE LA MADONE Famed as a training hill, exactly where the pros commence their battle with the clock on the ‘classic’ start is a constant cause of debate. Regardless of how long it takes, a successful summit is rewarded with a view towards Peille and the higher mountains with Madone being a gateway Col that unlocks the door to a whole host of other climbs and routes in the Alpes Maritimes. KEY INFO Altitude: 925m Length: 13.3km Ascent: 920m Average Gradient 7.0% Max Gradient 12.0%   Read more MONT VENTOUX Let us be clear: the road to Ventoux does not go anywhere and there is no reason to climb it. It exists only as a challenge, the ultimate mirror, says cycling philosopher Paul Fournel, in which riders, stripped bare, confront not only the grandeur of nature but also their essential selves. Perhaps this is why the legend of Ventoux endures, and new chapters keep being written. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,911m Length: 22.7km Ascent: 1,622m Average Gradient 7.2% Max Gradient 10.8%   Read more COL DE TURINI The thick forests of the Col de Turini are testament to the unpredictable weather on this, the highest of the coastal climbs near Café du Cycliste’s home town of Nice. Even close to the top of the heaped switchbacks, the sea can still be glimpsed, and warm, wet, maritime air regularly drifts inland and buffets the mountain, leading to downpours on its slopes KEY INFO Altitude: 1,604m Length: 24.0km Ascent: 1,244m Average Gradient 5.2% Max Gradient 9.3%   Read more COL DE BRAUS People have been stopping to marvel at this view since the col’s famous switchbacks were constructed in the early 20th century. Take your time up the ascent and you will admire the olive groves, and maybe spy the remnants of the old Route Royale, the salt road that linked Nice and the coast to Piedmont and the Dukes of Savoy in Turin. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,002m Length: 10.3km Ascent: 662m Average Gradient 6.4% Max Gradient 15.0%   Read more COL DE VENCE It is said that Alberto Contador rode this 9.7km stretch, which rises 643m and averages 6.6%, in less 24 minutes. Mere mortals who do it in less than 35 should count themselves lucky. If you can tear your eyes off your stem in the final kilometres, you’ll have a great view of the Mediterranean from Italy to Cannes and beyond. KEY INFO Altitude: 962m Length: 9.7km Ascent: 643m Average Gradient 6.6% Max Gradient 9.0%   Read more MONT VIAL Although Mont Vial can seem ubiquitous, cyclists have to travel far into the backcountry to find the turning, which is tucked away somewhere between Toudon and Tourette-du-Chateau. Those who search will be rewarded, however, with a deserted, small, irregularly surfaced scrawl of switchbacks up the rocky mountain face. Perfection, in our eyes at least. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,549m Length: 17.6km Ascent: 1,195m Average Gradient 6.8% Max Gradient 12.5%   Read more COL DE BROUIS From Sospel the climb starts in the pleasant and open meadows in the valley of the small river Bevera. It ascends through deep gorges, though never too tight, and ends in open meadows again. It is as if the pass is higher than its 879m, and you have passed into the northern Alps. KEY INFO Altitude: 879m Length: 11.9km Ascent: 531m Average Gradient 4.5% Max Gradient 7.3%   Read more MONT CHAUVE Mont Chauve is Nice’s hidden mountain. It is hiding in plain sight, sitting there just to the north, right above the city, but nevertheless it is hidden. The best time to come, perhaps, is early in the morning, to watch the sun rise over Italy; on clear days, from the fort, Corsica can be seen on the horizon. A hidden gem. KEY INFO Altitude: 703m Length: 5.2km Ascent: 411m Average Gradient 7.9% Max Gradient 11.0%   Read more COL DE LA COLMIANE The name Colmiane originates from the alpine occitan dialect version - la Cuòla miana - and translates into ‘medium mountain’. But the Col de la Colmiane is no average climb. There is a ski station at the top, high peaks all around and the western side measures 16.3km in length. It is a proper mountain. KEY INFO Altitude: 1,500m Length: 16.3km Ascent: 970m Average Gradient 6.0% Max Gradient 9.4%   Read more BADGES FOR COLS We've created a collection of badges in celebration of iconic climbs near and far. All you have to do is ride the col and claim your free badge. VIEW MORE MONTAGNES DU MONDE Explore some of the most celebrated cycling climbs globally. And a few less celebrated but no less good. VIEW MORE BADGES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Not sure how to get started on your badge collection? Having trouble uploading rides? Our FAQ page has got you covered. VIEW MORE BADGES HIGH FIVE Kick start your badge collection. Claiming five cols in one ride means lots of distance and plenty of elevation, but when you're riding in the Alpes Maritimes you wouldn't want it any other way. VIEW MORE

SHAKE IT UP #2 « 1heure - 5 kilomètres » Usually, spring officially starts the season of evening rides: more daylight means finishing off a day at work, putting on my bib shorts, sliding into a jersey and hopping on my bike to ride a 50km loop into the sunset. A feeling of bliss I especially love. But with this damned curfew, it seems everything gets twisted. It’s been a year now that days have a different pace, a different taste. Riding a bike was taken away from us for a while, and now riding your bike is like the sweet memory reminding us that freedom still is around the corner. These days, we have to take this breather, this moment of freedom around midday; and most days, it is undoubtedly the “Short and Sharp” moment of the day. They told me about a little climb which is worth a visit… I’m spinning along on the Basse Corniche, the less tedious road of those leading to Monaco. My legs are happily tingling, my pace is good, sharp. I simply can’t get enough of seeing the sea sparkling on the side of the road, I feel the excitement building up inside me. As I enter Beaulieu, the slandered silhouettes of the Casino palm trees transform my ride into a majestic journey, as if my bike smoothly transformed into a fairytale carriage. I’m getting carried away… I’m suddenly transported on a 2km climb to reach the Moyenne Corniche. Nothing in comparison to what is actually awaiting me next. Riding on the Moyenne Corniche, I’m just surprised how many cars are actually on the road. A few hundred meters away, I turn right on a small road and leave traffic behind. As they said, the route goes through houses, it is a tiny little road where you wouldn’t even imagine seeing two cars passing at the same time. It’s been 18km into the ride as my bike computer tells, and it is only starting,I can see some serious business coming up : the gradient is ghastly : over 100 meters only, it goes from 14% to an unbelievable 21%. I am giving this everything I have, I am dreaming I’ve got one more gear, I try to shift, but no, no more possibility to make it easier. Cadence drops dramatically as my heart is pounding like it never did before. It is so steep that my bike wants to rear, I’m just zig-zagging from side to side for a few meters. I reach some recess as the road “flattens” out with what feels like a nice and gentle 13% gradient. And I let my thoughts build up on the belief that it will remain just like that up to the Grande Corniche. I lift my head up. Instantly this hope vanishes into thin air. The grande finale is a 19% wall, short enough to be less hard than the first one, long enough to remind me not to count meters of elevation before they are climbed. I need a whole kilometre to come back to my senses. For sure, I can’t imagine that the guy who just passed me with a slight grin on his face was coming from the same road. At least I hope so ! There is a nice chill in the air to announce a beautiful riding moment descending back down. Adrenaline rocketed high just as needed. I put my hands on the drops and flow downhill on these roads I know by heart. Back on the port, some divers are unloading their boat, we wave and share a “Bonjour”. There is no need to say more, passionate people understand each another without words. Further Riding Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: March Paris-Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #2 Cycling the empty streets of Paris to deliver food to those in need, Sophie Gateau documents the capital city during the lockdown. See Sophie’s view from the saddle whilst riding with purpose, 'Pour Eux'. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #1 Delivering medical supplies to the vulnerable and the isolated, Kong Fufu’s bike has returned to a tool of ultimate function, and one that is helping in it’s own small way. VIEW MORE Coins Cachés Ariège Explore more, find hidden corners and lesser known places. The Ariège rests on the border with Spain and Andorra and is a region rich in history which remains one of the most unspoilt areas of France. VIEW MORE

In awe of the Giant of Provence It’s all about “him” around here… And rightly so! People come from all over the world to conquer this Giant, he is why our region is so famous in the cycling community. I’m a local girl, it’s been several decades I live at his feet, so much so that I tend to forget his presence sometimes. We climb it often, not only on our bikes. When we are on two wheels, he is our unbiased referee: living so close to it gives us the possibility to choose the best combination of weather and fitness to assess our progress. Where we are today, that little piece of land at the border between Drôme and Vaucluse is an incredible playground. I don’t think I will ever get tired of the many routes it offers, on roads so tiny that you can’t but merge with nature and feel connected to it. Come along with me for an eighty kilometres ride where you will see for yourself the rich heritage of this place. We begin in Malaucène and its fountain, where I always start my rides. Being able to fill bottles as you ride through villages is a legendary form of hospitality that us cyclists appreciate. The tarmac is brand new in the village : it means a lot in this cycling territory. The Tour de France will host an epic stage here this year and we are definitely getting ready for it. The little road leading up to Entrechaux holds everything I love : it goes through vineyards and apricot orchards. A still silence, no car to disturb the peacefulness of the place. The old castle from Entrechaux dates back to the 10th century. For more than 800 years it protected the villagers, before its stunning stones became a resource to make new buildings : it’s been deconstructed bit by bit since then. As the road rises slightly towards Buis les Baronnies, I feel I can push a bit harder and faster. To my right, I can see the improbable hilltop church of Pierrelongue. It is a surprising building no one could miss : a small construction of a few square meters finished in the 19th century, gracefully and dangerously balancing upon the top of a boulder. Sainte Trophime chapel is a little gem overlooking the classic provençal village of Buis les Baronnies. I can’t resist gifting myself with a little detour to the Rock of Saint Julien, while keeping some energy for the next climb, Col d’Ey. There is some sort of magical atmosphere in this climb, definitely the high point of my ride. The road goes through olive groves, some small old stone typical shacks bring you back in the past, I can feel the warmth in the air. Who would have thought a couple of weeks ago when it was so freezing cold that farmers were concerned, that we would be riding short sleeves at the end of April ? Not so far from the top of the climb there is this flabbergasting view on the Ventoux, a marvellous lookout. The descent to Sainte-Jalle brings a total change of atmosphere with the never ending lavender fields in front of me : soon they will sparkle with colour and offer these postcard views we all know. And I just keep rolling down on this special road, each bend bringing a deep sense of freedom and excitement. Hands on drops, the next 20 km go by fast on yet another road surrounded with many olive trees. Nyons : it’s not only a small town, it is a protected name for one of the best olives you could find. The “olive de Nyons” is a famous black olive with a very special taste : you will find it on the local marketplaces, in the shade of a tree on a village square. More than an olive, it is a local tradition… Nyons is also famous for its 14th century bridge : with its single span of 40m, it belongs to a specific category of bridges built from the Antiquity to the 20th century. Thanks to the properties of concrete, this kind of stonework isn’t built anymore which makes this view even more delightful. I’m enjoying a little moment in the evening light, looking down at the river 20 meters below. Last but not least, Vaison la Romaine is the last stop of our Provence getaway. Going through the old town is a must : narrow streets, stone walls, small courtyards hiding beautiful mansions, climbing bougainvillea… Just taking a breather here before heading back to Malaucène to finish the loop. Within the next two months, lavenders will bloom, heat will strike, tourists will flock. More than ever I’m willing to enjoy now the serenity of these peaceful roads. Further Riding The White Ventoux Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. With the confinement continuing, it sounds like the perfect idea. VIEW MORE European Divide Trail. Finding a new route across Europe in between civilization. Andy Cox explains the concept behind the European Trail Divide. VIEW MORE Shake it up #1. One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE Ride of The Month: March. Paris- Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Summit Symphony. What better way to finish the winter season on the Côte d'Azur than by combining hours in the saddle with a day in the snow on two skis. Rendez-vous at 06h30 on the Promenade de Anglais for a mountain top adventure. VIEW MORE Ça Peak There is always a way to escape the madding crowds, in this case it's gravel. Finding fun on Mont Ventoux's G-Side. VIEW MORE

Summit Symphony Ending winter with a bang is a bit like indulging ourselves one more time after a good meal, or experiencing the grandiose finale of a brilliant symphony. There’s also an element of snobbery in it as well, which comes from living somewhere where we can pass the same day going from the azure sea to the white-topped mountains by combining cycling and skiing. Let’s face it— living here is a privilege that deserves a little healthy boasting. The skiing season lately has been particularly intense— on the one hand because it snowed particularly heavily on the summits of the Southern Alps, and on the other because the pandemic has led to the closure of a number of resorts, leaving access to only to the most advanced skiers. This season, the mountains belong to us— the privileged few. Combining cycling and skiing together on the same day is celebrated annually in the famous Prom-Gélas Race, which traditionally starts from Nice’s Promenade des Anglais to reach Gélas, the highest peak in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Gélas, sadly, is no longer accessible due to the violent floods which inundated the hinterland last November. The road to the peak has been damaged extensively and will remain inaccessible for a while. Our skiing choice falls on the ridges that dominate the Isola 2000 station on the Italian border. Due to the rise in temperature to 25°C in recent days, the snow has melted rapidly in higher altitudes, leaving only the northernmost peaks with snow. It’s here where we’ll most likely find opportunities to hit the slopes. We meet at 6:30 a.m. to set off on our bicycles from the Promenade des Anglais. We left our skis with a friend who lives in the heart of the Isola resort, so the transition there will take place at 2 p.m. at the latest, giving us time to cycle the 90 km and then the 2,300 m of vertical drop to the snow, where we’ll put on our skis. The temperature by the sea is cool this morning. Along the Promenade, the cleaning teams have left behind wet ground, the first joggers have appeared, and this seaside road which allows one to cross Nice from east to west comes alive with morning lovers looking for fresh air. It’s exciting to be here. The 40 km we have to cover in the valley to bring us to the foot of the mountains will entail a long warmup. It’s 4°C, and we don our gloves and the clothes we’ve wisely chosen to see us through an adventuresome day. It doesn’t take long for the sun to warm up the road, but the higher we enter the gorges of the Tinée, the temperature will drop briskly. At 40 km, things start to get serious, so we take a break to swallow two honey waffles and some gulps of water, and to contemplate the rays of sunshine which set the coast ablaze. Once we reach Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, it’s clear our universe has changed. Here, with the little houses clustered around the church enjoying the morning sun, the flowing Tinée below offers the only perceptible noise. We feel an overwhelming sense of joy because it’s precisely these sensations that remind us why we like to spend so much time in the bike saddle. We’ve just entered these famous red-cliffed gorges which herald the entrance to the Mercantour Park. The grade is a little steeper now as it’s the last section before Isola, the starting point of the real ascent of 20 km that will mark the highlight of this course. The principal passes will be officially cleared of snow in a few days, but for now we leave La Bonette on our left toward the Col de la Lombarde, our ascent of the day. We already know we’ll be unable able to reach it by ski due to lack of snow, so our choice falls on the north slope— but not for now; for the time being, we’ve just got to keep the pedals moving and put the kilometres behind us. The herds of chamois that have come down from the slopes take advantage of the general calm to lick the asphalt from the still-salty roads. But they don’t give us a second to pull out our cameras— they disappear in a few leaps. At almost 2000 m altitude, the little snow remaining on the roadside confirms that snowfall has been scant this year. In fact, the sun is shining with such intensity that you can almost hear the snow melting before streaming in rivulets down from the roofs of the chalets. At long last, we put the bikes down. Our skis are waiting for us. We’re aiming for the top of the Mercière, and this part of the race ends with the sun-exposed north face. We fear there will be too little snow. But the mountain is ours. Only our panting and the squeaking of our skis on the snow fill the silence. Crossing the torrents of melting snow breaks the rhythm of our ascent, and we think, greedily, of the smooth descent that awaits us on this spring snow. Alas, we’ll be unable to reach the Tête Mercière today; once we arrive at the pass, we discover the southern slope is nothing but grass. No problem— we contemplate the immensity of the landscape, satisfied that we’ve won the bet of combining cycling and skiing before putting the latter in the backs of our minds. Yet… the weather forecast announces snowfall for next week, so we may not have said our last word… FURTHER RIDING Bike Ski - The New Duathlon At 1600m up, deep within the Mercantour National Park, surrounded by snow-covered peaks, the pick-up truck is being loaded two by two. Bikes, check. Skis, check. Mountain packs, check. VIEW MORE Les Courses Disparues #7 Unlike some of the other Lost Races, the GP de Nice had a fairly long innings. In common with a lot of niçois events, the focal point was the La Prom. VIEW MORE Shake it up #1 One hour, five kilometres from home. The palette may be restricted but the colours are as bright as ever. Plenty of hurt from plenty of height and all within sixty minutes. Nice riding lockdown style. VIEW MORE The White Ventoux Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. With the confinement continuing, it sounds like the perfect idea. VIEW MORE Jurasick Park The PCR Gravier collective is back with its latest adventure – a grand traverse of the Jura mountains. But did they find any dinosaurs? VIEW MORE

Shake it up #1 : « 1heure - 5 kilomètres » At some point these repeated lockdowns will be no more than a bad memory. We'll smile about them wryly perhaps in a few months’ time, reflecting on a period in time when our individual freedoms were constrained for the greater good. A right to ride which is restricted to no more than one hour in duration and no more than five kilometres from home in distance seems small beer to a girl like me who is used to spending long days in the saddle. But these limitations are far worse for some than for others because here in Nice, even with only a single hour to play with, the options are almost endless. With only a month to go before the racing season is slated to resume, the key to making the most of the situation is intensity, something extremely sharp to go with the inevitable short. At 500m high, the classic route up Col d’Eze can act as both judge and jury to a cyclist. But the most direct route up is unknown to many and those local riders who are in the know, tend to avoid it most of the time. With a 12% gradient in places, it is hard to blame them. Leaving the café I head towards ‘la moyenne Corniche’. The first slopes lead me up and away from town but they are a mere taste of what is to come. I take the route du vinaigrier to join up with the col des 4 chemins, normally a road I would only use to descend. And that just to enjoy the spectacular views of the sea on the way down. The last time I climbed it was in the summer during Le Tour. The peloton scaled the Grande Corniche twice and with all the roads closed this was the only open way to the top. The right to watch that particular spectacle had to be earned. Into the heart of the matter. The first section is steep but then it gets rapidly steeper. Only 2km in length but with an average gradient of 10% and plenty of it hovering above that average. Up ahead a man stops trimming his hedge to look at me. He looks confused about what I’m doing, even angry that I’m doing it to myself. It’s impossible for him to understand how much pleasure comes with the pain. I manage a smile as I pass and he motions what looks like encouragement. Or feels like it. A last push and final heave and at I’m at the « Grand ». Eighteen minutes to here, it felt longer. Time is ticking. The almost 4km ahead won’t be child’s play. I only go twenty or thirty metres on the classic Col d’Eze route before turning left onto the most extreme way of climbing Mont Leuze. It’s quiet with few passing cars and I place myself in the middle of the sun-bleached tarmac. The road climbs sharply again and I remind myself that this is the whole point. I’m flanked by stone walls and follow the twists and turns of the hairpins. I grit my teeth, stand on the pedals, remind myself again. The body may be screaming but how is the mind? Both are equally important at this point. On and on, just 4km. Up and up, just 4km. And then I’m counting down with one eye on my dial and one breath away from who knows what. Forty minutes to get here, fifty metres above Col d’Eze at the Plateau de la Justice and a new sense of freedom despite the rules. No time now to explain that the Seigneurs d’Eze chose this place to plant their gallows. No time to explain that the bodies of men condemned to fates far worse than climbing this route were left by the roadside. No time to speak of crows and crow about achievements. No time, no time, just time to descend. A wind jacket and a turn to the southern slope which is still scarred in places by the passage of the Tour. Friendly scars drawn in coloured paint and wobbly hand. Names of champions who rode these roads like me. Through the turns and past the sign which says Nice, in whichever way you want to take it. Pausing at red lights and hurrying through greens. To arrive back at the café 56 minutes and 42 seconds after I set out. It doesn’t sound much of a ride when you put it like that but each one of those seconds was filled to the brim. Back into lockdown with a smile on my face. Further Riding Ride of The Month: March Paris-Nice didn't end as it should this year but the roads not ridden are still there. A local classic that says spring has arrived. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #2 Cycling the empty streets of Paris to deliver food to those in need, Sophie Gateau documents the capital city during the lockdown. See Sophie’s view from the saddle whilst riding with purpose, 'Pour Eux'. VIEW MORE Riding With Purpose #1 Delivering medical supplies to the vulnerable and the isolated, Kong Fufu’s bike has returned to a tool of ultimate function, and one that is helping in it’s own small way. VIEW MORE Coins Cachés Ariège Explore more, find hidden corners and lesser known places. The Ariège rests on the border with Spain and Andorra and is a region rich in history which remains one of the most unspoilt areas of France. VIEW MORE The White Ventoux Climbing the infamous 'Bald Mountian' is tough in the best conditions. Sprinkle some snow and add some cold and the challenge becomes even more extreme. With the confinement continuing, it sounds like the perfect idea. VIEW MORE

Ride of the Month: March - Paris-Nice There's a unique place in the cycling landscape reserved especially for Paris-Nice. As the first major stage race of the season in Europe, it marks the beginning of the year ahead. There's a little something of La Tour in Paris-Nice and the arrival in our home is the climax. It might only be thirty years old but the last stage around the town, taking in Col d'Eze and breathing in the stunning Cote d'Azur backdrop, has given the race a close to mythical status. But Covid respects nothing. This year Paris-Nice didn't make it to Nice, the last stage was changed and the riders missed out on Eze and a started finish on the Promenade des Anglais. It seemed remiss to leave it like that. A better idea to ride the missing piece of road, reclaim the col in March even if only for ourselves. With stops here and there in favorite places, corners where the peloton normally sweeps all before it. Perhaps in some kind of sense to mentally restart the season and allow us to look forward with renewed hope. First things first, long and flat for almost fifteen kilometres before there's even a hint of up. While some places are struggling to shake off winter, here the temperatures are already pleasant. It makes the blue sea on one side seem incongruous when set against the snow still on the peaks of the Mercantour in the distance. They remind us of what's coming and the first climb is the Côte de Levens. The first 'village perché' of the day is Roquette du Var, five hundred meters up and with a view across the Var valley which never disappoints. Into ten kilometres of fairly easy descent and on to Levens which has its own claim to views fame, across to Mont Ferion and a favorite gravel playground. A hard left and it's time to climb. Here there is a little cloud cover and a drop in temperature, more favourable for a stretch of five kilometres with a four percent average. Up ahead the ruins of the Chateauneuf Villevieille which with time on your side is worth a short detour. The uneven surface might put you off but as a place to stop and think, even for a moment, it is hard to beat. The present and the past come together, the future as yet unknown. Ignore the cars which bare noisy testament to the choice of destination and gulp in Mont Macarron, another wonderland above Nice and a must do for those who love gravel. Height equals cool and a wind jacket is only just enough for the descent to Contes at this time of year. Fortunately the climb to Peille averages a 7% gradient, more than enough to floor warmth back into every extremity. Stop in the village to fill your bottle. Wander the narrow streets if there's no rush, hear the church clock strike on the hour and resist, or not, the temptation to laze away a few minutes in the sun next to the fountain. Then, when ready, back into the descent towards La Turbie, with cliffs rising above and the temptation to stop again for a picture rising with them. Further down is the signpost to Saint Agnes, a reminder that Col de la Madone is only a short stretch away but today it's for another day... The ridges above Monaco lead us towards Col d'Eze and also back to another world. The warmth returns, the coastline reappears and the gaze is drawn to a stretch of sea that from up here looks good enough to dive into. This is where we planned to watch this year's race, on the col des 4 chemins, with the peloton passing twice and a spectacle guaranteed. So it wasn't to be but next year they'll be back and next year we'll be back to see them. Back to basics If you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. It may be close to home but it's time to climb. This is two times up and two times down. Really what riding is about. VIEW MORE Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE The Tour de France From the sea to the mountains and back again, mixing up the parcours of Stages One and Two of this year’s Tour de France to take in Col de Turini and Col d’Eze. VIEW MORE

Ride of the month: February - Back to basics Dog days and too many funny cats. It’s always a relief to ride, now more than ever if that were possible. The sun adds flavour, like a twist to a favourite drink or a spice in a familiar meal. From Nice, in February, searching for sunshine and road time in equal measure, the route is obvious. Col d’Eze and Col de la Madone. With the sea on one side and the sun all the way, it’s a classic for a reason. Equally popular with locals, visitors and pros who sit somewhere between the two. Included in Le Tour des Alpes Maritimes et du Var and endlessly interesting, however many times it is ridden. And it’s ridden a lot. But if you’re looking for flat, look somewhere else. This is either up or down, there’s no in between. Two climbs and two descents. Two plus two which equals more. More of everything about life on a bike and plenty enough to blow away the cobwebs of confinement. Even for a short time. The real start is the left at the exit of Villefranche and then it’s counting in threes, from the basse to the moyenne and up to the grande corniche. Hit La Turbie and it’s the first dive of the day, heading back down to Menton. Another left to go through the Serres de la Madone and a welcome to some grunt and grit. High percentages and a series of hairpins. If you’re looking for a mental diversion, it’s here that Lawrence Johnston, an Anglo-American who was French at heart, spent the best part of two decades establishing his celebrated gardens. He chose the spot not for the riding but for the climate, a place he could plant sub-tropical species from around the world alongside old olives on terraces dug into the hill. It was good choice for the Buddleja officinalis and Rosa chinensis but at this time of year even the best of days can turn quickly into the worst of days as far as weather is concerned. Clouds gathering like bees around honey, the wind rising as if woken from the deepest of sleeps. Take a chance but take a jacket just in case. Even if the sky stays blue the descent after the top of Madone will be cold. Technical too on the Peille side before turning into a false flat on the way to La Turbie. The famous fountain signals the way home, it’s all down hill from here. It’s a ride which delivers much and promises even more. Perhaps the first real up of the year with more, much more, to come. The first rays of real sun, the first gasps of real air. Next it will be spring and the start of a new season proper. Corniche D'Or Early in the year it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. VIEW MORE The perched villages Joining the dots that are the perched villages of the arrière-pays niçois for a roller-coaster ride that peaks over the Col St Roch. VIEW MORE The Deconfinement All-Road Ride Linking Col de Braus and Col de la Madone via a beautiful double track traverse and finishing with a 25km descent back to the sea. VIEW MORE The Secret Vésubie Climbs Sharing two almost secret climbs that take you up past the tree lines to provide a window on to the wild high peaks of the Mercantour National Park. VIEW MORE The Tour de France From the sea to the mountains and back again, mixing up the parcours of Stages One and Two of this year’s Tour de France to take in Col de Turini and Col d’Eze. VIEW MORE

RIDE OF THE MONTH: JANUARY - CORNICHE D'OR Early in the year, it can be cold, even on the Cote d’Azur. The days are shorter, the sun is weaker and even the water seems less blue. Taking into account the drop in temperature for every metre of elevation, on some days it can make a lot of sense to hug the coastline and appreciate the views out to sea. January is a month of resolutions. Ride more, eat less, explore further. It’s the last one that chimes and the bike is the perfect companion. Always encouraging us to discover what is behind the next pass and the next bend. Or in this case the next bay. We count them down heading west from the café. The first is the Promenade des Anglais then number two crosses Cagnes-sur-Mer to Antibes. From there the next takes a rider to Cannes, along the Croisette and momentarily into the world of glamour and celluloid. At least in normal times. From Cannes, number four reaches out to Mandelieu-la-Napoule. It’s the spot to turn right away from the coast to take in The Mimosas & ‘Le Grand Duc and drink in the explosion of colour if you time it right but this time there’s one more to go. Along to Théoule sur Mer, to pick up the Corniche de l'Esterel, also known as the Corniche d'Or. It’s here that the celebrated French designer Pierre Cardin owned the futuristic Palais des Bulle. Hanging somewhere between the cliffs and sea, now suspended in time as much as in space. The road was constructed by the Touring Club de France in 1903 on what was the old Via Aurelia, itself a Roman road built two thousand years before that, the Corniche is dotted with creeks, coves and beaches. Mostly deserted at this time of year but promising different days ahead. There’s a peace to this part of the coast during these months, shaken if not shattered during a normal spring and summer and the contrast itself is part of what brings us back. That and the contrast between the rich red rocks of the Esterel on one side and the endless blue on the other. The turn at Agay takes us up into the Esterel range itself. Even now there’s more water in the shape of the Lac de Grenouillet. Crossing at the ford can occasionally be tricky, it’s about balance and commitment, and once over the road rises and becomes closed to cars. Up above sits the rock of Saint Barthélémy, standing as a sentinel on this part of the coast. In the warmer months, up here is decidedly hot and open to the contrasting breaths of the northerly mistral. But at this time it’s temperature and still, the perfect conditions to finish the climb. East is home, with the sea sitting on your right shoulder, Heading back down to the corniche and then retracing the tyre tracks left on the way out. If you’re lucky the sun is shining on your back to take the edge off the chill, the roads are quiet and the way ahead is clear. Komoot Route If you want to fly and ride the Corniche d'Or on a top of the range bike, you can rent one of Café du Cycliste fleet of Cervélo R5s  HERE. Read about other Rides of the Month and find the perfect route by season. Or discover more details about cycling on the Cote d'Azur with our Riding Guide to Nice.

Gimme Shelter The story behind our special edition Clementine sweatshirt, which raises money for the communities of the Alpes-Maritimes devastated by Storm Alex. On the evening of Friday 2 October 2020, the first of the year's winter storms swept across the south of France and Italy. And Storm Alex, as it was later named, was a storm of incredible violence and destruction. Usually Nice is a haven of calm. Sitting on the shores of the Mediterranean, it is sheltered from a lot of the bad weather by the Alps, which almost dip their toes into the water, at the Italian border 35 kilometres to the east. But occasionally maritime conditions can intensify incoming bad weather to produce 'bomb storms'. When Alex – a very large and powerful bomb storm – hit land, it unleashed terrible winds and rain on the mountains behind Nice, causing devastation on a scale possibly never seen before. In some parts of the arrière pays niçois (Nice's backcountry), more than 50 centimetres of rain fell per square metre of ground. That might be difficult to visualise, but that's a total of 500 litres, or around 4 bathtubs totally full of water, on every square metre in only 12 hours, washing away houses, farms, workplaces and other buildings, as well as destroying bridges and more than 70 kilometres of road. Nine people died, including two firefighters and a shepherd who was carried away by the water while trying to save his sheep. At Cafe du Cycliste we love the arrière-pays, and we celebrate its roads and its views with our clothing, photography and stories. We believe it's the best place on earth to ride a road bike and we sometimes call it our 'playground' (the gravel is awesome too). However, Storm Alex was a terrible reminder that the natural forces that created these stunning mountains, valleys and gorges do not only operate over geological timespans of millions of years: they can also have a huge impact in just hours and minutes. Worst affected were the three valleys carrying the Tinée, Vésubie and Roya rivers, which run from north to south and join with the Esteron and the Var before flowing into the sea by the Nice airport. The Tinée leads up to the Col de la Bonette, one of our favourite cols and the so-called 'highest inter-valley road in Europe'; the Vésubie is the principal access to the Col du Turini, where the Zinzins love to ride; and the Roya, which is bisected by the Italian border, leads to perhaps the best high gravel road in Europe, the Via del Sale. Several major towns were cut off, losing electricity, clean water and road access for several days, while some of the outlying villages and hamlets were only reconnected just before Christmas – and even then these are 4 x 4 tracks, no proper roads. In Castérino, usually a popular cross-country ski resort in the Roya, a handful of residents are spending the winter completely cut off, living off the food stores in the hotels and heating their houses with firewood. The picturesque town of Saint Martin-Vésubie was one of the worst affected. Once an important stop on the salt route to Italy, and a major trading post for the shepherds, farmers and producers of the mountains, its houses, bridges, roads, shops, museum, brewery, even its cemetery, were washed away. We have created a limited-edition sweatshirt bearing its name, in a classic varsity style, suitable for men and women. 100% of the profits made from this sweatshirt will go to the official relief fund, helping to pay for the hundreds of millions of euros of work that is being undertaken across the entire region to repair buildings, roads and flood defences, not to mention bringing food and material support to the inhabitants left without a livelihood – sometimes even without a roof. Mountain roads are not just for riding bikes – they are lifelines for thousands of people – and we want to stand in solidarity with the people of the arrière pays. We want to help life get back to normal, so we can all enjoy the mountains again together in the future. If you would like to support the relief fund, you can buy the special edition Clementine sweatshirt here.     Images by Daniel Cole.

Nissa La Bella A city by the sea. Our hometown is like all home towns, the good the bad and the beautiful. Mostly, we think the beautiful. For the light, for the landscapes and most of all for the life. 1. Castel plage, Promenade des anglais 2. Promenade des anglais 3. Marguerite Merino Jersey, Clear Grey 4. Vieux Nice 5 & 6. MAMAC - Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain; Coulée Verte / Promenade du Paillon 7. Vieux Nice 8 & 9. Vieux Nice 10. Place Saint François 12. Vieux Nice 11. Promenade des anglais 13. Rauba Capeu

Take me back to Turini: The Tour de France returns to Nice The Tour de France buzz has been absent from the Promenade des Anglais for too long. In 2020, the world’s biggest bike race is back to do Nice properly. A gallop beside the Mediterranean awaits to kick off no less than three stage starts on the French Riviera, within which the Tour’s mapmakers have built a real showcase for where we ride. The promenade’s 2020 Grand Depart might be two months late and lacking joyous fans banging the finish-line boards but France’s south-east corner’s beauty and cycling tradition will more than make up for their eerie absence. The city will hear the almighty clicking and clacking of 176 riders pressing their feet into pedals at the start of both stages before watching them roll off into the ‘arrière pays’. Stage one will feature a sprint finish on ‘La Prom’, whilst the massive mountain stage two will culminate in Paris-Nice-style fireworks on Col d’Eze and a flash past Café HQ on Port Lympia on the way to another seaside finish. Whilst it might seem a long time since the Grand Boucle visited the south, it does have rich history here. Downtown, a rainbow whirlwind was tearing through the shady streets the last time Nice waved the peloton off on its scenic route to the Champs Elysees, back in 1981. Bernard Hinault - world champion, already a double yellow jersey winner and on top of the world - barreled down the start ramp for a five kilometre prologue with his stiff Breton jaw clamped even tighter than usual. Aboard a silky blue Gitane and wearing his casquette backwards, the Badger had been denied a Tour hat-trick by tendonitis 12-months earlier and reasserted his dominance instantly - flying to a seven-second victory to grab yellow on day one of his most overwhelming Tour de France triumph. Hinault had built a lead of more than 14 minutes on second-placed Lucien Van Impe by Paris, and Lousion Bobet can only have been plotting similar dominance after he crested the Col du Turini back on Stage 12 of the 1948 Tour. The Tour organisers have employed the climb’s sapping 15 kilometre ascent to inject some pain into the peloton midway through Stage Two in 2020, similar to where Bobet laid the foundations for stage victory 72-years-ago. Setting off from San Remo, plodding down the coast and heading in-land for the Turini, these were the days of riders hauling leg-snapping gear ratios across Europe, shaping titanic thighs aboard their sluggish machinery. Flying off the Turini’s 1,607m peak, Bobet re-energised and dusted-off four fellow escapees at the line in Cannes, stopping the clock more than seven minutes before the great Gino Bartali - who had floundered since his Stage One victory. It was that night in Cannes that flipped the script, however, as Bobet led Belgian star Roger Lambrecht by 2 minutes and 29 seconds, with Bartali more than 20 minutes in arrears. The Tuscan icon’s hopes were buried but a single phone call reversed his fortunes, as a deputy for the Italian Democratic Party told Bartali that tension in his home nation was threatening to boil over into civil war after the Secretary of the Communist Party had been shot. ‘I will do even better than that. I will win the whole race,’ Bartali is believed to have responded. He crushed the young Bobet, bludgeoning his way to victory on the next three stages and riding into Paris more than 26 minutes clear in yellow. These were also the days well before extreme weather protocols and two years after Bartali’s stunning comeback, the town of Saint-Maxime - 100 kilometres west of Nice - was the scene of an extraordinary sight on the Tour. The 1950 peloton, including Bartali, Bobet, the great Swiss Ferdi Kubler and Belgian icon Stan Ockers, faced a gruelling day, riding from Toulon to Menton in searing heat. Having reached Saint-Maxime after 81 kilometres under the sun, these athletes who could withstand endless brutality in pursuit of a winners’ bouquet could no longer stand the heat. One by one riders freed their feet from toe-straps and made for the Mediterranean, ignoring the outrage of race director Jaques Goddet before resuming their battle, with Jean Diederich coping best to take victory in Menton. Cycling’s showpiece has avoided Nice since 2013 when Orica-GreenEdge stole victory in a team-time-trial on Stage Four by a single second from Omega Pharma-Quick Step after a blistering effort up and down the Promenade, but is ready for a far more memorable return in 2020’s edition. Whilst the Grand Départ will be adapted to the times we live in, the Café doors will be open, the big screen will be on and the espresso machine primed as always. Vive Le Tour. Visit the café in Nice for bike rental, kit and coffee. Text by Toby Miles

Where to Ride from Nice – The Nissa All-Road Ride Also known as the Café du Cycliste ‘Secret Weapon’ ride, for first-time visitors with a sense of adventure this is an all-road ride that connects two classic climbs, and showcases everything the Alpes-Maritimes have to offer. Riding north out of Nice, leave the Paillon valley to climb the Col de Nice via the smaller, traffic-free Route de Blausasc. A quick descent and traverse across the bridge in L’Escarène delivers you to the start of the famous Col de Braus which has lots of notable sections but is always remembered for those switchbacks that come two-thirds up the climb. The beauty of this ride comes at the Braus summit, where you take the gravel road to the right. It’s a beautiful escape into the middle of the Alpes-Maritimes that delivers you to Sainte-Agnès, France’s highest coastal village. It also happens to be the half-way point on the climb of the Col de la Madone from Menton. Feel free to push hard on the pro’s testing ground as after the summit, it’s a straight 35 minute descent back to Nice. KEY KIT Virginie - a gravel cycling short that provides extra space for all those off-road essentials. SEE THE SHORTS RIDE INSIGHTS Discover the two iconic climbs of this ride that are part of the Nos Montagnes À La Carte series SEE MORE 1 - THE ROUTE DOWNLOAD GPX Please login or create an account to download file. 2 - RENT AND RIDE Travel light and book your bike. We offer a range of rental bikes, the R5 Cervelo road bike and the Aspero Cervelo gravel bike along with titanium road bikes from French marque Leon. Each bike is complete with pedals, tool bag and rear light while, if needed, each rental can also include Specialized shoes and helmet. VIEW OUR RENTAL BIKES 3 - THE CAFÉ Located on the Old Port, our café is the prefect pre and post-ride meeting place. With some routes that begin almost outside, excellent coffee and a full range of our clothing collections for men and women. There are weekly rides as well if you’d like to discover riding on the Cote D’Azur with like minded companions. You can find us at: 16 Quai des Docks 06300 Nice other rides When the ville of Nice decided to use #nicecyclingparadise to promote the grand depart of the 2020 Tour de France, there was definite method in the madness. If Paradise Lost has over ten thousand lines of verse, this cycling paradise found has almost as many routes, roads, stretches, views, climbs, cols, lacets, stops and starting points. Enough at least to satisfy even the most discerning cyclist. Cap d'Antibes A classic Cote d’Azur roll-out that hugs the sea heading west and arrives at one of the region’s most well-known towns. Ideal out of season when the heat is lowered and the town itself is quiet. VIEW THE RIDE Esterel & Adrets The Esterel national park stretches between Saint Raphaël and Théoule-sur-Mer. Stay close to the coast and, early in the year, watch out for the mimosa flowers on the descent back towards Cannes. VIEW THE RIDE Éze & Madone One of the classic rides of the region, which takes in two legendary climbs and hits you with a 10% slope right at the start. Ride out from our Café in Nice, take on the challenge and return to claim your badges. VIEW THE RIDE Mortola Ride a portion of the famous F1 Grand Prix course in Monte Carlo, and then climb out towards Menton, the last town in France, and over the border. It may be short but it includes two countries and into one principality. VIEW THE RIDE Vence It includes a col from our Montaignes a la Carte series as well as unforgettable views and a route away from the madding crowds. Climb the side of the Var valley and over to the pretty artists’ town of Vence itself. VIEW THE RIDE DURANUS & SAINT BLAISE Head up the valley to where three rivers meet, climb higher still and take the time to look around. VIEW THE RIDE GILETTE & BONSON The back country of Nice opens up behind the coast and this ride provides easy access. VIEW THE RIDE bonette Join the climb directly from the village and get ready for a day of zero flat riding by climbing and descending both sides of the mountain,. VIEW THE RIDE MONT CHAUVE Mont Chauve, known as Nice’s ‘bald mountain’, proves that nature constructed one of the best viewpoints the city has to offer. VIEW THE RIDE claim your badge To celebrate the local climbs and the roads we ride, we’ve created a badge for each of our local cols, collected together in our Montagne à la Carte series. The hard part of collecting your badge is climbing the col. Braus and Turini includes three cols and two badges, unsurprisingly Col de Braus and Col de Turini. HOW TO CLAIM A BADGE

Where to Ride from Nice – Riding for Views – Mont Chauve Belvedere : a structure designed to command a view. Mont Chauve, known as Nice’s ‘bald mountain’, proves that nature constructed one of the best viewpoints the city has to offer. And as a dead-end road, it’s a great option for a quiet cycling climb close to town. Exit via the Boulevard de Cimiez, lined by belle epoque architecture and continue north until you reach the signs pointing right for Falicon, one of the region’s countless perched villages . Just before Falicon turn left at the mini-roundabout to join the climb. The switchbacks are laid across the crevice of the mountain at a steady 7% gradient. The back and forth approach allows for a different view with every 180 degree turn. What’s important is to continue past the barrier that comes after 5kms – the final set of switchbacks to the fort at the top are narrow, rougher and completely empty and offer a unique riding experience. Time your climb for sunset or sunrise to get the best views as far as Italy to the east and Cannes to the west, then descend for a post-ride refreshment beside the sea. KEY KIT Take the lightweight Fleurette jersey for the tough, south-facing climb of Nice's bald mountain, which is a quick but often hot escape from the city. SEE THE JERSEY RIDE INSIGHTS Mont Chauve offers one of the best views of Nice and the Baie des Anges. You can also discover Nissa La Bella from street level, through the lens of Benedict Campbell. READ MORE 1 - THE ROUTE DOWNLOAD GPX Please login or create an account to download file. 2 - RENT AND RIDE Travel light and book your bike. We offer a range of rental bikes, the R5 Cervelo road bike and the Aspero Cervelo gravel bike along with titanium road bikes from French marque Leon. Each bike is complete with pedals, tool bag and rear light while, if needed, each rental can also include Specialized shoes and helmet. VIEW OUR RENTAL BIKES 3 - THE CAFÉ Located on the Old Port, our café is the prefect pre and post-ride meeting place. With some routes that begin almost outside, excellent coffee and a full range of our clothing collections for men and women. There are weekly rides as well if you’d like to discover riding on the Cote D’Azur with like minded companions. You can find us at: 16 Quai des Docks 06300 Nice other rides When the ville of Nice decided to use #nicecyclingparadise to promote the grand depart of the 2020 Tour de France, there was definite method in the madness. If Paradise Lost has over ten thousand lines of verse, this cycling paradise found has almost as many routes, roads, stretches, views, climbs, cols, lacets, stops and starting points. Enough at least to satisfy even the most discerning cyclist. NISSA ALL-ROAD Linking two classic Alpes-Maritimes cols via a gravel ridge-line ride on a loop that takes you from portside to the heart of the mountains and back again. VIEW THE RIDE BONETTE Join the climb directly from the village and get ready for a day of zero flat riding by climbing and descending both sides of the mountain,. VIEW THE RIDE Braus & Turini Time to get serious. A ride that includes two of the majestic cols from our Montagnes a la Carte series and typical of what makes riding from Nice such an intoxicating mixture of pleasure and pain. VIEW THE RIDE Gilette & Bonson The extraordinary back country of Nice opens up behind the coast and this ride provides easy access. Enough climbing to be a challenge without being too daunting. VIEW THE RIDE Éze & Madone One of the classic rides of the region, which takes in two legendary climbs and hits you with a 10% slope right at the start. Ride out from our Café in Nice, take on the challenge and return to claim your badges. VIEW THE RIDE Mortola Ride a portion of the famous F1 Grand Prix course in Monte Carlo, and then climb out towards Menton, the last town in France, and over the border. It may be short but it includes two countries and into one principality. VIEW THE RIDE Vence It includes a col from our Montaignes a la Carte series as well as unforgettable views and a route away from the madding crowds. Climb the side of the Var valley and over to the pretty artists’ town of Vence itself. VIEW THE RIDE ESTEREL & ADRETS The Esterel coast road starting from Théoule-sur-Mer is beautiful, winding through secluded coves and up and down into pretty village ports. VIEW THE RIDE CAP D'ANTIBES A Cote d’Azur roll-out that hugs the sea and arrives at one of the region’s most well-known towns. VIEW THE RIDE Our Badges To celebrate the local climbs and the roads we ride, we created a badge for each of our local cols, collected together in our Montagne à la Carte series. After that we raised our eyes and we added badges for some of the world's iconic climbs, creating our Montagnes du Monde series. Ride the climb and claim the badge. From Col d'Eze on our doorstep to Alpe d’Huez, Wuling, Koppenberg and beyond. HOW TO CLAIM A BADGE

Take Me To The River #5 : Gordolasque The valleys of the Alpes-Maritimes are generally named after the rivers that either formed them, or that run through them. The Gordolasque is not strong enough to have carved such a magnificent and dramatic valley. No river is. Bigger forces were at play when nature created this corridor of wonders. It's a valley that is known more to hikers than cyclists, so many will not find it when searching for the best cycling routes in the Alpes-Maritimes. Take our advice and make the effort. High summer means the mercury is high and that drives cyclists even higher. It’s in the genes, or the culture. Nature and nurture perhaps. Gordolasque fits the bill perfectly. Its source comes from the feet of what locals and visiting alpinists call 'the great 3,000s' - that is the three summits that each stretch their jagged tips more than three kilometres into the sky. They are Mont Gélas, Mont Clapier, and Mont Malédie. What does that all mean? It means the water will be super fresh. On a dead-end climb such as this, the directions are pretty simple. Go to the top. The road ends at the Parking du Contet, used by randonneurs as the base for their marching adventures. The swimhole is just beyond that parking at the bridge, which in French is called 'Le Pont du Contet' The wooden construction is perfectly in keeping with the ambiance of the valley, known for its wild beauty. The bridge is the way for the randonneurs to get from the left bank to the right (we are so far from the world of Paris, analogies are impossible), and take the eastern path that climbs its way towards the Grand Capulet. That same bridge also serves as the perfect place to hang your merino cycling jersey while you swim. Perhaps just use the nearby trees to change from bib shorts to swimming shorts, so as not to upset any nearby hikers. Out of the heat and into the cool, the contrast is sharp and taking the plunge draws a big breath. But the literal immersion in such surroundings is a reward that is better experienced than described. We might call it river swimming, but in truth, it's mostly a dip and a few splashes. Submerge your head and swim against the current for a few seconds. Let the river wash over you. Pointing yourself up the river is pointing yourself up the valley so that when your head emerges and your eyes open, you look towards the source. State-of-the-art 4k cameras, dolby surround sound and the best cinematography in the world can’t replace being in the place and seeing it with your own eyes. If you do this swim during the August ride of the month, then it is a fitting reward at the end of the testing second climb (the first climb is no easier). The work is done and all that is left is to dry off, kit up and follow the flow back down the mountain. See the full swim collection here. Or simply check out our series of Take Me To The River swim holes.

Dead-end roads that lead to panoramic views of the peaks of the Mercantour National Park. Out of the forests and into the wild.     See the full ride here See all Rides of the Month

Where to Ride from Nice – Getting High on the Bonette It’s a lesser-known fact that ‘Europe’s Highest Road’ is within reach from the Café HQ on Nice’s Old Port. Two entirely different worlds within a short drive, or a longer self-made Audax if you want to go Beach to the Bonette This ride is based on a 1.5 hour drive up the Tinée valley, to the town of Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée. Join the climb directly from the village and get ready for a day of zero flat riding by climbing and descending both sides of the mountain, each at 24km long. Descend the north side and do a ‘démi-tour’ in Jausiers to climb the northern side. Open pastures and slightly more gentle gradients become steeper sections and Rocky Mountain-esque cliff faces that lead to the ‘Café 2,000m’. Take this chance to re-group before the difficult section to Lac de Eissaupres that marks the beginning of the last quarter of the climb. At the col, summon the energy to make the extra 1km steep climb to the Cime. Marvel at the panorama in front of you which will make the debate about whether this is actually the highest road in Europe seem inconsequential. KEY KIT Going this high it’s important to pack a jacket. Suzette is a light and packable yet fully water-proof cycling jacket to provide outer shell protection against high mountain weather possibilities. VIEW THE JERSEY RIDE INSIGHTS Don't forget to add the loop of the Cime de la Bonette which climbs above the Col to achieve the 2,802m elevation. The views are stunning and it's where someone had the crazy idea to stage the Highest Crit in the World. READ MORE 1 - THE ROUTE DOWNLOAD GPX Please login or create an account to download file. 2 - RENT AND RIDE Travel light and book your bike. We offer a range of rental bikes, the R5 Cervelo road bike and the Aspero Cervelo gravel bike along with titanium road bikes from French marque Leon. Each bike is complete with pedals, tool bag and rear light while, if needed, each rental can also include Specialized shoes and helmet. VIEW OUR RENTAL BIKES 3 - THE CAFÉ Located on the Old Port, our café is the prefect pre and post-ride meeting place. With some routes that begin almost outside, excellent coffee and a full range of our clothing collections for men and women. There are weekly rides as well if you’d like to discover riding on the Cote D’Azur with like minded companions. You can find us at: 16 Quai des Docks 06300 Nice other rides When the ville of Nice decided to use #nicecyclingparadise to promote the grand depart of the 2020 Tour de France, there was definite method in the madness. If Paradise Lost has over ten thousand lines of verse, this cycling paradise found has almost as many routes, roads, stretches, views, climbs, cols, lacets, stops and starting points. Enough at least to satisfy even the most discerning cyclist. NISSA ALL-ROAD Linking two classic Alpes-Maritimes cols via a gravel ridge-line ride on a loop that takes you from portside to the heart of the mountains and back again. VIEW THE RIDE MONT CHAUVE Mont Chauve, known as Nice’s ‘bald mountain’, proves that nature constructed one of the best viewpoints the city has to offer. VIEW THE RIDE Braus & Turini Time to get serious. A ride that includes two of the majestic cols from our Montagnes a la Carte series and typical of what makes riding from Nice such an intoxicating mixture of pleasure and pain. VIEW THE RIDE Gilette & Bonson The extraordinary back country of Nice opens up behind the coast and this ride provides easy access. Enough climbing to be a challenge without being too daunting. VIEW THE RIDE Éze & Madone One of the classic rides of the region, which takes in two legendary climbs and hits you with a 10% slope right at the start. Ride out from our Café in Nice, take on the challenge and return to claim your badges. VIEW THE RIDE DURANUS & SAINT BLAISE Head up the valley to where three rivers meet, climb higher still and take the time to look around. VIEW THE RIDE Mortola Ride a portion of the famous F1 Grand Prix course in Monte Carlo, and then climb out towards Menton, the last town in France, and over the border. It may be short but it includes two countries and into one principality. VIEW THE RIDE Vence It includes a col from our Montaignes a la Carte series as well as unforgettable views and a route away from the madding crowds. Climb the side of the Var valley and over to the pretty artists’ town of Vence itself. VIEW THE RIDE ESTEREL & ADRETS The Esterel coast road starting from Théoule-sur-Mer is beautiful, winding through secluded coves and up and down into pretty village ports. VIEW THE RIDE CAP D'ANTIBES A Cote d’Azur roll-out that hugs the sea and arrives at one of the region’s most well-known towns. VIEW THE RIDE Our Badges To celebrate the local climbs and the roads we ride, we created a badge for each of our local cols, collected together in our Montagne à la Carte series. After that we raised our eyes and we added badges for some of the world's iconic climbs, creating our Montagnes du Monde series. Ride the climb and claim the badge. From Col d'Eze on our doorstep to Alpe d’Huez, Wuling, Koppenberg and beyond. HOW TO CLAIM A BADGE

RIDE OF THE MONTH : AUGUST The Secret Vésubie Climbs Dead end climbs are often overlooked and undervalued. Until you try them. Sure, cols are beautiful and going over the top gives a real sensation of conquering a mountain. Not to mention the practicality of linking one valley to the other. But. Maybe that is the beauty of the dead-end climb – it’s not for practicality but rather for the sheer hell of it. And experience shows, at least here in the Alpes-Maritimes, that actually they are some of the most interesting ascensions to be found. August’s ride of the month is one such folly. So we go back towards the Turini, the location of June’s Tour de France themed ride of the month and base ourselves further up the Vesubie valley in Saint-Martin-Vésubie. Saint-Martin-Vésubie is also known as the Suisse Niçois. It has long been a base camp town for alpinists, who are to thank for the first climb because it goes to La Madone de Fenestre. You may confuse that name for ‘fenêtre’ - the French word for window - but that would not be inappropriate. The top of this road offers a window view into the heights of the Mercantour National Park. First you have to get up there, and the road to La Madone de Fenestre is described by local riders as one of the sternest tests. As is often the case, the statistics don’t tell the full story. After leaving the town and being lulled into a false-flat sense of security, the road suddenly goes straight. And up. And up. A constant 10% average is noticeable. The only sensory distraction is the sound of the Vésubie river crashing beside you. It’s maybe because the road follows the river route so strictly that it’s difficult – the path of least resistance on the way down must mean the opposite for the way up? Breathing is… heavy. Criss-crossing the river, past landslides and through the alpine firs, you eventually pass a sign near the top to indicate you are entering the Mercantour National Park. Magic is just around the corner. After a couple of hairpins, the Refuge de les Madone de Fenestre comes into view. Not only is there a refuge, but also a chapel and an old hotel, now used as a communal base by randonneurs and alpinists who explore peaks that form an amphitheater above. The age of the group of buildings is a hint of the pioneering of the past when Count Victor de Cessole, the ‘inventor of the Alpes-Maritimes’ and his friends were the first to climb to the top of each of the Mercantour’s major peaks. Reach the top, stop and look up. Green disappears and is replaced by grey. If it’s a sunny but cloudy day the light and shadows dapple the granite peaks for a mountain view as good as you’ll get anywhere in the alps. There is a café at the far end of the refuge. Stop for an Orangina because you might need it for the second climb of the day. Back down the hill to Saint-Martin-Vésubie, then savour the 8km down the valley until you see the sign for Belvedère to the left. You might also notice signs for the Valley des Merveilles – the valley of marvels which holds Europe’s largest quantity of Bronze Age rock carvings. Knowing this adds a certain ambiance to the climb from Belvedère up the Gordolasque valley. It’s a valley known for its wild beauty. Before beauty comes effort. Leaving Belevedère it’s obvious you are on another side valley, dead-end climb as the road is narrow and the traffic is practically non-existent. The trees extend to the adjoining peaks but this road goes above the tree line. There are long fairly straight sections in the 8km, interspersed with a couple of switchbacks, that lead to the Cascade du Ray. Get some freshness from the Gorodolasque river that gives the valley its name, as the water tumbles over the big rocks, and use that to complete the final part of the climb. Pass the Hotel du Grand Capelet, named after one of the peaks above, and which with a bit of attention would not look out of place in a Wes Anderson movie. Picture-perfect chalets dot the last section of winding road that passes the Lac Long reservoir – a French tradition of exploitation of hydro-electricty that you may have noticed on the first climb. The end of the road is at the ‘Parking du Contet’, which is the depart for randonneurs in this valley. There is a bridge just beyond the car park where fly fishing and river swimming are possible – just cast your lines first before you scare the fish away by diving in. The valley almost resembles the American Rockies. Although this is a wild, lesser known climb it has some notoriety. Between Belvedère to here that they filmed the famous 1960s French TV show, Belle & Sebastien about the boy and his beloved Pyreneean mountain dog. It gained cult status, not least because of being shot in its authentic location and you can visit the ‘Cabane de Belle & Sebastien’ which is a mere 10 minute walk from the bridge. So when the climbing is done, stand once again at this dead-end road that provides a window on the highest peaks of the Alpes-Maritimes and simply appreciate the view and the fact that you are there by virtue of pedal power. Komoot Route Coffee stop : At the Refuge de la Madone de Fenestre Lunch stop : Saint-Martin-Vesubie has two boulangeries and the Brasserie Les Alpes serves salad, pizza, pasta and a plat du jour. Read about other Rides of the Month and find the perfect route by season. Or discover more details about cycling on the Cote d'Azur with our Riding Guide to Nice.

L’Étape du Tour Guide With Kong Fùfù - #1 COL DE LA COLMIANE L’Étape du Tour is one of the toughest one day challenges many riders will face. It’s the chance to ride the same mountainous parcours as the biggest race in the world, to imagine the pace and power of the peloton on the same roads and afterwards to compare normal rider statistics with the other-worldly performance of the genetically gifted professionals. The 2020 edition has been doubted, debated, postponed and finally re-scheduled. It’s still coming to Nice so for those riding the event (and equally those with wanderlust to come another time) we’ve put together a guide to the three main climbs by past-winner and Alpes-Maritimes cycling expert, Kong Fùfù First up is the Col de la Colmiane , aka the Col Saint-Martin. Kong Fùfù advises that, like any good story, every alpine climb of length has a beginning, a middle and an end. The beginning : “First of all, the ride to this Col is pretty long. Nearly 60kms in the valley means that wise riders will sit in the wheels and conserve energy, especially at the beginning whilst riding in the wider Var valley where the wind blows down from the mountains during early morning. The landscapes become more dramatic as you enter the Tinée valley where the rocks eventually turn to an iron red the deep gorge cuts its way towards the bottom of the climb itself. This Col is a long one at 16km – for most riders it will be around one hour of climbing. To deal with it mentally, you need to break it down into segments. The start is a stern introduction y as you leave the dramatic red rocks that quickly change to grey as you ride through the tunnels in the first few kilometres. After that, the road turns left to point up the valley at the end of which lies the summit. Here it’s important to quickly find a conservative rhythm, which is possible as the gradient stays fairly consistent. Try to find a good group that suits your abilities and take the draft. There is nothing to gain by forcing the pace on the first climb of the day.” The middle : “This climb is punctuated by four villages. Once I pass La Planet I know I’m in the middle section, joining the dots from here to La Bolline, then La Roche and finally Saint-Dalmas. Immediately after the first two towns the gradient goes up to an average of 7.5% - nothing too steep but it’s enough to notice the difference in required effort. Again, it’s not worth expending too much energy here. Towards Saint-Dalmas, the valley opens up and offers great views of the peaks that tower above. At the end of August wind should not be a problem, it normally blows north to south rather than east to west. The end : “Saint-Dalmas is a picturesque medieval town, and after the road squeezes itself through the old stone buildings and around the dominating church spire, the high mountain feeling begins to really kick in. This last section to the col is the most consistent at 6-7%. I previously raced time trials on this section and the non-climbers can compete with lighter riders because it is not too steep, but they use of a lot of energy in doing so. The last two switchbacks of the climb take you in between the fir trees that give that alpine fresh feeling, which is a welcome distraction on the long straight that leads to the summit. As ski stations go, La Colmiane is a small one so before you know it you will be on the descent. The descent is enjoyable as the road is wide and the surface good. Still, there are sections where there is nothing but a small parapet wall between you and a big fall so caution is always advised. Half way down the descent there are spectacular views up to the 3,000m peaks of the Mercantour National Park. Although the descent feels like it finishes in the town of Saint-Martin-Vésubie, in truth it’s downhill almost the whole way to the next climb, the Col de Turini. Clever riders will take advantage of this before what might be regarded as the hardest climb on the route.” Stay tuned for Kong Fùfù’s guide to climb #2, the famous Col de Turini Café du Cycliste have created a badge for each climb of L’Étape du Tour. If you ride it the event you can claim all three badges by visiting the café after the event and presenting a record of your ride. Anyone who has ridden one of the three climbs can also claim a badge here Discover more about Col de la Colmiane here .

THE PERCHED VILLAGES RIDE LOOKBOOK Hopping from hilltop to hilltop, linking the perched villages makes a shark’s teeth parcours that peaks on the remote but remarkable Col St Roch.   See the full ride here See all Rides of the Month

Take Me To The River #4 : Col St Roch If you ride the Route du Soleil in the South of France in July, the writing is on the road. You are going to get hot. Thankfully, freshness is never far away if you keep your eyes peeled and your ears open. Listen for the sound of tumbling water, look for the greens that get greener, spot a few randomly parked cars and, chances are, you're not far away from another Côte d'Azur swim hole. The climb of Col St Roch is a testing 24km climb from Contes, but as we said in July’s Ride of the Month it's a game of two halves. The first half of the Col St Roch is the more gentle one, but also the most exposed. This is where the heat builds, regardless of your lightweight cycling jersey built for the Fournaise, such as the Fleurette. The swim hole comes after the roller-coaster of descents and short climbs after passing through Coaraze village and is accessible just after the bridge at the base of a tough climb to the Col itself. In road cycling, it's often tempting to push on. Road bikes are fast and encourage speed. But as a wise man once said; 'you have the right to go slow'. Not only that, but you also have the right to stop and enjoy the mountain and all of its features, should the need or the desire arise. Sometimes it's good to leave the racing to the racers. And whilst Col St Roch is a testing climb, it's also one of the quietest cols to cycle on from Nice. That means, most of the time the river should be the same. Follow the trail to a smaller lower bridge to find the pool of crystal-clear fresh water, the source of which is literally from the ridge-lines of the Alpes-Maritimes visible a few hundred metres above your head. The Amandine shorts will fit in the middle pocket of your summer cycling jersey, just. On the Côte d'Azur you don't need anything else as the daytime sun will dry you on the rocks beside the water in no time. But first you have to get wet. When river swimming, the temperature is always guaranteed to be fresh. How fresh is a question of how high you are and what the recent weather has been. Don't deliberate. The recommended technique for entry into the water is the shorter, sharper one. Without scientifically testing it (maybe we should), experience has shown that a river swim enables at least another two hours of riding, regardless of what's gone before. Submerging yourself in the water, surrounded by the mountain, is like resetting the Garmin to zero. So, by all means lounge like a lizard on the rocks just until dry but then it's time to kit up again and ride some more. Back in the saddle the mind turns firstly to the incredible rejuvenating effect of the water and, secondly, to the thought that in the mountains, there must be more of these places everywhere, if you can just find those accessible from the cycling routes. So maybe stop one more time at an appropriate vantage point and survey the landscape before planning the next dip in the ravines of the Alpes-Maritimes. Or, if you prefer some assistance, simply check out last year's series of Take Me To The River swim holes . See the full swim collection here.