Hello

Gonna be in Nice for a few days in early October, avec velo. Any tips for good roads, good climbs, good coffee?

Cheers!

B

Oh, head north, it’s fabulous. Find some overnight accom and make a 2-day or longer trip though, unless you are a serious mile muncher. I’ve been on several week-long tours starting from Nice, you can do the Verdon Gorge, Alpes Maritime, Ventoux as takes your fancy though the weather might be turning I guess – I was always there in spring. Fabulous area for cycling.

Cafe du Cycliste have some gpx files on their site. A ride from Vesubie to Menton taking in Col Du Turini is highly recommended. It’s mainly downhill from Turini at 1600m to the sea. Pack your climbing legs and suitable gears.

I did three days of riding out there earlier in the year – stuck around Nice – was staying slightly in-land of Nice. Did a route that took me out to Tanneron from Lac de Saint-Cassien, a nice coastal ride unto St Raphael and a ride that took us unto Thorenc and a stunning long descent through Gourdon. It shared alot of the route of the Nice Ironman cycle route, but I think we did it the other way round. I recorded it on Strava as I forgot my Garmin but happy to share my route if I can suss out how to export the GPX files. Fantastic riding, a great introduction into the Alps (the Pre-Alps at least), some pretty decent climbs compared to what i’m used to in the UK.

Coast road from Cannes to St Raphael is popular and blooming lovely.