France

L'Escarène

Nestled in the heart of the Alpes-Maritimes, L'Escarène is a hidden gem for road cyclists seeking authentic climbs away from the coastal crowds. Acting as a perfect natural basecamp, this picturesque village sits exactly where the Mediterranean foothills meet the Southern Alps, providing immediate access to some of the most legendary cycling terrain in Europe.

Open L'Escarène map

Guides

Editorial guides

Curated lists for this city.

ClimbRoadFrance

Braus & Turini Challenge: Two Legendary Climbs Above Nice

Two cols above Nice in a single loop — the elegant Col de Braus and the legendary Col de Turini, 1,604 metres, home of the Monte Carlo Rally. Sospel in between. 112 km, 2,497 metres of climbing.

Passes through L'Escarène

112 km

Distance

2,497 m

Elevation

5h50

Duration

Places

The spots

Every cyclist-friendly place in L'Escarène — explore on the map or dive into each venue.

🥐 Bakery

Pan d'aqui

Ravito certifiedSignature Spot

A well-known bakery at the start of the Col de Braus pass. It's not uncommon to see professional cyclists there.

Bike parkingCoffee ride

🛏 Hotel🍝 Restaurant☕ Café

Hôtel Les Trois Vallées

Having reached the top of the Col de Turini, this hotel offers a restaurant and café on a lovely terrace. The hotel has become a popular destination for cyclists, because the road exist; it's worth a stop if you don't want to wait until you reach Sospel or L'Escarene.

Coffee ride