Iconic climb in Cote d'Azur

Take on two of the most iconic climbs in the Alpes-Maritimes: the elegant Col de Braus and the formidable Col de Turini. After a gentle warm-up on the slopes of the Col de Nice, the famous switchbacks of Col de Braus gradually carry you to 1,002 m above sea level. The descent on the far side leads to the charming town of Sospel. As you ride, keep an eye on the mountains behind you—dark clouds building over the peaks can be an early warning that it may be wiser to turn back.

Sospel is the perfect place to refuel, grab a meal, and fill your bottles before tackling the 24 km ascent to Col de Turini. Climbing from around 400 m to over 1,600 m, the road follows the Bévéra River gorge before opening onto spectacular mountain scenery. Along the way, dramatic rock formations, dense forests, and a hillside chapel overlooking the road provide welcome distractions from the steadily increasing effort.

At the summit, several cafés offer a chance to recover with food and drinks before enjoying a rewarding descent of nearly 50 km all the way back to Nice. A classic route that combines breathtaking landscapes, legendary roads, and two unforgettable Alpine climbs.