Ride of the Month - July – Café du Cycliste

Ride of the month: Col de Vence

Summer is coming around the corner, and the burning sun as well. The days are definitely not the hottest yet, so it’s a good time for me to try out climbing up Col de Vence.

Col de Vence is famous for its lunar and desert-like landscapes. It is also an unforgiving climb, renown for the blazing sun hitting any brave cyclist attempting the ascent, a bitter promise for a few sweat drops. It is only after finally getting on its north side that you can find some shade and cool spots.

They forecasted today to be around 24°C, an ideal temperature to spin the legs on these steady slopes. The climb achieved stardom mainly through the Paris-Nice race.

8h30, the morning is fresh enough to give me a gentle start from Café du Cycliste after fueling up with the caffein of my usual espresso.

The first few 10 km on the Promenade allow me to warm up nicely while admiring the sea sparkling under the low sun. I make it quickly to Cagnes-sur-Mer; take a right turn to get to Saint-Paul-de-Vence, another 10 km away. This village is a gem, I can’t resist the idea of taking a small break in the medieval old town, nestled within battlements perched on a rock looking over the Mediterranean Sea. The moment my eye catches a fountain, I go for the option of filling up my bottles in anticipation of the climb : hydration is important.

I review the many art galleries which built the reputation of the village and swear I will be back to enjoy it properly.

Here I go now, starting Col de Vence, getting into my cruising speed early on, I then opt for increasing my pace where the switchbacks start. The sun hits me hard but I accept the challenge and play the game, keeping an eye on the gorgeous views around me with the sea in the background. What an amazing playground…

A short stop at the top to take the usual picture of the famous sign before tipping over on the other side towards Coursegoule. There is a little hill expecting me before crossing the village, after which I head to Bouyon, another one of these beautiful perched villages. As I enter the village an incredible view over Bouyon and the Mercantour mountain range in the background unfolds.

Going through the village with its colourful façades takes me to the long downhill back towards the seaside. There is still one last breathtaking view beforehand though with snowcapped mountains appearing to my left : they do give me some ideas for my next adventures.

I enjoy the descent, flowing down on the curves, simply enjoying the sense of oneness with my bike.

Back on the seashore, it’s a fast track back to Nice, I seize the sea view one more time, something I can’t get bored with. The sun is definitely still there, well settled for the day and inviting me to the next thing on my schedule, which is most probably going to be on the beach…

Rose de Mai

Heading for the foothills of Grasse, and its Rose de Mai. Flowers in full bloom and early season climbs combine to produce a beautiful spring ride.

Paris - Nice

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Download the GPX file from Strava here.