by CPARTYby CPARTYBetween sea and mountains, Nice packs the Riviera's hinterland and its legendary climbs into just a few kilometres — the favourite training ground of generations of champions based on the coast.
The Col de la Madone, in the hills behind Nice, has over the decades become the professional peloton's informal benchmark test — popularised by Lance Armstrong, who made it his personal form check before every Tour de France.
From Nice, access to the Mercantour and hinterland climbs is just a few kilometres away — a rare privilege, poised between the Mediterranean and high mountains.
The historic timed test of professionals based on the Riviera.
A short, intense classic, long used as the Paris-Nice time trial route.
Made famous by the Monte-Carlo Rally, just as demanding on a bike.
Popularised by Lance Armstrong as a personal form check before every Tour de France, the Col de la Madone remains, to this day, the informal benchmark for professional riders based on the Côte d'Azur.
« The Col de la Madone has become the benchmark test that professional riders based on the Riviera use to gauge their form. »Specialist cycling press
Ready to build your trip to the Côte d'Azur?
Request the Côte d'Azur13 branded pieces waiting in your room on arrival:
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp. | 13° | 13° | 15° | 17° | 20° | 24° | 27° | 27° | 24° | 20° | 16° | 13° |
Indicative climate data (Nice, sea level). Mild Mediterranean climate, rideable for much of the year.
Straight-line distances, approximate, for scale reference only.
| Airport | Transfer | Main airlines | Flight from... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nice-Côte d'Azur NCE | Within the city | Air France, British Airways, easyJet, Emirates, Qatar Airways | London 2h05 · Brussels 1h50 · Dubai 6h50 · New York 9h20 |
Nice has France's 3rd-busiest airport, with exceptional direct connectivity — including to Dubai. A connection via a hub is needed for Australia.
Destination-specific reviews coming soon.
You can ride your own bike or opt for professional equipment rental — see the conditions in our Terms & Conditions.
Yes — that's what makes the region special: the coast and high-mountain climbs sit less than an hour apart.
From April to October, with a mild Mediterranean climate for much of the year.
