3 days in Nice

Dorset_Boy
Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,601
edited March 2017 in Tour & expedition
With junior off on a school trip, the OH and I have booked to go to Nice in June. We will have 3 days riding and the OH will be happy to do 80-120km each day.
I was thinking day 1 hills & mountains, day 2 along coast to Italy, day 3 hills & mountains again.
Anyone suggest climbs / routes not to be missed and good spots to stop?
thanks!

Comments

  • davidof
    davidof Posts: 3,125
    The coastal strip is quite busy. Madone would be one pass to take in although the Col du Turini is more spectacular it also sees a lot of the Top Geezer crowd these days.
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  • ror3h
    ror3h Posts: 68
    The turini is amazing, there are three ways to the top, and there's a loop that you can do that takes you up to 2000m. I spent a week there last May and I did it twice because it was so good! Other than that col d'eze is the obvious one, and the Madone is really nice too.
  • ronnierocket
    ronnierocket Posts: 172
    https://www.strava.com/activities/44820461

    This is the Col Eze and Modone route that I did a few years ago. Nice is a great place to stay, lovely markets and generally good atmosphere especially the old town.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    Yes the Coast Road is busy but you have to try it at least once. Enjoy.
  • Flâneur
    Flâneur Posts: 3,081
    Have a nose at the Cafe Du Cyclist page, they used to give suggested routes.

    I'd go out to Monaco and back (and go out the other side if you wish) using the Coast and Corniche road.

    Aim to get Col d'Eze in. I'll ponder a third, but there are plenty of enjoyable roads/routes
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  • cc78
    cc78 Posts: 599
    Eze + Madone - both unmissable... https://www.strava.com/activities/408699035
    Braus + Turini - hairpins galore... https://www.strava.com/activities/418081847
    Madone d'Utelle - amazing views... https://www.strava.com/activities/416116473
    or head along the coast to San Remo and the Poggio + Cipressa - the first part between Menton and Ventimiglia is a bit of a slog but after Bordighera you can get on the wonderful cycle path that they used for the Giro TTT a couple of years ago... https://www.strava.com/activities/207588940

    all absolutely superb, enjoy
  • The Kennington Kaiser
    The Kennington Kaiser Posts: 406
    Really useful thread this one, as I'm thinking of heading out to Nice in May with a few friends. Could any of you recommend a cycle-friendly hotel in Nice that might be able to pick us up from the airport? Also, is there a part of town that we should base ourselves in order to get out onto the quieter roads quickly. Thinking of riding Madone, Vence, Madonne d'Utelle, Turini/Braus and one or two others further north. Thanks
  • ugo.santalucia
    ugo.santalucia Posts: 28,321
    Do like uncle Lance... Col de la Madone...
    that said, the col de Turini...
    left the forum March 2023
  • ronnierocket
    ronnierocket Posts: 172
    The airport has a train station on site and it is pretty easy to get into Nice from there.

    Have you thought about an apartment? We used these guys the last couple of times we went and were very helpfull.

    http://www.nicepebbles.com/
  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    First time in Nice I got a taxi into town. it cost a fortune.
    Second time - took the bus. One euro.

    Seriously the city is a mile away from the airport - don't bother with a hotel running taxis.

    I've also stayed in an apartment - was good.
  • The Kennington Kaiser
    The Kennington Kaiser Posts: 406
    Thanks all - some good advice. I guess it depends where we end up staying but I think we should be ok lugging the bike to a bus stop near the Airport and then getting into Nice from there. Lots of good places on airbnb too, can't wait now!
  • Dorset_Boy
    Dorset_Boy Posts: 7,601
    We booked an apartment through http://www.yourniceapartment.com/
    Very helpful and they know which apartments might be bike friendly.

    Next task is to sort out those routes!
  • Flâneur
    Flâneur Posts: 3,081
    Uber is also a better shout than a city taxi. Yes still more than the train (which is good) but the uber is handy depending on where you stay from the station
    Stevo 666 wrote: Come on you Scousers! 20/12/2014
    Crudder
    CX
    Toy
  • cc78
    cc78 Posts: 599
    I stayed north of the centre, quite close to the university, but I don't think it really matters which area you stay in, the city is pretty easy to navigate... there's something fun about riding through the centre of town on your way to/from a 1000m+ climb... you'll also want to stop off at the Cafe du Cycliste at some point, which is right down on the port.

    I would echo the advice for an apartment... some great options available across the city and being able to make your own food/drink when you want is invaluable on a bike trip in my view. There are plenty of supermarkets around for supplies and there is a brilliant street market around Place Charles de Gaulle, best visited on the weekend.

    Personally I would avoid riding through Monaco if possible; there are loads of unavoidable tunnels and narrow steep streets full of traffic jams. Not to mention the tw@ts roaring about in Ferraris, superbikes, etc... altogether not much fun on a bike. If heading from Nice to Menton then go via the Col d'Eze, it's much nicer.

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