Between the Alps and the Mediterranean
Massif du Mercantour
Département et Région : Alpes-Maritimes et Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
Principal passes : col de Turini, col Saint-Martin (la Colmiane)
Stage on Route des Grandes Alpes® : Valberg / Saint-Martin Vésubie and Saint-Martin Vésubie / Sospel
Stage on Route des Grandes Alpes® Gravel: Marie / La Bollène-Vésubie and La Bollène-Vésubie / Coaraze
Summary
- Suggestions for cycling loops
- Our major passes
- Events around cycling
- Summer in the Vésubie Valley
- Other seasons
- Other events
- Services
- Testimonials
- FAQ
- Access
- Contacts
- Other nearby villages and resorts in the Vallée de la Vésubie
Suggestions for cycling loops around the Vallée de la Vésubie
Our major passes
The mythical Col de Turini, used in particular by the Monte-Carlo Rally, can be climbed from several sides, all presenting a decidedly "mountain" profile.
Starting in Sospel, the first loop begins with the Col Saint-Jean and continues with the Col de Braus and its steep slopes. After the Col de l'Ablé, a succession of switchbacks leads to Peïra Cava and the Col de Turini. Once over the latter, a long descent to Sospel begins, in the middle of which, shortly after Moulinet, a stop at Notre-Dame-de-la-Menour is essential.
The second loop starts in the charming village of La Bollène-Vésubie. It climbs steadily up a winding road to the Col de Turini. From here, a long downhill false flat takes you to Peïra Cava, then a descent via the Col Saint-Roch to Lantosque. The return to the starting point is via the Vésubie valley and a final climb of around 3 kilometers.
Cycling events in the Vésubie valley
Transvesubian (October)
Cycling in the Vésubie Valley
Discover the Authion loop on an electrically-assisted bike.
Pedal effortlessly along an exceptional itinerary in the Authion massif, guided by an app on your smartphone! In partnership with the Mercantour National Park, the Syndicat Mixte pour le Développement de la Vallée de la Vésubie et du Valdeblore (Vésubie and Valdeblore Valley Joint Development Association) is offering you the chance to discover the Authion massif, a natural fortress overlooking the Vésubie and Roya valleys, in a whole new way. Using an electrically-assisted bicycle and a dedicated smartphone application, you can set off from the Col de Turini, and discover an exceptional natural and cultural itinerary, as the Authion loop is located at high altitude and largely in the heart of the Mercantour National Park. From the Napoleonic Wars to the last world war, the Authion site's many ruined forts are a reminder of the tragic feats of arms that took place there. Now a peaceful grazing area, the Authion plateau is ideal for an electrically-assisted bike ride. The exceptional panoramic views along the way allow you to admire the eastern part of the Mercantour massif and the final foothills of the Alps plunging towards the Mediterranean. With the exception of the route you are about to follow, cycling is systematically prohibited in the heart of the Park. Do not leave the RD68 road other than on foot (bike racks along the route).
Summer in the Vésubie Valley
Hikes, summer tobogganing activities, deval'kart, trotin'herbe, canyoning, mountain biking, zip-lining, mini golf, para slope, visit to the vacheries, heritage tours, swimming pool, lake, rock climbing, tennis, Parc Alpha (the wolves of Saint-Martin-Vésubie)...
Coming winter
Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, biathlon, snowshoe trekking...
Other events
Events in each village, feasts, carnival, agricultural fairs, return of the shepherds, football tournaments, markets...
Kilomètre vertical - Saint-Martin-Vésubie (April)
Vésubie Marathon (May)
Ultra-Trail Côte d'Azur Mercantour (July)
Services
Electric terminals, bus station, camping car area, bus line 90, cabs...
The map
The map
25 Valberg / Saint-Martin Vésubie
26 Saint-Martin Vésubie / Sospel
17 Marie / La Bollène-Vésubie
Testimonies
Today it's heavy stuff, a 400 m warm-up and then we're on to the climb. Heading for the Col de Turini, we start at an altitude of around 420 m and reach 2000 m. Eddy
We did 68 km for 2887 m of ascent, so it was a really tough outing. But the mountains are so beautiful that I'm enjoying myself despite the difficulties... Marie
FAQ
- What Vesubian site is known for its WW2 relics in France?
La Forteresse de l'Authion
- Which film starts on place de Belvédère before reaching the coast?
Le Gendarme à Saint-Tropez
Access
Road access
- From Nice RM 6202 PUIS RM 2265
SNCF railway stations and bus stations:
- Nice
- Grand Arénas : Bus route 90 Réseau Lignes d'Azur (RLA) to La Bollène
Contacts
Office de Tourisme Métropolitain Nice Côte d'Azur
☎ 04 93 03 60 54 www.explorenicecotedazur.com
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