Menton Cols Loop
About this Route
← French Riviera Cycling GuideA perfect introduction to the roads behind Menton. This 61km loop crosses two categorised climbs — Col de Vescavo and Col de Castillon — and takes you across the Italian border before returning through the medieval village of Sospel, with its famous 14th-century toll bridge.
This was the first route I rode from Menton, and it turned out to be a perfect introduction to the roads behind the town. The route heads east along the coast, and you cross into Italy after just 3 km -- I nearly missed the border sign. The road to Ventimiglia is flat and fast, hugging the Mediterranean, before you turn north and follow the Roia river valley gently uphill for about 15 km. Make sure you take the old road alongside the river rather than the tunnel.
Col de Vescavo is the first categorised climb -- 6.29 km at 4% average, starting in Italy and finishing in France. When I rode this it was quiet and steady, the kind of climb that rewards a patient rhythm. After the summit the descent drops you into Sospel, a charming mountain village with a restored 14th-century toll bridge that was bombed in WWII. I stopped for a coffee at Le Picoun in the village centre and could have stayed longer.
Col de Castillon from Sospel is the harder of the two -- 6.96 km at 5% average, with a more sustained gradient throughout. The road climbs through Mediterranean scrub and opens up with views back down the valley. The Tour de France last visited this climb in 1952. The final 15 km is a sweeping descent back to Menton -- fast, smooth and with the sea coming into view long before you reach it. A short, punchy loop that packs in more character than its 61 kilometres suggest.
Kilometre by Kilometre
Head east from Menton along the coast and cross into Italy after 3 km. The road is flat and fast, following the Mediterranean shoreline to Ventimiglia. Take the old road through town rather than the tunnel.
Turn north and follow the Roia river valley gently uphill. At around km 24, Col de Vescavo begins — 6.3 km at 4% average, starting in Italy and finishing in France. A steady, quiet climb through forested terrain to the summit at around 480 m.
A fast descent drops you into Sospel. This charming mountain village has a restored 14th-century toll bridge. Stop for coffee or lunch at Le Picoun before the second climb.
The harder of the two climbs — 7 km at 5% average from Sospel. The road climbs through Mediterranean scrub with views back down the valley. The summit at 711 m is the highest point of the day.
A sweeping 15 km descent back to the coast. The road passes through Castellar and Gorbio with the sea coming into view long before you reach it. Fast, smooth and a fitting end to the loop.
Gallery
On the Road
Menton Cols Loop — Map & Elevation
Key Climbs
Tips & Local Knowledge
- Cross into Italy after 3km — bring your passport
- Follow the old road alongside the river rather than the 3km tunnel
- Stop at the 14th-century bridge in Sospel — it doubled as the tourist office after WWII restoration
- Col de Castillon has appeared 5 times in the Tour de France, most recently in 1952
- Lunch stop in Sospel — Le Picoun serves excellent pizza and local food in the heart of this charming mountain village. Check opening hours before your ride: https://maps.app.goo.gl/f5eGvitYyGPCAjKB7
- Based in Nice? This route is easily rideable from Nice — add ~30km each way along the coast via the Corniche roads
Rider Reviews
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Passionate road cyclist and founder of CyclingRoutes.cc. Always hunting for the perfect asphalt and the best coffee stops.
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Route Details
For cyclists with some experience. Noticeable climbs requiring fitness.