Col de la Madone

Climbing straight out of Menton, this ascent builds gradually before settling into a long, steady rhythm that rewards controlled pacing. The road narrows as it rises through woodland and scattered houses, and the effort feels sustained rather than explosive. It is a climb that encourages you to lock into tempo and hold it.

Higher up the views open toward the Mediterranean and the Italian border. The atmosphere is quieter than on the more tourist driven roads nearby.

For riders in the area this climb is often used a benchmark and a place to test their legs.