Col de Braus and back via the coast

Starting from Menton, this ride has a clear double personality. The first part hugs the coastline into Ventimiglia with open sea views and a Riviera feel before turning inland up the Roya valley, where the landscape tightens and the road begins to climb into quieter mountain terrain. Crossing back into France toward Sospel, the shift from coast to alpine setting feels complete as you begin the ascent of Col de Braus from its eastern side.

Riding Braus this way carries a special reward: descending the iconic western face, where perfectly stacked hairpins drop dramatically toward the valley below. After returning toward Nice, the route finishes along the coast past Monaco, bringing the sea back into view and closing the loop with the same Riviera brightness that opened the day.