La Madone, Nice, Col de Eze, and Grand corniche from Menton

Leaving Menton, the road points uphill immediately toward Col de la Madone, a sustained opening effort that sets the tone for the day. There is no gentle introduction here, just a steady climb that gains height quickly before the route tips into rolling terrain across Peille and toward Col de Chateauneuf from Contes. The rhythm becomes more irregular through Falcon and into Niza, mixing short climbs with fast valley sections.

From Nice the road rises again to Col d Eze, offering open Mediterranean views before joining the Grand Corniche for a sweeping coastal return. The final stretch back toward Menton feels elevated and exposed, with constant sea views that contrast sharply with the inland climbs earlier in the ride, giving the day a clear mountain to Riviera narrative.