Road Cycling Routes near Vence

The long Cheiron Loop

122.4 km • 2559 m • Epic

The Cheiron Loop

91.2 km • 1948 m • Hard

Col de Vence and the Var river valley loop from Nice

127.6 km • 2201 m • Hard

Leaving Niza along the coast toward Cagnes-sur-Mer, this route eases you into the day before the road begins its gradual rise inland toward Vence. The climb of Col de Vence is steady and rhythmic, offering wide views across the Var valley and a more open, rolling mountain feel than the tighter coastal ascents. From there the character shifts into quieter countryside roads through Bouyon and down toward Saint-Martin-du-Var, before entering the Vésubie valley and climbing again toward Duranus. The final return via Saint-Blaise and Aspremont keeps the terrain rolling and traditional, finishing with elevated views back toward the coast. It is a long, varied loop that blends sea level riding, steady climbing and quiet inland roads into one coherent day.

Col de Sant Marc from Vence

111.1 km • 1937 m • Hard

This loop begins by holding a steady line above the Var valley, rolling along elevated roads toward Pont Charles-Albert before turning inland. The scenery shifts quickly as you join the balcony roads of the Estéron, with open views across limestone ridges and deep valleys. The terrain here is undulating rather than steep, but it gradually pulls you further into quieter countryside. From Bouyon the climb of Col Saint Marc adds a more focused effort in a calm, rural setting. The return over Col de Vence brings a smooth, flowing descent back toward Vence, finishing a varied route that mixes scenic balcony roads with steady inland climbing.

Coastal loop to Cannes

76.8 km • 818 m • Moderate

This ride feels lighter and more relaxed than the deeper mountain loops, beginning with a smooth descent toward the sea before tracing the coastline west toward Cannes. The rhythm is steady and open, with long stretches beside the water and that unmistakable Riviera brightness that makes the kilometres pass easily. From Cannes the road turns gently inland, climbing at a manageable pace through the hills above the coast and passing near Grasse before returning via the Loup valley. The final section feels greener and more sheltered, closing the loop with a calm inland character that contrasts nicely with the open coastal start.