Peillle via Col d’Eze // Classic climb

Distance Nice - Peille/return: 70 km
Climb: 900 m+
​Main routes: Grande Corniche (M2564) and D53 from La Turbie
Close to: Col de la Madone, L’Escarène, Monaco
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Tip: If you want to try a true hairpin climb, cycle through Peille to La Grave and climb back up to Peille via one of the famous climbs of the region.

Peille is one of my favourite spots to visit for a few hours' bike ride out of Nice! A hidden gem in les Alpes Maritimes this village is definitely worth the climb either via Col d'Eze from Nice or via the North Eastern flat roads out of Nice through La Trinité and Drap and climbing the epic climb to Peille from la Grave de Peille.

If you want to follow the beautiful coastal climb you can either follow the route of Col d'Eze or head to La Turbie via the more moderate Moyenne Corniche. Either way, you will pass through La Turbie from where you need to find the road to Peille. It is easy: Just turn left when you see a road going uphill right after the "village center" = the square with restaurants!

On your right handside you can look down on the towers of Monaco, however you want to look up to see the pretty trees along the road. When you pass the road towards Monaco Golf Club, you follow the hairpin turn up left - we are cycling, not golfing after all!! :-)

Keep following this road untill you reach Peille and enjoy the magnificent view in to the Alpes-Maritimes. It is one of these landscapes​ that you never tire of.

Once you are in Peille, you can have a coffee and crêpe in one of the small cafés in the village. Follow the small street signs - you must enter the small roads going through the medieval town. Every weekend you can also grab lunch in the restaurant in the middle of the village that offers a great view from the tables inside.

Col de la Madone de Peille
If you are up for a bit more climbing and beautiful views, follow the road towards St. Agnes that you pass on your way from la Turbie to Peille. It is a 5 km moderate climb from here to the famous Col de la Madone. Continue on the other side down to Menton and go back to Nice via the coast road through Monaco - or return the same way that you came for a descend on more quiet roads.

Happy Cycling!

Tina Baltzer
​Lifesparkz Bike Tours