The Col de la Madone starts in Menton, and is 13.3km long and you climb 920 heightmeters, up to 927m.

Why Cycle Côte d'Azur loves the Col de la Madone

This climb is famous because of the pros who use it to test their fitness, and it epic even for them. If you do one climb in the region this is the one to do! It starts right down on the coast in Menton, on the Italian border, the first half of the climb is up to Ste Agnes, a small perched village, is the most spectacular as you climb up away from the sea giving you magnificent views of the Côte d’Azur coastline. After Ste Agnes the road becomes narrower, more barren and desolate and a bit rougher too.  It seems never ending and it’s a real achievement to reach the summit.  It’s a shame someone stole the sign though! You don’t need to spend much time up at the top as the descent is an awesome recovery. If you feel up for a challenge, start your clock at the bottom and try to beat the one-hour barrier!