Nice tops the list as one of Europes most iconic cycling destinations. This coastal town has been thescene of many a Tour de France stage finish and start, as well as hosting the Grand Dpart in 1981and 2020; a historic gateway between the Mediterranean coast and the great Alpine climbs of thisgrand tour. It offers the practical advantage of heading straight from the city centre into the nearbymountains, following quiet backroads, conquering legendary cols and sweeping descents that haveshaped our imagination of this magical destination for decades.And its not just the roads. Off-piste there are a host of gravel routes in Nice that take riders weavingthrough the forests of the Estrel Massif, up into rugged and rocky mountains, across ancient donkeytracks trodden in over centuries, and over some of the highest unpaved roads of the Cte dAzur.If youre in town for a European cycling holiday, this classic Nice cycling guide will help you getclipped in and riding the routes that have etched this city into cycling history.NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTESLEISURE NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO CAP DANTIBESThe ride from Nice to Cap dAntibes is a friendly first taste of cycling on the Cte dAzur, following thecoastline westbound and curving through the neighbourhoods of Cros de Cagnes, Le Lautin and LaFontonne. The route doesnt stray too far from sea level, giving you a close up of the local marinas,beaches and seaside towns, with long stretches of smooth road and open views across theMediterranean. Riders easing themselves into the area enjoy modest elevation and a relaxed pace;an ideal coastal loop if youve got first-day-in-the-saddle or recovery-ride energy, or youre simplylooking for a chance to experience the hum and sights of Nice road riding without kicking up into thehigher mountains inland.Nice to Cap dAntibes Route Info Distance: 75 km Elevation: 600 m Level: LeisureINTERMEDIATE NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO ZE & COL DE LA MADONEFrom the Eat Sleep Cycle Hub at the citys Port, this classic Nice cycling route heads east along thecoastline before turning inland, climbing steadily through the hillside villages that overlook the azureMed. The road above ze has long been a proving ground for professional cyclists, most famously asthe setting for the Col dze time trial, a traditional finishing stage of ParisNice. Beyond ze, theascent passes through the village of La Turbie and onto the Col de la Madone, a climb known for itsmanageable gradients, quiet tarmac and uninterrupted views back towards the coast. Its one thatdemands a steady effort rather than brute force, a great day-two spin and a first real taste of theclassic climbing that characterises cycling in and around Nice.Nice to ze & Col de la Madone Route Info Distance: 70 km Elevation: 1,500 m Level: IntermediateADVANCED NICE ROAD CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO COL DE BRAUS & COL DE TURINIOne of the regions great road rides; a long, demanding and beautiful route that carries riders deepinto the Maritime Alps. Leaving Nice, the road gradually kicks up through the Paillon Valley along theCol de Nice, before the energy changes at the foot of the Col de Braus, where percentages hit doubledigits at points on the tight switchbacks these foothills are known for. After descending into Sospel,theres a chance to grab lunch and coffee. Next up is a classic beast, the impressive Col de Turini,with more switchbacks and sudden exposure, gaining height quickly as the road twists towards the1,600 m summit, a frequent feature in the Tour de France. After that, its a gentle 50 km sweep backto Nice. Its a route that demands respect and careful pacing, but rewards effort with expansive viewsand a clear sense of just how far the roads above Nice can carry you.Nice to Col de Braus & Col de Turini Route Info Distance: 115 km Elevation: 2,700 m Level: AdvancedNICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTESLEISURE NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: NICE TO LA TURBIE & FORT DE LA REVREThis gentle gravel loop offers a quiet introduction to the citys surroundings, climbing gradually aboveNice into the wooded hills that sit between the coast and the high mountains. The route is a mix ofshort stretches of tarmac with wide gravel tracks, winding through Mediterranean forest and openclearings before reaching Fort de la Revre. From here, the views stretch across Monaco, Cap Ferratand the Med, just in case the pines make you forget youre on the Riviera. This is a non-technicalroute ideal for gentle exploration for newbie off-roaders or a calm and scenic rest-day spin. It will liftyou quite literally out of the bustle and into woodland for some serious perspective. Start or end at theEat Sleep Cycle Hub at 11 Quai des Deux Emmanuels at the Port for a ride-inspiring espresso or chatwith our staff.Nice to La Turbie & Fort de la Revre Route Info Distance: 30 km Elevation: 650 m Level: LeisureINTERMEDIATE NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: MONT FRION GRAVEL LOOPThe Mont Frion gravel cycling loop takes riders up inland from Nice into quieter, wooded terrain,trading coastal views for a sense of growing remoteness. Experienced roadies that have felt the thrillof a cols multiple switchbacks with relish in the satisfaction of the gravel equivalent. These tracks feelcut into the hills and ancient woodland, making the most of wide fire roads that wind past firs andoaks, with openings that reveal the valleys and ridgelines of the Maritime Alps. This is another 50-50tarmac-gravel ride, where the track is largely rideable throughout, (beware of the odd sandy section),but the sustained climb means this route requires more might than its shorter, coastal cousins. Aclassic Nice gravel route is there ever was one and a great balance between endurance and off-roading. Its a longer day in the saddle, so start out at the Port with a coffee at Eat Sleep Cycle orCaf du Cycliste before heading on your way.Mont Frion Gravel Loop Route Info Distance: 75 km Elevation: 1,900 m Level: IntermediateADVANCED NICE GRAVEL CYCLING ROUTE: VIA DEL SALEThe Via del Sale is one of the most ambitious Nice cycling gravel routes accessible from the Niceregion, tracing an old military and trading road high above the valleys on the border between Franceand Italy. This route requires some logistical planning as a short car journey is required to reach thestart point. But once youre clipped in, the following 100 km offer pure, unspoilt Alpine beauty. Thisroute is a mash-up of ancient donkey tracks, fire roads, ridgelines and switchbacks the ultimatecocktail of memory-making tracks experienced riders dream of. This is the pinnacle of gravel riding onthe Cte dAzur. It might be a few kilometres from the coast itself but if youre in Nice to ride, thisbeast is unmissable.Via del Sale Route Info Distance: 99 km Climbing: 2,800 m Level: AdvancedAny questions? Drop us a message or come and see us at our Eat Sleep Cycle Hub in Nice, at 11Quai des Deux Emmanuels, right on the Port, for a pre-spin espresso.The post Classic Nice Cycling Routes appeared first on Eat Sleep Cycle.