Col de la Madone Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

16.8
PDI
9 mi
DISTANCE
2,946 ft
GAINED
6.2 %
AVG. GRADE

FULL CLIMB STATS

Page Contributor(s): Ian Dennis, Occidental, CA, USA; Lisa Irizarry and Matt Jiang, NY, NY

INTRO

You have some gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea as you ride up this little used roadway. This climb was made semi-famous as a training climb for Lance Armstrong when he lived in Nice and apparently was also used by Chris Froome and Richie Port.  We ride from the Mediterranean Sea along a very windy road with several big hairpins to the top where we can look down 1000 meters to the Mediterranean Sea below.  It is of note that nearly all the Google Reviews of the Col are from cyclists (Google Map + Reviews). 
Average grade is 6.2% (6.5% climb only - eliminating a brief descent beginning at kilometer 11.4).  60% of the climb is in the 5-10% range and 8% is at 10-15%.  The steepest 500 meters is 11.3% and steepest kilometer 10%.

See more details and tools regarding this climb's grade via the “Profile Tool” button.
Roadway:  Two lane road most of the climb in very good condition.  The road does narrow over the last 2-3 kilometers. 

Traffic:  Mild

Parking:  There is some public parking near the start of the climb, but get here before business hours because Menton where the climb begins is a tourist center (MapStreet View). 
Provisions:  There are several locations on the first half of the climb to get food and beverages. 
Before heading out on any cycling adventure check out our Things to Bring on a Cycling Trip and use our interactive check list to ensure you don't forget anything.
Use the “Routes in Area” button on the menu bar to see other bike climbs in this area. 

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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Col de la Madone

Ride 14.4 kilometers gaining 898 meters at 6.2% average grade.

The Col de la Madone is a climb located in the Alpes-Maritimes region near Nice and Menton, France. It's a famous test climb in the cycling world, especially because many professional cyclists, including several Tour de France champions, have used it as a benchmark to test their form.  It has been featured in the Tour de France 4 times between 1948 and 2023 as of 2023.  It was also featured in the monument race Paris-Nice in 2019 and 2022.

As you ascend, you're rewarded with increasingly impressive views of the Mediterranean Sea and the city of Menton below. The climb is draped in typical Mediterranean vegetation and, in the higher parts, you'll encounter beautiful forests.

Thank you Lisa and Matt.