33
PDI
13.4 mi
DISTANCE
5,019 ft
GAINED
7.1 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
Page Contributor(s): Lisa Irizarry and Matthew Jiang, NY, NY; Mathieu Mathieu, Saint-Denis, Saint Denis, Réunion.
INTRO
Col de Turini is one of the most famous mountain passes in France - not primarily for cycling, but for its starring role in the Monte Carlo Rally, where its hairpins have decided World Rally Championship outcomes for decades. By bike, the climb covers 13.4 miles and 5,019 feet of gain at an average 7.1% grade, starting in the Vesubie valley below La Bollene-Vesubie and finishing not at the col itself but beyond it, at La Forca, adding extra distance and elevation to an already serious Alpine outing.
The defining feature is the string of 34 numbered hairpins that carry the road up through dense forest before opening onto more exposed switchbacks near the top - the same corners rally cars have been sliding through since the rally's early runnings in the 1910s-20s. The steepest full kilometer of the ride averages nearly 10%, concentrated in the middle third of the climb, so pace yourself through the trees before the grade eases into the final approach to the pass.
Once at the col, the road continues on to La Forca rather than stopping at the summit sign, so riders get a second, quieter finish beyond the crowds and rally memorabilia at the top. Currently ranked #228 in the world by PJAMM's difficulty index, Turini is a serious effort but a manageable one for a fit cyclist, and it's paved and open to bikes year-round, weather permitting.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
We've partnered with Sherpa-Map.com to bring you the best route planning tool. With a PRO Membership you can use this climb as a reference when creating your route. Average grade for Col de Turini + La Forca is 7.1% over 13.4 miles. The lower few miles out of the Vesubie valley ease in around 6-7% as you warm up through the first hairpins, then the grade holds a steady, sustained 8-9% through the heart of the switchbacks - the steepest full kilometer touches 9.8%, and the steepest single 100 yards spikes to 11% - before flattening toward the col and the short final push out to La Forca.
Roadway: The road is paved the entire way from the Vesubie valley to Col de Turini and on to La Forca, and it's open to cycling year-round - conditions are generally excellent, since this is also the road used for the Monte Carlo Rally and gets regular winter maintenance. Some sections in the forested middle stretch can be shaded and slick after rain or overnight frost in the shoulder seasons, so check conditions before an early spring or late-fall ride.
Traffic: Traffic is light to moderate for most of the year, picking up with tourist and motorsport traffic - motorcyclists in particular treat this as a pilgrimage road - through the summer months and again each January when the Monte Carlo Rally passes through, at which point the road closes to general traffic for the stage.
Parking: Some parking is available on the lower section of the D2565 near its junction with the M70, and there's a larger lot at the col itself next to the small hotels and restaurant - useful if you want to start partway up or just want a coffee before continuing on to La Forca.
There's no need for anything beyond a standard road setup - the entire route is paved. It's worth packing a light jacket regardless of the season; the summit sits above 5,000 feet and the forested middle section stays shaded and noticeably cooler than the valley floor. At the col itself, the small hotels and the Auberge du Turini serve food and drinks, so it's a good spot to refuel before finishing the extra distance out to La Forca.
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.
La Bollene-Vesubie, at the base of the climb, is a small mountain village with a handful of cafes and simple lodging, and makes a good overnight base for tackling Turini early before the summer heat and traffic build up. The Vesubie valley area is also home to other serious climbs, including the remote Col d'Andrion further down the valley near Roquebilliere - riders based here for a few days can see other climbs nearby with our Routes in the Area tool rather than driving back out after just one ascent. If you're chasing rally history, the small motorsport museum and memorabilia at the summit hotels are worth the stop, and the road continuing to La Forca gives you a quieter, less-touristed finish to end the day on.
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