Classic Cols of the Southern Alps
- Six days of spectacular cycling in the rugged and unspoilt Southern Alps
- Climb Tour de France Alpine cols: Cime de la Bonette, Col de Turini, Col de Vence, Col de la Cayolle, Col de la Madone, and many more - at your own pace!
- Flexible itinerary with a manageable Classic route plus plenty of optional extras for those looking for more of a challenge
- Discover why the pros favour cycling in the Alpes-Maritime for their training
- Comfortable and friendly hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Transfers from/to Nice airport with numerous direct flight options
- Excellent support from two customised support vans and two expert, proactive guides focused on making your holiday the best it can be
Days on the bike
Quote
The Marmot team delivered a superb service from the initial booking all the way through to the follow up post trip. The accommodation was good, the hire bike was great, the guides were fantastic and the routes blew my mind every day!
Introduction
Just inland from Nice, the Mediterranean Alps (Alpes-Maritime) are an idyllic playground for cyclists looking for quiet roads and a variety of both challenging and gentle climbs. Throw in spectacular and varied scenery, the Mediterranean climate, comfortable hotels, and the peerless support of the Marmot Tours team and this has to be the perfect road cycling holiday! This full-support itinerary explores the Mercantour National Park on a point-to-point journey which takes in many of the iconic climbs you'll know from the Tour de France.
The mountains where you'll be riding comprise a rugged landscape of deep gorges, sheer cliffs, oak & pine forests, and serene alpine pastures. Linking the remote villages is a network of roads that cling to the mountainside, gaining height with tightly stacked hairpins and gravity-defying feats of military engineering.
This is a stunning and iconic area for road cycling! We've crafted this itinerary so that there are two to three route options daily, depending on how much you want to push yourself. You can ride at your own pace, stopping for a break whenever you like. Our expert (and fun!) guides are there to support you as an individual, so there's no fear of holding others up or being held up by riders taking it more slowly. This is your holiday! We're passionate about helping you achieve your goals, and to help you have an unforgettable cycling experience. You can read more about the region and our adventures supporting Cyclist's Big Ride in their feature Summits and Switchbacks which you can find on our In the Press page.
For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included (evening meals on all nights for 2026)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Barcelonette, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in a variety of hotels chosen for their great cycling opportunitites. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth. We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
Departure Dates & Prices
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included transfers at set times of the day from Nice Airport (NCE) to our start hotel in Carros (25 min away), nestled in the hills of the Var Valley.
Those arriving early will have time to relax in the hotel grounds, with bar and swimming pool, or there is the option of going for a warm-up ride.
Once all bikes have been assembled, you'll have chance to meet your fellow riders and have a welcome briefing from your guides, before enjoying a great dinner!
Day 1: Day ride from Carros
Here we go! The Col de Vence (963m) is the perfect way to kick-start your week of cycling. The gradients are kind (6.5 to 7%) and the scenery is quite simply, incredible. From the col, mountain after mountain stretches before you into the distance - this is all yours to discover for the rest of the holiday!
As always on our flexible-pace cycling tours, we offer various route options, the most challenging of which takes you on a big loop of the Parc Naturel Régional des Préalpes d'Azur over the Col de Bleine (1440m).
Easier : 61 KM with 1150m ascent [ride profile]
Classic : 102 KM with 1420m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 128 KM with 2410m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Carros to Valberg
The impressive Gorges du Cians dominates today's ride. Hewn into the sheer burgundy cliffs is a famous balcony road, which snakes its way up to the ski resort of Valberg (1673m). En route, you'll pass waterfalls, deep ravines, and precariously placed natural rock sculptures. It is a truly memorable ride!
Our route options split at the start of the day. Those choosing our Classic route enjoy a descent to the valley road and follow the River Var to the base of the gorge. The Challenge option is to head over the Col de Vé Gautier (1093m) and the Col de Saint-Raphaël (876m) on another beautiful and tranquil road.
For those wanting even more of a challenge, you have the extra option of descending to Guillaumes and climbing back up the Col de Valberg (1670m) at the end of the day.
Classic : 67 KM with 1500m ascent [ride profile]
Harder : 28 KM with 900m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 96 KM with 2600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Valberg to Barcelonnette
We start the day with a wonderful descent to Guillaumes at the head of the Gorges de Daluis. From here the only way is up, as we follow the river Var towards its mountainous source. After 33 km of spectacular riding you arrive at the Col de la Cayolle (2327m), where your efforts are rewarded with some stunning mountain vistas. This is a truly incredible ride and a firm favourite with many of our previous cyclists.
The descent to the lively mountain town of Barcelonnette (where we spend the night) is a delight. Here you can decide to either retire gracefully or head out for more cycling in the form of the spectacular Col d'Allos (2247m).
**NEW FOR 2027 TOURS:** Tonight's dinner is not included, giving you the opportunity to try out some of the fine restaurants in town.
Classic : 77 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 112 KM with 2700m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Barcelonnette to Auron
The gravity-defying road to the Cime de la Bonette (2802m) was built in the 1930s as part of the Maginot line military fortifications along the French-Italian border. Cyclists get to fully appreciate this magnificent bit of road building into the remote mountains, with only the occasional crumbling concrete gunning post deterring from its natural beauty. The actual Col de la Bonette (2717m) has been cut out of the narrow ridge, providing a handy short cut for those who can't face the final gradients!
The descent to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée is a treat. All that remains is a final push to the ski station of Auron (1610m).
Today's optional extra takes you up the very narrow, remote, and challenging Col de la Moutière (2452m), which in places is not much more than a surfaced farm track. It's a wonderful climb, nonetheless.
Classic : 65 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 93 KM with 3100m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Auron to Col de Turini
Today is the most challenging day of the holiday, but despite this, we start with a nice 37 km descent into the gorge of the river Tinée. From here you'll climb abruptly up the valley side to the Col Saint Martin (1502m).
A sweeping descent lines us up for the main event and one of the highlights of the week - climbing the Col de Turini (1605m). Etched into the mountainside, this road was made famous by the Monte Carlo Rally, which enjoys its endless, well-graded hairpin bends. Naturally, it's also great on two wheels and is a favourite of many of the pros, who frequently train in this area. Our hotel is on the top of the climb - the thought of a cool beer on the hotel terrace might motivate you for the final push!
Today's optional extra is early in the day and takes the form of the pretty brutal but no less stunning Col de la Lombarde (2347m).
Classic : 89 KM with 2050m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 131 KM with 3600m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Col de Turini to Nice
We end this week of world-class cycling in the city of Nice, where our 4* hotel is within easy walking distance of the Vieux Port and the Café du Cycliste retail haven.
We start the day with a rollercoaster descent down the Turini, although there is the option of first cycling the Circuit de l’Authion (2016m). This is a noose-shaped loop around the mountainside on a narrow military road which is favoured by many of the pros (we supported Cyclist with theirBig Rideof this climb in November 2017). This lines you up nicely for the Col de Braus (1005m). The climb itself is not extraordinary, but the descent down a series of tightly stacked hairpins is truly epic!
The climbs keep coming today and the next is the Col de Saint-Pancrace (673m). For those of you wanting even more of a challenge, you can continue to the Col de la Madone (927m). Descending to La Turbie, we pick up a high balcony road that snakes along the coastal mountains with spectacular views of the Mediterranean below. Known for the time trial on the Paris-Nice Classic (known as the ‘Race to the Sun’), the Col d’Èze (507m), is a fantastic finale to an incredible week of cycling.
Classic : 86 KM with 1200m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge : 110 KM with 2000m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
No doubt your legs will be relieved that it's time for home! We offer transfers at set times during the day to Nice Airport (NCE), a journey of approx. 20 min.
We're sure your memories of a glorious week's cycling in the Southern Alps will last a lifetime.
✓ Included in your Holiday cost:
- 6 days of stunning cycling with route options daily
- Detailed GPS route files provided for all route options
- On-the-road support from two friendly and knowledgable guides both in customised support vehicles
- Water and unlimited snacks (fruit, cake, nuts, snack bars etc) at support stops
- 7 nights twin-share hotel accommodation including breakfasts
- 6 three-course evening meals, with wine, beer or soft drinks included (evening meals on all nights for 2026)
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days at specified times
- Our photos of you and your holiday, shared with you after the trip
- Tips paid to evening meal restaurant staff on behalf of the group
- Your money financially protected by ABTOT
- Added consumer confidence and support via our ABTA membership
+ Optional extras subject to availability for a supplementary cost:
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Your own single-occupancy hotel room for the whole trip
- BOOKED IN ADVANCE: Hire bike - titanium frame with hi spec components, safety checked by your guides each day
- ON-TRIP: Spare bike tyres, tubes and components in case you need them in an emergency
- ON-TRIP: CO2 canisters to borrow (and pay for if you use them)
- Marmot Tours x Stolen Goat cycling kit available exclusively from our online shop
×Not included in your Holiday cost:
- Flights to and from the destination airport
- Insurance for you and your own bike. See FAQs for detail
- Spending money for lunches and cafe drinks during the day. We encourage you to support local businesses
- Dinner on one night in Barcelonette, so that you are free to explore the local restaurants
- Tips for your guides
- Energy gels, powders, or recovery drinks/snacks (please bring your personal favourites with you)
- Spare parts specific to your own bike, definitely bring your own spare hanger! See Essential Info
- GPS navigation device and handlebar mount
- Bike lights (whether hiring or bringing your own bike)
- HIRING A BIKE: Bring your own pedals (saddles are provided but we recommend you bring your own to be comfortable)
Weather
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
Fitness
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
Hotels
We stay in a variety of hotels chosen for their great cycling opportunitites. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth. We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
Dietary requirements
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Despite endless perseverance from us, some hotels still struggle at times to accommodate specific diets. It is possible you’ll encounter some repetitive dishes across the week.
Timings
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Lifts in the van
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
Carbon wheels
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
Bike spares
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
-
bike lights
-
a pump
-
tyre levers
-
inner tubes
-
brake pads
-
a chain link
-
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench).
See FAQS for more detail.
Travel documents
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
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