recommended route
Climb of the Col de la Couillole
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Road cyclists - view of the village of RoubionPhoto: Metropole Nice Côte d'Azur
It's a long climb of 15.7 km with 1170 m of elevation gain at about 7.5%! A figure that indicates a big effort will be needed. Indeed, the slope never drops below 7% and reaches up to 8.5% for the final 1.3 km!
The Col de la Couillole is part of the mythical history of the Tour de France. Indeed, it was climbed during the legendary stage of the Tour in 1975 between Nice and Pra Loup. After climbing the Col de la Couillole, then the Champs and Allos passes, Bernard Thévenet defeated the 'Cannibal,' Eddy Merckx, in the final of Pra Loup.
The pass was also the stage finish for the 7th stage of Paris-Nice 2017, won by Richie Porte.
Author’s recommendation
All outdoor activities of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis are on https://outdoor.nicecotedazur.org
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
BASIC RULES
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Choose a pass climb suitable for your physical condition, do not overestimate your abilities
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Check mountain weather and pass openings before departure
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Remember to carry an ID and an emergency phone number
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Respect the environment
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Control your speed during the descent
Tips and suggestions
All outdoor activities of the Nice Côte d'Azur Metropolis are on https://outdoor.nicecotedazur.org
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Find the bus lines at : https://www.lignesdazur.com
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Nice and its Metropolis is served by the A8 motorway "La Provençale", coming from Aix-en-Provence to the West and from the border to the East.
To reach Saint-Sauveur sur Tinée:
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Exit n°52: Saint-Isidore
Then the RM 60202 towards Digne
At the pont de la Mescla, in the gorges of the same name, take the RM 2205 road to the Tinée towards Saint-Sauveur sur Tinée
At the village exit take the RM 30 towards Roure – Col de la Couillole
Parking
A few spaces are available near the panoramic departure point of the bike loops of the Metropolis on the edge of the RM 2205. However, prioritize parking below the RM 2205, on the banks of the Tinée, in the direction of the gendarmerie
Coordinates
Equipment
-Wear an approved helmet
-Monitor the condition of your tires
-Carry a repair kit in case of a puncture
-Prefer at least one blinking LED light to attach to the seat post to be seen by motorists, especially in the small tunnels on the climb;
- Remember to take a windbreaker or raincoat for the descent of the pass
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Questions and answers
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