Our bike ride between Nice and Monaco

Everything we had read about cycling from Nice to Monaco in summer said don’t do it as it will be very busy and not pleasant. This was a ride we really wanted to do, as it looked awesome and what would be better than cycling along the Mediterranean coast line. We ignored the advice and set off, reasonably early in the morning, and were not disappointed. Overall the road was not too busy and we had no problems with traffic along the way. The views over the coast were amazing and we recommend the ride to anyone who wishes to do it.

While there are no significant climbs along the route, the road is definitely lumpy and there are some steeper gradients along the way. The route passes through a number of towns and villages along the way and we stopped on the way back for a coffee and french pastry. Getting into Monaco was a little tricky as we had to negotiate a tunnel and a couple of intersections. Thankfully, it was only a short distance and the traffic gave us plenty of room.

Motor yachts in the harbour in Monaco

The majority of the cycling is on-road for this route and we would suggest it is more suitable for those who are comfortable with cycling on the road with traffic around. We would also recommend using some form of navigation as there are a good few intersections to negotiate along the way and few signs.

The distance of the route we cycled between Nice and Monaco is just over 21km making te return trip around 43km depending on where you start in Nice. There is 927m of climbing over the length of the route and, unlike the route to Cannes in the other direction, far from flat.

We do highly recommend doing this ride early in the morning if you are visiting in the peak months of July and August. One thing we have learned about France is that the early morning is the quietest time on the roads before everyone gets going for the day. Traffic and crowds build up over the course of the day and into the evening so the morning is the best time.

Suggested cycling route

Quick Stats

Distance: 44km / 27.5mi
Start elevation: 0m / 0ft
Max elevation: 196m / 642ft
Metres climbed: 927m / 3,043ft
Metres descended: 927m / 3,043ft
Categorised climbs: 0

Food and water

You can refuel with food and water at multiple spots along this route. We’d recommend starting off with a coffee at Café du Cycliste at the port in Nice and then refueling in Monaco.

Highlights

  • The scenery on this stretch of coastal road is breathtaking.
  • Luxury surrounds you once you reach Monaco – if you want you can even sprint down the finishing straight of the Monaco Grand Prix!
An arial view of the harbour in Nice
The old harbour in Nice
A view of the coast between Nice and Monaco
Cycling between Nice and Monaco has some great views over the ocean

Route details

Discover our comprehensive guide to Cycling in Nice

Cycling from Nice to Monaco is just one of many great cycling routes you can enjoy whilst you holiday in Nice. This area of the Alpes Maritimes is very popular with cyclists year-round owing to the great weather and variety of terrain on offer.

If you are not familiar with this region then, our comprehensive guide will help you plan everything you need for your cycling holiday. The guide includes information such as:

  • a map of the Alpes Maritimes with climbs and towns marked
  • where to base yourself whilst on your cycling holiday
  • cycling hotels and lodges
  • bike hire outlets
  • getting to and from Nice
  • non-cycling attractions and activities in the region

Author

Stephen

Stephen is an avid cycling enthusiast who enjoys various forms of cycling, including road cycling, cycle touring, mountain biking, and gravel riding. For more than a decade, he has been travelling to France for cycling holidays and has recently settled in the French Pyrenees. Having extensive experience in travelling with his bike, Stephen has learned how to navigate the logistics of transporting bikes via planes, trains, cars, and shipping methods.