FFC cycling route no. 23: La Boucle de Sospel

The route starts from the square on Avenue Philippe Corniglion (RM 69) heading towards Nice. Once you have crossed the bridge over the Vésubie river, at the junction with the M2565 (Km 1.6) turn right towards Lantosque on the RM 2565. At Km 4.1 follow the RM 2565 to the left towards Loda, the road passes under the village of Lantosque. At the junction with the RM 73, take this road towards Loda. From here the Col de la Porte begins, over 13 km long with a short descent after Loda before tackling the real difficulty with slopes of 10% without stopping for 7 km. After the Col de la Porte (1057m), on a flat area, you reach the Col Saint-Roch and the junction with Peira-Cava by taking the RD 2566. At km 26.1, the route reaches the Baisse de la Cabanette after a number of 12% gradients. At this junction, turn right onto the RD 21 towards Lucéram. On the descent to the Pas de l'Escous, at Km 31.2 turn left onto the RD54 towards Sospel- Col de Braus. This road, in the middle of a larch forest, passes over the Col de l'Orme and the Col de l'Ablé without difficulty. From here, a gentle descent leads to the summit of the Col de Braus. The route follows the RD2204 towards Sospel, the start of the ascent to the Col de Turini: RD 2256 (towards Moulinet). The pass is 24 km long, and the first part as far as Moulinet is considered easy and rolling. On leaving the village, along the Bévéra in the shade of the larches, the gradient rises a little more, and the last 12 km are no more difficult, with regular gradients of 7 and 8%. The hairpin bends on the way up are particularly enjoyable. At the top of the Col de Turini (1604 m), head back down towards La Bollène Vésubie on the RM 70. When you reach the Vésubie valley, turn right onto the RM 2565 to return to the starting point at Roquebillière.

-Wear an approved helmet

-Check the condition of your tyres

-Take a repair kit with you in case of a puncture

-Prefer at least one flashing LED light to be fixed to the seatpost so that you can be seen by other motorists.

- Don't overestimate your abilities

-Find out about mountain weather conditions before you set off

-Remember to carry identification and a number to call in case of danger

-Respect the environment and other road users

Nice is served by the A8 "La Provençale" motorway, coming from Aix-en-Provence to the west and from the border to the east.

To reach the starting point, take :

Exit 52: Saint-Isidore

Take the RM 6202 towards Digne

After Plan-du-Var

Take the M2565 - Vallée de la Vésubie (55 km / 1h10) ( http://www.vesubian.com/roquebilliere/OT-ROQUEBILLIERE/acces_roquebilliere.html )

To find out more about our destination, visit the Tourist Office website

Cycle circuit for experienced cyclists - FFC colour: Black