Col de la Madone – View of Cap Martin loop from Monaco - Monte Carlo

Mountain biking trails

France

Provence-Alpes-Côte D'Azur

Provence

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Nice

Beausoleil

Col de la Madone – View of Cap Martin loop from Monaco - Monte Carlo

Hard

4.5

(4)

riders

Col de la Madone – View of Cap Martin loop from Monaco - Monte Carlo

03:43

47.0km

1,170m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 26, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 1.30 km for 122 m

After 1.49 km for 145 m

After 35.3 km for 238 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

14.2 km

Route du Col de la Madone

Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass

17.8 km

Famed as a training hill, exactly where the pros commence their battle with the clock on the ‘classic’ start is a constant cause of debate. Regardless of how long it takes, a successful summit is rewarded with a view towards Peille and the higher mountains with Madone being a gateway Col that unlocks the door to a whole host of other climbs and routes in the Alpes Maritimes.

Col de la Madone is part of our Montagnes à la Carte series, head over to bit.ly/3BmcclB and claim your badge if you rode this classic.

Tip by

19.6 km

Viewpoint

23.7 km

Belvedere Sainte-Agnès

Highlight • Monument

Fort de Saint Agnès, military structure between 1932 and 1938.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

33.9 km

Promenade du Soleil, Menton

Highlight • Trail

The promenade by bike or on foot or walking is very nice. Many small beach bars invite you to linger. But the old town with its small narrow streets is also worth seeing. You can feel the French flair and lightness of being

Translated by Google •

Tip by

34.8 km

Menton

Highlight • Settlement

35.3 km

Basilica of Saint Michael.

Highlight • Religious Site

Superb Saint Michel Basilica in Menton.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

35.9 km

Menton Town Hall

Highlight • Monument

The Town Hall of Menton, located in the south of France on the Côte d'Azur, is a historical and cultural monument with some special features:

1. **Architecture and Location**:
The building, known as the *Hôtel de Ville*, was completed in 1901 in a typical Belle Époque style, which is common in this region of France. The building reflects the grandeur of that time with decorative facades and elegant ornaments. The location of the town hall is special, because Menton itself is on the Italian border and shows a mix of French and Italian influences in its architecture.

2. **The Salle des Mariages**:
One of the most remarkable parts of the town hall is the "Salle des Mariages" (Wedding Hall). This hall was decorated in 1957 by the famous French artist *Jean Cocteau*, who himself had a special connection with Menton. Cocteau’s murals are colourful and have a mythical and romantic feel, making the venue particularly popular with couples who want to get married. The paintings depict symbolic images, such as Cupid, the guardian angel of love.

3. **Jean Cocteau’s legacy**:
Jean Cocteau had a profound artistic influence on Menton, not only in the Town Hall, but also in other parts of the city, such as the Jean Cocteau Museum. However, his decorations in the Town Hall are among his most personal and iconic works, making it an important cultural monument.

4. **Historical Interest**:
Menton’s Town Hall plays a crucial role in the history of the city, which was strategically important due to its location between France and Italy. Menton once belonged to the principality of Monaco, but eventually became a French city in 1861. This historical context contributes to the unique charm of the Town Hall and the city itself.

The Menton Town Hall thus combines both artistic and historical value and is a symbol of the cultural wealth of this border town.

Translated by Google •

Tip by