Col de la Madone by bike: a guide to the climb from Monaco

Published figures vary with the starting point: from about 13 to 15 km and 6.7 to 7 % on average. They are given here as an indication.

What is the Col de la Madone?

The Col de la Madone, also known as the Col de la Madone de Gorbio, is a mountain pass above Menton in the Alpes-Maritimes, a few kilometres from Monaco. It is reached by the D22 road through Sainte-Agnès and is ridden mainly as a road climb from the coast.

Its reputation comes from professional cycling. Lance Armstrong used it as a reference test before the Tour de France. Many professionals living in Monaco still train on it, which gives the climb a status far beyond its altitude.

The climb, section by section

The Col de la Madone is best understood in three parts: a steep, winding start above Menton, a long middle section towards Sainte-Agnès, and a rougher, more exposed finish to the summit.

The road above Sainte-Agnès is narrow and its surface can be uneven, with loose gravel in places. Take care on the way down.

The start: Menton and the first ramps

The climb starts almost at sea level in Menton and gains height immediately. The first kilometres are among the steepest of the whole ascent, with a series of hairpins above the town. Riders who start too fast here usually pay for it in the second half.

There are two common starting points. Lance Armstrong's reference start was at Les Castagnins, on the edge of Menton; many riders simply start from the seafront, which adds a little distance.

The middle: Sainte-Agnès

The middle section is the most regular part of the Madone, climbing towards the perched village of Sainte-Agnès with the Mediterranean opening up below. This is where a sustainable rhythm matters most. Sainte-Agnès, reached by a short detour, is the main village on the way.

The finish: towards the summit

Above Sainte-Agnès the road narrows, passes through short rock tunnels and becomes rougher. The gradient is irregular, with a final steep pitch before the summit, marked by a memorial and radio antennas. On a clear day the view reaches from the sea to the mountains of the Mercantour.

Photographed on a Stajvelo ride up the Col de la Madone.

When to ride the Col de la Madone

The Col de la Madone can be ridden all year, which is one reason professionals train on it in winter. Its exposed, south-facing slopes make the season and the time of day more important than on most climbs.

• Autumn and winterQuiet roads and clear light. Pack a windproof layer for the descent, which is long and can feel cold even on a sunny day.
• SpringOften the most pleasant season, with mild temperatures and good visibility.
• SummerStart at sunrise. There is very little shade, and the rock reflects the heat long before midday.

In every season, carry enough water from Menton. Two bottles are a sensible minimum from late spring to early autumn.

Gearing, tyres and bike set-up

The Col de la Madone is ridden on a road bike, and the main set-up choice is gearing. With an average close to 7 % and steeper ramps, a low gear lets you keep a comfortable cadence instead of grinding.

• GearingMost amateur riders are more comfortable with a compact or sub-compact chainset and a wide-range cassette. Keep at least one easy gear in reserve for the final ramps.
• TyresRoad tyres of 28 to 32 mm suit the climb and give extra comfort and grip on the rougher upper section and the descent.
• BrakesCheck pads and brake feel before the ride. The descent is long and technical in places.
• PositionA comfortable, well-adjusted position matters more than aerodynamics on a climb of this length.

For more on how width affects comfort and grip, read our guide to choosing tyre width for a Gravel or All-Road bike. Before a long climbing day, our bike maintenance guide lists the checks worth doing.

Can you ride the Madone on an electric bike?

Yes. An electric road bike is a natural way to discover the Madone at a relaxed pace or to ride it with stronger friends. The assistance does not remove the effort; it reduces it, so the rider still pedals the whole way. Battery range should be checked against the full ride, including the approach from Monaco and the descent.

Riding the Col de la Madone from Monaco

From Monaco, the Col de la Madone makes a classic half-day road ride. The simplest option is to follow the coast to Menton, climb the Madone and return the same way, a ride of roughly 45 to 50 km in total.

1. Monaco to MentonFollow the coast road east through Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, about 10 km of easy riding to warm up.
2. The climbFrom Menton, take the D22 towards Sainte-Agnès and climb to the summit.
3. The returnDescend carefully to Menton and ride back along the coast, or continue over the col towards Peille and come back to Monaco via La Turbie, a longer route with more climbing.

Our guide to cycling Monaco and the French Riviera covers other climbs nearby, including the Col d'Èze and La Turbie, which are good preparation for the Madone.

Practical tips for the climb

A few simple precautions make the Col de la Madone safer and more enjoyable, whatever your level.

• PacingRide the first kilometres conservatively. The climb is long and the steepest ramps come early.
• Water and foodLeave Menton with full bottles and something to eat. Supplies on the climb are limited.
• DescentExpect a narrow road, blind bends and gravel in places on the upper section. Keep your speed under control.
• TrafficTraffic is generally light above Menton, but cars and other riders use the same narrow road. Ride single file.
• Repair kitCarry a spare tube or plugs, a pump or CO₂, tyre levers and a multi-tool.

Frequently asked questions