Route de Thiéry is a balcony road to Col de la Madone
France, europe
13.8 km
1,165 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for the Col de la Madone! This legendary pass is nestled high in the Alpes-Maritimes of southeastern France, clocking in at 1,165m (3,822ft). Think Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, only way up in the mountains!
Get ready for 13.8 km (8.57 miles) of pure driving bliss (and maybe a little terror). We're talking the D226, also known as Route de Thiéry, snaking its way from Villars-sur-Var to Thiéry. This isn't just any road; it's one of those incredible "balcony roads" clinging to the cliffside.
Expect hairpin turns galore, teeny bridges, and sections so narrow you'll be holding your breath, praying you don't meet anything coming the other way. Reversing skills? You'll need 'em! The road is STEEP, with gradients maxing out at 16% in places. The average gradient is 6.5%, with a total climb of 903 meters from Villars-sur-Var, so beginner cyclists beware!
But the views? Absolutely unreal. The road mostly follows the Riou Blanc river, offering stunning scenery as you climb. All told, plan for about 30 minutes of driving, not counting photo stops (and trust me, you'll want plenty). Just remember, these balcony roads are not for the faint of heart. One wrong move and... well, let's just say there's little room for error!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 13.8 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,165 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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