Can you do this route on a gravel or electric bike?

Yes, this route is perfectly suited to gravel and electrically-assisted bicycles (EABVs), with a profile that is generally smooth and not very technical (level S0). The military tracks and compacted roads make for steady progress in the Alpes Maritimes, even if the gradient remains significant. The VTTAE is a real plus when it comes to managing the climb up the cycle tourism passes from the Roya valley. All you need is a good range and suitable lighting for unlit tunnels.

What's the best time of year to cycle this military route?

The ideal period is from the end of May to October, when the cycle pass trails are clear and conditions are stable in the Alpes maritimes. Summer is pleasant for its long days and fully accessible mountain passes, while early autumn brings milder temperatures and calmer landscapes. In spring, some sections may still be wet or cool at altitude, and in winter the route is not recommended due to mountain conditions.

What are the best views on the route?

The best viewpoints are to be found on the way up to Colle Linaire and Basse di Sanson, where the cycle pass trails open out onto wide panoramas of the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Alps. There are uninterrupted views of the border ridges and valleys below. From the heights of Colle del Garezzo, you can look far and wide, with a fine view of Monte Saccarello and, on a clear day, a glimpse of the Ligurian Sea.

How difficult is the climb to Colle del Garezzo?

You don’t need to be a Tour de France climber to enjoy this route by bike! The climb up to Colle del Garezzo is intermediate level (S0), making it a good cycle-touring pass in the Alpes Maritimes for cyclists already used to the mountains. The terrain is generally rolling, with no strenuous technical sections, but the gradient does require you to manage your effort over time. The climb is mainly on compacted military tracks and a few tarmac sections, with regular but steady gradients. So it’s not a technical difficulty, but a physical climb, ideal for mountain bikes, gravel bikes or electric-assist bikes to get the most out of the route.

How long does it take to reach Colle del Garezzo?

Allow half a day to a full day, depending on your pace and ability, as this cycle-touring pass route in the Alpes Maritimes covers almost 30 km and has a substantial gradient. Trained cyclists can do it during the day in sporty mode, while a more leisurely approach allows you to take time out for breaks and enjoy the views. On a mountain bike, gravel or VTTAE, the time will vary according to how well you manage your effort on the climb and the terrain conditions on the compacted military tracks.

A mountain bike adventure from France to Italy

Route from La Brigue to Colle del Garezzo

A spectacular climb through Alpine valleys and military routes

Take to the skies on your bike, ride along former military roads and cross the Maritime Alps in the face of immense panoramas: that’s what awaits you on this RivierALP mountain bike route between La Brigue and Colle del Garezzo! This cycle-touring version of a pass climb follows large, accessible high-level trails, ideal for a gravel, mountain bike or electric-assist bike outing in the heart of the mountains between France and Italy.

From the Roya valley, the route climbs steadily through forests, switchbacks and Alpine passes to the panoramic ridges overlooking the Ligurian Alps. With its rugged landscapes, military tunnels carved into the rock and views that sometimes stretch as far as the sea, this bike tour is the perfect combination of adventure and accessibility!

See the gpx route

From La Brigue to Colle del Garezzo :MTB(AE) in figures

28.1 kilometres
⬆ 1,292 m D+ (6,790 ft)

⬇ 327 m D-

🚵 Mountain bike / gravel / cycle touring routes

🏔 Technical difficulty :

S0 (accessible to cyclists used to mountain passes)

Surface: 70% compacted military runway / 30% asphalt

Cycling and mountain biking in the Alpes maritimes A long climb between La Brigue, the Alpine passes and the military routes

As the starting point for this RivierALP mountain bike route, La Brigue immediately immerses you in the atmosphere of the Roya valley, in the heart of the Maritime Alps. This mountain village, marked by its history and Alpine character, opens the door to a gradual ascent to the border heights on one of the most beautiful cycle-touring pass routes between France and Italy.

The ascent to Colle del Garezzo is a gentle one, following the rhythm of the old military roads that wind their way up the slopes. These high-altitude tracks, once strategic for controlling the border, now offer an ideal playground for mountain biking and gravel, with wide paths and panoramic views of the Ligurian Alps and the Roya valley.

This RivierALP route embodies the link between France, Liguria and Piedmont, following these ancient mountain connections that have now been reinvented for cycle tourism. Despite the steep gradients, the route remains accessible to cyclists used to mountain biking, thanks to its gradual profile and generally smooth surface. A great way to discover the Alps by bike without any major technical difficulties!

Itinerary detailsFrom La Brigue to Colle del Garezzo by bike

StartTende

ArrivalMenton

Heritage and landscapes of the border Alps

Cycling in the footsteps of Alpine history

Clinging to the Roya valley, the village of La Brigue opens this RivierALP mountain bike route with a real mountain atmosphere. Here, the landscapes have been shaped by centuries of passage, transhumance and trade between the Alpine valleys.

Just a few kilometres from the start, the Notre-Dame des Fontaines chapel is a must-see. Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of the Alps”, it houses exceptional 15th-century frescoes that bear witness to the artistic and spiritual wealth of the valley. Higher up, the routes follow the traces of a strong military heritage, inherited from the Franco-Italian border, where forts, tunnels and old tracks still tell of the strategic role of these cycle passes.

Today, these former military roads have become genuine cycling and gravel routes, perfectly integrated into the Alpine landscape. Not forgetting the superb views of Monte Saccarello, the Ligurian Alps and the entire Roya valley!

An ideal route for gravel, mountain biking and mountain touring

Good news for amateur cyclists! This RivierALP mountain bike route has a generally rolling profile, with no major technical difficulties (level S0), making it a great gateway to mountain bike touring in the Alpes Maritimes. The main focus is on the gradient and the regularity of the climbs, rather than on the technical nature of the terrain.

The route alternates constantly between tarmac roads and compacted military tracks, typical of the old cycle-touring pass routes. This variety of surfaces means you can make smooth progress while enjoying the Alpine scenery. Effort management remains the key point, particularly on the long, steadily uphill sections.

This route is particularly well-suited to mountain bikers, gravel riders and electrically-assisted cyclists, who will be able to maximise their autonomy on the more demanding sections. It’s important to have good lighting for the route’s unlit tunnels, which are essential for safety. Lastly, the route can be completed as a day-long return trip for experienced cyclists, or as a more leisurely version with a break to take in the views.

Testimonial

“I wanted a real cycle-touring pass route without getting into anything too technically demanding, and La Brigue – Colle del Garezzo was a great surprise. As soon as you leave the village, you’re already in the mood: a quiet road, then very quickly military tracks that climb gently into the Roya valley.

What I really liked was the pace of the climb. It’s never brutal, but it never stops either. You alternate between asphalt and compact tracks, and the unexpected, slightly damp passages in the tunnels add a touch of adventure that I didn’t expect to find here. Reaching the heights of Colle del Garezzo, with views of the Ligurian Alps, is clearly worth the effort. It almost makes you want to continue even further towards Italy.

– Julien, mountain biking enthusiast

All the information on the cycling itinerary From La Brigue to Colle del Garezzo

Can you do this route on a gravel or electric bike?
Yes, this route is perfectly suited to gravel and electrically-assisted bicycles (EABVs), with a profile that is generally smooth and not very technical (level S0). The military tracks and compacted roads make for steady progress in the Alpes Maritimes, even if the gradient remains significant. The VTTAE is a real plus when it comes to managing the climb up the cycle tourism passes from the Roya valley. All you need is a good range and suitable lighting for unlit tunnels.
What's the best time of year to cycle this military route?
The ideal period is from the end of May to October, when the cycle pass trails are clear and conditions are stable in the Alpes maritimes. Summer is pleasant for its long days and fully accessible mountain passes, while early autumn brings milder temperatures and calmer landscapes. In spring, some sections may still be wet or cool at altitude, and in winter the route is not recommended due to mountain conditions.
What are the best views on the route?
The best viewpoints are to be found on the way up to Colle Linaire and Basse di Sanson, where the cycle pass trails open out onto wide panoramas of the Maritime Alps and the Ligurian Alps. There are uninterrupted views of the border ridges and valleys below. From the heights of Colle del Garezzo, you can look far and wide, with a fine view of Monte Saccarello and, on a clear day, a glimpse of the Ligurian Sea.
How difficult is the climb to Colle del Garezzo?
You don’t need to be a Tour de France climber to enjoy this route by bike! The climb up to Colle del Garezzo is intermediate level (S0), making it a good cycle-touring pass in the Alpes Maritimes for cyclists already used to the mountains. The terrain is generally rolling, with no strenuous technical sections, but the gradient does require you to manage your effort over time. The climb is mainly on compacted military tracks and a few tarmac sections, with regular but steady gradients. So it’s not a technical difficulty, but a physical climb, ideal for mountain bikes, gravel bikes or electric-assist bikes to get the most out of the route.
How long does it take to reach Colle del Garezzo?
Allow half a day to a full day, depending on your pace and ability, as this cycle-touring pass route in the Alpes Maritimes covers almost 30 km and has a substantial gradient. Trained cyclists can do it during the day in sporty mode, while a more leisurely approach allows you to take time out for breaks and enjoy the views. On a mountain bike, gravel or VTTAE, the time will vary according to how well you manage your effort on the climb and the terrain conditions on the compacted military tracks.