Mountain Bike Ride (AE) - The 46 Hairpin Turns Trail

The trail follows the old historic road that once connected Nice to Turin. It starts from the departmental road on the French side, near the entrance to the road tunnel. Over approximately 7.5 kilometers and with an elevation gain of nearly 600 meters, the route winds along the mountainside and offers a spectacular climb punctuated by 46 hairpin turns. Once an essential passageway between the Mediterranean coast and Piedmont, the pass was used in particular by muleteers who transported goods—including salt—from the coast. As you climb, you can still catch a glimpse of the ruins of “La Ça,” a former inn that once welcomed these travelers and their mules. The road has also left its mark on cycling history, having hosted the Tour de France on several occasions, notably in 1952 and 1961. Throughout the climb, the scenery gradually unfolds. The Roya Valley slowly recedes beneath your feet, while the Alpine peaks come into view and the rocky landscapes grow more expansive. As you approach the summit, your gaze is drawn to the impressive 19th-century military fortifications, among which the Fort Central stands out, a reminder of the strategic importance of this passage through the Alps.