Nestled in the heart of the Mercantour, the ascent of Col de la Moutière is a nugget for cyclists in search of authentic landscapes and little frequented roads. Less famous than its neighbor La Bonette, it is nonetheless demanding, with suitable variants depending on whether you practice road bike or mountain biking.
Of the very high mountain, since this collar which Culminates at 2454 meters above sea levelis one of our top 10 roads in France, the highest accessible by bike. We present to you this little -known ascent. Follow the leader.
Ascension by road bike: an unknown but remarkable challenge
From Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée it is The only option fully practicing road bikes. The departure is made at Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (1,144 m) in the Alpes-Maritimes.
The start is rolling, along the Tinée river to the hamlet of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage. After this village (1,503 m), the atmosphere changes: the road becomes narrower, closer, and the climb is tightened considerably. Over the last 11 kilometers, the average slope exceeds 8,5 %with formidable passages to 10 % over several kilometers.
The coating is generally correct but sometimes irregular in the last kilometers. Traffic is almost zero, which guarantees total immersion experience in alpine landscapes.
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