Grande Corniche and the French Riviera

What should you know before visiting Grande Corniche and the French Riviera?

Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €4 (France).

• Traffic is heavy in July and August and on weekends. Spring and autumn are better; the road is almost unshaded and hot at midday.
• The Grande Corniche is the upper of the three Corniche roads. The Basse Corniche by the sea runs through densely built coastal towns with heavy traffic.
• In France, setting up camping gear by the roadside is not allowed. Off the road, overnighting needs the landowner's permission and can be restricted in protected areas or on the shoreline.

The drive

The Grande Corniche was built up under Napoleon I and follows the ancient Via Julia Augusta. In places it lies about 500 m above the sea and bypasses the built-up coastal towns between Nice and La Turbie. Main stops are the Col d'Èze (about 510 m), La Turbie with the Trophée des Alpes, the hilltop village of Èze and Roquebrune with its medieval castle. Views reach Nice, Cap Ferrat, Cap Martin and Monaco. The road is winding but not steep; gradients are moderate.

Planning

The climb from Nice to the Col d'Èze is about 10 km, from Menton about 17 km. Half a day covers the whole road, more with sightseeing. Try to avoid July, August and weekends, and start early, when it is cooler and quieter. The road is largely unshaded and faces south, so midday can be hot. For large motorhomes, check village bottlenecks and parking beforehand and follow the signs on site.

Camping

In France, motorhomes may park like cars wherever parking is allowed. Tables, chairs, awnings or extended supports count as camping and are banned on public roads. Some municipalities ban motorhomes by sign. Off the road you need the landowner's permission, and in forests, coastal zones and protected areas camping can be restricted. Plan overnight stays at campsites or service areas inland.

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