# Grande Corniche and the French Riviera

> The Grande Corniche (D2564) runs high above the sea between Nice and Menton, via La Turbie, Èze and Roquebrune. It follows the Roman Via Julia Augusta, with v

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/destinations/grand-corniche-french-riviera/

The Grande Corniche (D2564) runs high above the sea between Nice and Menton, via La Turbie, Èze and Roquebrune. It follows the Roman Via Julia Augusta, with views of Monaco.

- **Region:** Alpes-Maritimes, France
- **Start / end:** Nice / Menton
- **Top elevation:** about 510 m (Col d'Èze)
- **Suggested time:** Half a day
- **Best season:** Spring and autumn

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

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

- 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.

## FAQs

**How high is the Grande Corniche?**
The highest point is the Col d'Èze at about 510 m. Sources give 507 or 512 m. The road starts in Nice almost at sea level.

**When is the best time to go?**
Spring and autumn, outside holiday periods. In July and August and on weekends the road is busy, and midday is very hot because there is hardly any shade.

**May I overnight on the Corniche in my motorhome?**
Only where parking is allowed and no prohibition sign applies, and without camping gear outside the vehicle. Some municipalities ban motorhomes by sign. Campsites and service areas are safer; check signs and the municipality beforehand.

**How much are the tolls on Grande Corniche and the French Riviera?**
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about €4 (France). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.

## Places to see

- [Èze village](https://camping-spirit.com/places/eze/)
- [Dolceacqua bridge and castle](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b1-dolceacqua-bridge/)
- [Gorges du Cians](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b2-gorges-du-cians/)
- [Finalborgo](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b1-finalborgo/)
- [Toirano caves](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b1-toirano-caves/)
- [Hanbury Botanical Gardens](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b1-hanbury-gardens/)
- [Gorges de Daluis](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b2-gorges-daluis/)
- [Gorges du Loup](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b2-gorges-du-loup/)

## Campsites nearby

- [All campsites in France](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/france/)
- [All campsites in Italy](https://camping-spirit.com/camping/italy/)