FFC cycling circuit no. 19: La Boucle du Cheiron

Departure is from the panoramic viewpoint at the large roundabout at the entrance to Vence. From here, take Rue Victor Tuby, which leads directly to the sign announcing the foot of the Col de Vence. Follow the RM2 in the direction of Coursegoules, which leads directly to the pass, whose summit rises to 963 m. Once over the Col de Vence, a slight descent brings you to the foot of the village of Coursegoules, which you can reach by taking the RD 8 towards Bouyon and climbing a short hill. At the top of the hill, below the village of Coursegoules, the road descends towards Bouyon. As you go through the village, be careful to avoid speed bumps, which can be very dangerous to cross. From this point, turn left onto the RM1towards Les Ferres - Conségudes- Roquestéron. After the junction with the village of Conségudes (Km 37.8), the road descends into the foothills of the Estéron river, on a narrow, winding road. At the entrance to Roquestéron-Grasse, after passing through a hamlet of closely-spaced houses, the road crosses the Estéron. Shortly afterwards, the RM1 joins the RD17 (Km 47.8).Carefully negotiate the hairpin bend towards Roquestéron center. From here, the climb up the côte de Sigale begins. But the itinerary leaves the RD17 at a hairpin bend to take the D10 towards Aiglun - Le Mas(Km 51.1). The RD10 passes through Aiglun and Le Mas, then over the Col du Pinpinier. Once you've reached the junction with the RD 5, turn left onto the RD 5 towards Thorenc - St. Vallier de Thiey - Grasse - Gréolières via the Col de Bleine (Km 75.56). The RD 5 joins the RD 2. At this intersection(Km 85), turn right onto the RD 2 towards Gréolières -Vence, passing through part of the magnificent Thorenc plateau. The descent to Géolières is vertiginous, with its highly symbolic clues. The road passes over the village of Gréolières, briefly known as the RD4 02, and becomes the RD2 again as far as the traffic circle(Km 98.7). Here, take the 2nd exit towards Gourdon - Grasse Tourrettes/Loup on the RD 3. At Bramafan, follow the RD 6 (km 103.9). At the junction with theRM 2210 (km 109.4),climb back up towards Vence. The RM 2210 passes through Tourrettes/Loup, the highest point of the final ascent. At the traffic circle(Km 120.3), take the 3rd exit to Vence on the RM 2210(Ancienne route de Grasse). The entrance to Vence will take cyclists directly to the starting point.

-Wear an approved helmet

-Check the condition of your tires

-Carry a puncture repair kit

-Prefer at least one flashing LED light to be fixed to the seatpost, so that you can be seen by other motorists, especially in the small tunnels that abound on this route.

-Don't overestimate your abilities

-Find out about mountain weather and pass opening times before you set off.

-Carry identification and a telephone number to call in case of danger.

-Respect traffic lights

-Use bicycle paths whenever possible

In other words: a sign may require you to
If the "cycle lane" sign is square: you decide.
If it's round, you must use the lane.

-Respect the environment and other road users

THE RIGHT REFLEXES FOR RIDING IN A GROUP

-Riding two abreast is authorized, but single file is mandatory:

at dusk or when visibility is poor

when a vehicle wishing to overtake announces its approach.

-In the event of a breakdown, pull over to the side of the road, not the carriageway.

- Come to an absolute stop for the whole group at stop signs, yellow lights, red lights and flashing lights.

-Communicate within the group and use verbal language and body language to signal an obstacle or vehicle. A simple gesture or word is all it takes to avoid a fall or accident.

From the A8 "La Provençale" freeway:

From Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, take Villeneuve-Loubet / Cagnes-sur-Mer exit no. 47

From Nice, take exit Cagnes-sur-Mer n°48

Then take the RM 336, the M 36 expressway and the M 2210 to reach Vence directly.

Bus routes can be found at: https://www.lignesdazur.com

Parking Marie Antoinette near the panoramic departure point - Paid surface parking - 153 spaces

Circuit reserved for seasoned athletes - FFC color: black -