What are The Three Corniches?
France, europe
32.2 km
472 m
extreme
Year-round
Cruising eastward from Nice towards Menton, in the heart of the French Riviera, you'll stumble upon Les Trois Corniches – three incredible roads carved into the mountains, offering insane coastal views. Seriously, they’re some of the world's greatest drives.
Spanning around 20 miles, whichever one you choose, these three routes wind through the mountains from Nice to Menton, delivering some of the most dramatic scenery in Europe. Back in the 19th century, engineers built three parallel scenic highways, each with its own vibe: the Grande Corniche at the top, the Moyenne Corniche in the middle, and the Basse Corniche (or Corniche Inferieure) hugging the coast. The views have made them famous, and you might recognize them from movies like *How to Catch a Thief*. The Basse and Moyenne Corniches can get pretty congested with everyday traffic heading into Monaco, but the Grande is usually quieter.
First up, the Grande Corniche (also known as the Corniche Superieure), or the M2564. Originally built by Napoléon I, this route follows the ancient Via Julia Augusta from Nice to Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. It's the highest of the three, climbing over 1,500 feet. Some say it’s the most dangerous, and Princess Grace's tragic accident happened here. But the payoff is huge: staggering views and a serious historical connection. Word of caution: it can get foggy up there, and in some spots, it's barely wide enough for two cars.
Next, the Moyenne Corniche, or the M6007, sits halfway up the slope. Built between 1910 and 1928, it’s the middle child. The views are still amazing, and this one's the fastest if you're in a rush. Carved right into the rock, the road takes you past the Col de Villefranche, Èze, and Beausoleil. Because it's so scenic, it can be an accident hotspot – so keep your eyes on the road!
Finally, the Basse Corniche (or Corniche Inferieure), or the M6098, hugs the coast. This one's a bit more chill, winding through pretty beach towns like Villefranche-sur-Mer, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Beaulieu-sur-Mer, Èze-sur-Mer, and Cap d’Ail. Expect blue seas and glamorous traffic jams, but it's perfect if you're not in a hurry.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 32.2 km
- Max Elevation
- 472 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to the summit unpaved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're kicking around Central Anatolia in Turkey, you HAVE to check out Erciyes Dağı (Mount Erciyes) in Kayseri Province. This extinct volcano isn't just a pretty face; it's got a gnarly unpaved road that claws its way up to a whopping 3,330 meters (that's over 10,900 feet!). Seriously, this is one of the highest drives you can find in the whole country! Heads up: this isn't your Sunday drive. The entire road to the top is unpaved — it's primarily used to access the Kar Tanesi Tesisleri ski resort chairlift. Prepare for some seriously steep climbs, with gradients hitting up to 15% in places! When should you go? Well, that's tricky. Mother Nature usually shuts this road down from September to June with heavy snow. If you're brave enough to try it, you absolutely NEED a 4x4 with high clearance. Even then, watch out for avalanches during the snowy months and falling rocks anytime. But trust me, the views are worth it. Mount Erciyes, historically called Argaeus, is a total knockout, blending epic scenery with a dash of history. Get ready for an unforgettable experience!
easyAlto de la Farrapona is a Cycling Must
🇪🇸 Spain
# Alto de la Farrapona Want to tackle one of Spain's most legendary climbs? Alto de la Farrapona is a high mountain pass sitting at 1,708m (5,603ft) between Asturias and León in northwestern Spain, and it's definitely earned its reputation. The fully paved SD-1 road stretches 26km (16.15 miles) from AS-227 near Pola de Somiedo in Asturias to LE-481 near Torrestío in León. Since it was asphalted in 2011, it's become famous as the region's highest paved road—and for good reason. The final 6km? That's where things get spicy, with grades averaging 9% and hitting up to 15.4% in some sections. Cyclists live for this stuff. Nestled in the stunning Somiedo Natural Park within the Cantabrian Mountains, the pass rewards you with absolutely breathtaking scenery. The panoramic views from the summit are genuinely jaw-dropping, and there's a spacious parking area up top where you can soak it all in. Fair warning: while the road typically stays open year-round, winter closures do happen periodically. But when conditions are good, this drive is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a cyclist chasing elevation or a road tripper seeking epic vistas, Alto de la Farrapona delivers on both fronts.
hardPuerto de Vegarada-Riopinos
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto de Vegarada-Riopinos: A Thrilling Alpine Adventure Perched at a whopping 1,658 meters (5,439 feet) above sea level in León's stunning mountain landscape, Puerto de Vegarada-Riopinos is calling your name. This Spanish summit isn't just about the destination—it's about the wild ride getting there. Sure, the road is paved, but don't let that fool you. You're looking at some seriously gnarly climbs hitting 13.3% grades that'll have your engine working overtime. And because you're playing in the alpine zone, winter weather can shut this road down without warning. When snow rolls in, it rolls in hard, so check conditions before you head out. The real showstopper? The sheer drops hugging the entire route. We're talking cliff-edge territory here. Throw in enough hairpin turns to make your head spin, and you've got a road that's equal parts breathtaking and borderline bonkers. Every twist and turn feels like a scene from an action movie—endless switchbacks, dramatic elevation changes, and views that'll make your jaw drop. Fair warning: if anyone in your car gets queasy on winding roads, maybe leave them at home. This one's a full-throttle roller coaster that demands respect and attention. But for drivers who live for technical, dramatic mountain passes? This is pure adrenaline-fueled bliss.
extremeHow long is the road to Malga Clef?
🇮🇹 Italy
Located in the heart of the , in the northern Italian region of Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol, the road to is a legendary ascent for those who seek the rawest side of the Alps. Reaching an elevation of above sea level, this mountain track is a masterclass in steep, forest-lined driving. The drive is characterized by its deep immersion in the alpine woods, particularly around . As seen in recent photographs, the road is a narrow asphalt ribbon that demands precision, especially when the surface is damp or covered in autumn leaves. The altitude and the central position of this alpine dairy provide some of the broadest and most spectacular views of the mountain ranges of south-western Trentino. Road facts: Malga Clef Paved / Unpaved sections How long is the road to Malga Clef? The journey begins at the intersection with the . From this point, the route to the summit is . However, the road is divided into two distinct sections: the first part is accessible to general traffic, but the last 6 km are strictly closed to private motorized vehicles . This restriction ensures that the final approach to the malga remains a peaceful environment for the local ecosystem and hikers. How challenging is the road to Malga Clef? This road is notoriously "defiant" due to its combination of narrow passages and extreme steepness. The first six kilometers are the most punishing, with an average gradient of approximately 11% . As you navigate the hairpin turns through the forest, the road hits several ramps with a maximum gradient of 18% . These sections require low gears and constant focus, especially for cyclists or authorized service vehicles. The surface transitions from worn asphalt to gravel as the altitude increases. At the summit, the environment opens up into the typical alpine meadows of a dairy farm. Malga Clef is part of a network of local farms where traditional cheese-making is still the primary activity. Travelers can often find local producers selling fresh dairy products directly from the . There is also a small campground area nearby, making it a perfect spot for those who want to experience the silence of the Trentino mountains at night. Safety and Preparation Because much of the road is shaded by dense forest, the asphalt can hold long after the rain has stopped, significantly reducing traction. In winter, the steep 18% ramps are usually covered in deep snow, making the route completely impassable. The best window to visit Malga Clef is from June to late September, when the dairy farms are active and the mountain air is at its most refreshing. Always ensure your braking system is in perfect condition before attempting the descent. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.