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
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