The Col de Turini (1,607m) is a lesser-known climb on the French Riviera, outside of Nice and near the French and Italian border. It’s known for its hairpins (although not as popular as the Alpe d’Huez) and scenic views of the Mediterranean coast.
There are two ways to ascend the Col de Turini,
- From La Bollène-Vésubie (west)
- From Sospel (south)
Starting point : La Bollène-Vésubie
La Bollène-Vésubie is located west of the Col de Turini.
It’s an Hors Catégorie (HC) from here to Col de Turini at 15.3km long and averaging a 7.2% gradient.
You’ll encounter many switchbacks along the climb, so remember to slow down and enjoy the stunning views of the Mediterranean coast.
| Col de Turini from La Bollène-Vésubie | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 15.3km |
| Climb category | HC |
| Elevation gain | 1,106m |
| Minimum elevation | 509m |
| Maximum elevation | 1,609m |
| Average gradient | 7.2% |
| Maximum gradient | 11.0% |
| Strava segment | Col de Turini from La Bollène-Vésubie |
Starting point : Sospel
Sospel is south of Col de Turini.
The climb up to the Col de Turini from Sospel is much tougher than from La Bollène-Vésubie. It’s longer, at 23.9km, and averages 5.2%.
The real challenge is the constant change in gradient along the climb, which makes it difficult to maintain a steady tempo.
| Col de Turini from Sospel | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 23.9km |
| Climb category | HC |
| Elevation gain | 2,598m |
| Minimum elevation | 373m |
| Maximum elevation | 1,627m |
| Average gradient | 5.2% |
| Maximum gradient | 53.3% |
| Strava segment | Col de Turini from Sospel |
Col de Turini in the Tour de France
The Col de Turini has appeared in the Tour de France four times, in 1948, 1950, 1973, and as recently as 2020, when Stage 2 started and finished in Nice.
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