Nice & Côte d'Azur Escape
- Moloko
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
As a true Frenchie, I’ve been coming to Nice for years and have always wanted to organise a trip out here…we just couldn't find the right accommodation to match Moloko standards.
But after four recces, we have FINALLY cracked it! And honestly this one is pretty special, so let's get into it...
Arriving in Nice
One of the best things about Nice is that it’s a super easy journey from across Europe. For us, a quick flight from London, then hop of the tram, and within minutes we’re in the heart of the Old Town.
We arrive at Hôtel du Couvent, often referred to as the best accommodation in Nice (quoting Condé Nast here) and we immediately see why. Set in a restored 17th-century convent, it's a little oasis of calm. It feels like we've stepped away from the Côte d’Azur without actually leaving it.
The orange tree courtyard is made for long lunches in the sun, while the rooftop pool is tucked between olive trees overlooking the Promenade des Anglais. The rooms are simple but beautifully done with soft natural tones, lots of light, and little details everywhere. There’s also a bakery and market on site, so everything you eat feels local and fresh.
We drop the bags and grab lunch in the courtyard: something light, seasonal and ridiculously good. The pool is too tempting not to take a dip in straight away. I could honestly stay in this little sun trap forever, but it's time for a shake out ride...
Ending the day cycling along the Med is something I wish could be an everyday staple. The sun is doing its thing, the sea is a dreamy blue, and my new bike is very very happy on the butter-smooth tarmac.
Col de La Madone d'Utelle
Last time we came, we rode the classic Col de la Madone and had such a great day: it's all in the video below if you want to find out more.
Today, we are riding the other Madone: we're heading into the mountains to tackle Col de la Madone d'Utelle. And it definitely earns its nickname...the leg breaker.
The climbs just keep coming, almost type 2 fun but then the views hit and it turns it all into type 1: snow-capped peaks in the distance, deep gorges cutting through the roads. We stop for a simple ham and cheese sandwich, sit in the sun for a bit (gorgeous!) then keep going...
Photo credit: Cafe du Cycliste
Soon we attack the Col we're here for: 15km of climbing on a beautiful road carved into the mountainside. The higher you go, the more it opens up, and the 360-degree view at the top is well worth it.
We finish the day devouring a poke bowl on the beach (what a treat!) debriefing the ride and programming the November Escape: we both agree that this ride is definitely one for the climbers, and it will be a great option on the trip if you wish to push a little further.
Nice - Monaco - San Remo
Another glorious sunny day on the cards, and we're heading to Italy!
Starting early, we cruise along the cost through some stunning Riviera towns like the colourful Menton (known as the lemon town). We of course nip into Monaco to ride the F1 track, pretty iconic for all the F1 fans out there! It's also full of pretty epic cars...
After 30km, we're approaching the Italian border (so close!). From here, it’s smooth riding into San Remo: along the Med, onto some coastal cycle paths and through one awesome tunnel (Capo Nero, a transformed coastal railway line now a 1750m long cycling/pedestrian path decorated with murals showing the history of the Milano-San Remo cycling classic. How cool)!
And then it's time to climb the iconic Poggio! We're riding the Poggio di San Remo just weeks after the pros came through and my memories from the race are so vivid, I can still feel Pogi's win here!
Lunch is exactly what you'd expect on a day like this: pizza, pasta, and ice-cold drinks. We need all the carbs we can get for the cycle back. Surprisingly, the views feel so different depending on what side of the coast you're on. Both are spectacular obviously, with that blue blue sea!!
Arriving back at our home for the week in Nice, I head straight for the roman bath to relax and brave a cold plunge for the ultimate leg recovery.
Can we stay here every winter please??
The Moloko Escape
This was quite a way to spend the long Easter weekend and now we are SO excited to finally take you out there and show you all our favourite places!
Nice is the perfect place for all abilities, with cycling paths along the coast and endless alpine climbs of all distances (up to 25km with stunning Turini!). For the climbing fans, there'll be options to take on some of the Tour de France classics like Col de Turini and Col de Braus. You will also go to San Remo and can ride both the Poggio and Cipressa.
Finally, we've also planned a red rocks mountains route (special Moloko surprise!) with coffee in Cannes.
Bookings for November 2026 are now open, so get your hands on those tickets quick!!
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