From the M2565 junction in the Vésubie valley, at 1,637 ft (499 m), near Lantosque, to the Col de Turini at 5,262 ft (1,604 m), it’s 9.4 miles (15.1 km) at an average 7.3% and 3,625 ft (1,105 m) of climbing. This is the west side, the hardest one and the one the Monte Carlo Rally uses.
What the climb is like
- Km 0 to 3, miles 0 to 1.9. You leave the valley floor on an irregular stretch: one almost flat kilometer and others at 5-8%, up to the La Bollène-Vésubie turnoff.
- Km 3 to 9, miles 1.9 to 5.6. Past the village turnoff, the grade settles between 7% and 8.5%, very consistent, through a chain of switchbacks.
- Km 9 to the top, mile 5.6 on. You enter the forest and the grade stays the same: kilometers at 7-9%, with no rests, to the col.
It’s a steady climb: no steep ramps, but not a single easy kilometer from La Bollène on.
A note on the numbers
CyclingCols gives 15.1 km and 1,105 m (7.3%); cols-cyclisme and Wikipedia, 15.3 km and 1,107 m (7.2%), with a 9% maximum. CyclingCols shows a slightly higher maximum, 10%, on short pitches.
History
The Turini is better known for cars than bikes: it’s the signature stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, once run at night with thousands of fans along the roadside. In cycling, according to Wikipedia, the Tour de France has crossed it in 1948 (Louison Bobet), 1950 (Jean Robic), 1973 (Vicente López Carril), 2020 (Anthony Perez) and 2024 (Richard Carapaz). In 2019, Paris-Nice finished a stage at the top, climbing this side.
When to go, water and traffic
There can be snow in winter, and in January the road may close for the rally. In summer there are quite a few motorcycles, drawn by the bends. Fill your bottles in the valley or in La Bollène-Vésubie; at the top there’s usually a restaurant open. On the other side, the road descends via Moulinet to Sospel.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 is enough for most riders: at 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 6.8 mph (11 km/h) on 8%, at 72 rpm. If you’re short on fitness, a 34x30 gives you more margin. Run your numbers in the gear calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb the Col de Turini via La Bollène?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 1 h 16 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 1 h 30 min at 2.5 W/kg and 59 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
Which side of the Turini is harder?
The west side, from the Vésubie valley: 9.4-9.5 miles (15.1-15.3 km) at 7.2-7.3%. From Sospel, to the southeast, it's 15 miles (24.1 km) at 5.2%, longer but much gentler.
What does the Turini have to do with the Monte Carlo Rally?
It's the rally's most famous stage: every January there's a special stage of about 19 miles (31 km) between La Bollène-Vésubie, the summit and Sospel, or the other way around, on a narrow road full of hairpins.