French Riviera 5 Star Cycling
5 Star Cycling & The Monaco Grand Prix
Join us in May 2023 for an unforgettable 5 star cycling tour in the Côte d’Azur, leading up to the Monaco Grand Prix. Ride the classic routes and climbs of the French Riviera with your guide Mike Cotty from The Col Collective, and participate in our exclusive Grand Prix cycling event with F1 legend Eddie Jordan. Choose our 5 day cycling tour on its own, or book it with a Red Eye Events F1 hospitality package for a 5 star Monaco Grand Prix experience. 5/20/23 – 5/24/23
5* Cycling & Ride with Eddie Jordan
5* F1 Experience
Included:
- 4 nights 5* accommodations: May 20 - 24, 2023
- Royal Riviera Hotel, Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat
- 5 days cycling our iconic French Riviera routes
- Cycling Guide Mike Cotty from The Col Collective
- Exclusive ride with Eddie Jordan 5/24/23
- Surprise special guests from motor sports & cycling
- Special guest champion cyclist Thor Hushovd
- Vehicle support with gourmet snacks
- All breakfasts; 4 gourmet lunches
- 2 gourmet dinners and cocktails
- Complimentary Azur Vélo jersey
- High end road & e-road bike rentals
- Optional F1 Hospitality with Red Eye Events
Grand Prix Cycling
with Eddie Jordan
Meet Your 5 Star Cycling Guide Mike Cotty
There are few that know the mountains of Europe better than your ride guide Michael Cotty. As founder of The Col Collective, Mike has made a career out of riding, filming and telling the story of epic rides and mountains across the continent. Mike is based in the Côte d’Azur and his engaging character, curious mind, and friendly nature bring a unique perspective to the roads and mountains on every ride.
Our cycling tour will take you on classic routes of the French Riviera and includes several iconic mountain passes. Watch The Col Collective’s video about the Col de la Madone to get familiar with your guide and get a better idea about one of the highlights of our trip.
Our Itinerary: 5 Star Cycling Dining Grand Prix
Arrival in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat at your luxury accommodations, the 5 Star Royal Riviera Hotel. After a welcome meeting and assistance with bike set-up, we’ll head out on a coffee ride to Monaco, where you can soak in the ambiance and excitement as the principality prepares for the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. In the evening, you can relax over seaside cocktails and dinner at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant. 30 km
After a delicious breakfast, you’ll be ready to take on the first mountain pass of our trip – the Col d’Eze. We’ll head out along the coast to Nice before making our way up the scenic 10 km col, best known as a classic climb in the Paris-Nice finale and a highlight of the 2020 Tour de France Grand Départ. Once we reach the top, we’ll continue climbing to the Col de la Madone via the charming town of Peille, with a lunch stop in the mountainside village of Sainte Agnès, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France – and known by local cyclists as one of the best spots for pie with a view! 70 km/1250 m+
One of the best things about the French Riviera is that our next door neighbor is the Italian Riviera! We’ll ride through Monte Carlo along the coast, and stop for lunch and gelato in one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Once we cross the border back into France, you can return directly to Cap Ferrat or add an extra challenge to your ride – the Col de a Madone from Menton, a tough but scenic (and classic)13.5 km climb from sea level to 925 meters. Ride it at a relaxed pace, or test yourself against the records of local pros. 65 km/800 m+ or 100 km/1800 m+
If you love tight switchbacks with stunning views, you’ll be a big fan of the Col de Braus and its iconic hairpin turns. It’s not exactly the Fairmont turn, but we think it’s pretty spectacular! This panoramic 10 km climb will take you into the pristine wilderness of the French Riviera backcountry. You’ll work up a nice appetite in time for our descent to Menton for lunch at a favorite spot for local pros. 95 km/1800 m+
Join us for an unforgettable grand finale ride hosted by F1 legend Eddie Jordan. We’ll take a tour of the iconic Monaco Grand Prix circuit and cycle into the hills and along the beautiful French Riviera coast to Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, where we’ll have a relaxing gourmet seaside lunch with our VIP event host Eddie Jordan and special guests from motor sports and cycling, including 2010 World Champion Thor Hushovd. 40 – 60 km
In these surroundings, the South of France, it's easy to get out on a bike because it's so nice to ride if you're on the easier roads on the coast, or inland in the mountains which is harder but much more beautiful I would say... small roads, no cars and just lovely landscapes. I’m a big F1 fan, and have been for many years. It’s easy when you live in Monaco to get more into it.
