Col de Braus from L'Escarène

Difficulty points	447
Length	6.2 mi
Average gradient	6.4%
Steepest segment	12.3%
Total ascent	2106 ft

Reviews (8)

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4.0

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dj627464

5 Mo 5.0 via the Climbfinder app

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Spanish. Show original

The Col de Braus is a classic Alpine climb in the Alpes-Maritimes, just north of Nice, often used in professional races and popular with cyclists. Approached most commonly from L'Escarène, the climb is about 10 km long with an average gradient around 6-7％, but it feels harder due to several sustained ramps.

What makes the Braus distinctive is its series of tight hairpins, especially in the middle section, where gradients frequently hit 8-10％. The climb is very rhythmic: steep enough to demand sustained power, but not so irregular that pacing is impossible. The road is generally quiet, well surfaced, and shaded in places.

At the top, you're rewarded with wide views over the Paillon valley and a sense of classic Riviera cycling history. The Braus is often ridden as part of longer routes linking to climbs like Col de Turini, making it a key endurance and climbing benchmark in the region.

Wilko

8 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Must have done because despite the reasonable average gradient, this is a pretty challenging climb. Good road surface, little traffic but the irregularity makes it tricky. And the devil is in the tail with a considerably steep 500m at 2.5km before the summit.

Fedebici

11 Mo 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Italian. Show original

Spectacular!!! Let us start with the "negative" things. Arm yourself with patience to reach L'escarene from Nice. A thousand traffic lights and very dangerous roads. Second negative aspect, I didn't see any point where I could refill my water bottle!!! On a very hot day this is needed. Fortunately, having started early, the first part is largely in the shade. The ascent is super fun because of the continuous hairpin bends. You can't see the sea but the view is worth it all the same because you can see the continuous twists and turns. One of the most beautiful climbs I have ever done, not too difficult

Cromagnon ^premium

1 y 4.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: French. Show original

The road is beautiful. Redone for the Tour de France?
In any case, it's quiet. I passed more bikes than cars.
The average gradient is very reasonable, but some sections hold up well.
It's a very pleasant climb. Pins, more or less tight switchbacks, wide bends, the programme is varied. The scenery is elegant.
The tributes to local cycling legend René Vietto (at the start, in the middle and at the finish of the col) are a testament to the love of cycling, perhaps with a hint of local chauvinism.
At the top, this touching ruined building opposite the memorial to our friend René Vietto.
Yes, a beautiful climb.

Gc3300

1 y 5.0 00:39:51 (9.3 mph)

This climb is fun! Very steep start, onto a section with surprising gradient changes. Followed by a long steep and steady section and finally, a long section of medium to low gradients! Good luck, save some for the top!

KaiB ^premium

1 y 5.0

Great climb with nice photo opportunities esp for the hairpins, gets relatively hot and change of gradients keeps you away from steady grinding

Marcoj86 ^premium

2 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Lovely climb. Close to the hustle and bustle of coast, but delightfully quiet in the mountains. This climb has some tricky kilometres, interspersed with some better running sections. Highlight is the passage with the hairpin bends. The kilometre signs are also very handy and help to classify the climb properly

Ertos

3 y 5.0

This is an automatic translation, the original language is: Dutch. Show original

Difficult climb. Much more irregular than the schedule suggests. However, it is a wonderfully quiet road and you are treated to a beautiful viewpoint over the hairpin bends.

Climbing times

5 mph	01:14:51
7 mph	00:53:00
9 mph	00:41:18
12 mph	00:31:01

Road surface condition

91% 9% 0%

Based on 11 votes

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Traffic

91% 9% 0%

Based on 11 votes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Col de Braus can be cycled from 2 sides. Col de Braus from L'Escarène is the most popular side, but the summit can also be reached via Col de Braus from Sospel.

Col de Braus from L'Escarène is a challenging ascent. For this type of climbing, we recommend mountain gearing, specifically a compact system. This means a small front chainring of 34 teeth, combined with a rear cassette where, depending on your level, strength, and experience, you choose a sprocket with 30, 32, or even 34 teeth. Remember that a smooth cadence is always more efficient!

Col de Braus from L'Escarène is a serious climb and falls into the 2nd category. With a good basic fitness level, even without much cycling experience, you can complete this climb just fine. However, a bike with climbing gears is a must. Without experience or training, it will be really tough – but that’s part of the challenge!

Col de Braus from L'Escarène is 6.2 mi long.

The average gradient of Col de Braus from L'Escarène is 6.4%.

Col de Braus from L'Escarène has a steepest segment with an average gradient of 12.3%.

The summit of Col de Braus from L'Escarène is at 3287 ft.

At a slow pace of 5 mph, it takes about 01:14:51 to climb Col de Braus from L'Escarène. At 7 mph the time is 00:53:00, and at 9 mph 00:41:18. For the fastest cyclists, 00:31:01 is an achievable time.

Col de Braus from L'Escarène is located in the region Alpes-Maritimes in France.

Statistics

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Photos (27)

Reviews (8)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Col de Braus from L'Escarène

Statistics

Short recap

Photos (27)

Reviews (8)

Climbing times

Road surface condition

Traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sides of the Col de Braus can be cycled up?

What gearing is needed for Col de Braus from L'Escarène?

How difficult is the Col de Braus from L'Escarène?

How long is the climb up Col de Braus from L'Escarène?

What is the gradient of Col de Braus from L'Escarène?

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How long does it take to cycle up Col de Braus from L'Escarène?

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