After the Riviera, the road turns uphill quickly. The route leaves Nice via Cagnes-sur-Mer and Saint-Paul-de-Vence, before Vence marks the shift into the backcountry. Then comes the long climb: dry slopes, low stone walls, pine trees and wide views back towards the coast. At the Col de Vence, the landscape becomes barer and quieter, almost alpine. Later, the route drops towards the Loup valley, passing gorges, rock walls and small villages before reaching Grasse, with its old streets and perfume heritage.
