The Corniche Roads: France’s Most Spectacular Balcony Drives
Carved into the cliffs of the French Riviera between Nice and Menton, the Corniche roads are three stacked routes above the Mediterranean: the Basse Corniche (lowest, hugging the coast), the Moyenne Corniche (middle, mid-cliff), and the Grande Corniche (highest, around 500 m / 1,600 ft). Together they frame the Côte d’Azur with bays, headlands, and perched villages in one sweep—some of the most cinematic views in Europe (famously seen in Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief).
Terminology: “Corniche” in French means a cliff-edge or balcony road.
The Grande Corniche (Highest Road)
The Grande Corniche follows the line of the Roman Via Julia Augusta and was rebuilt under Napoleon. It’s the most dramatic of the three—broad panoramas, sharp bends, and sometimes mist at altitude.
- Key stop: La Turbie — home to the Roman Trophy of Augustus (6 BC), and a superb lookout over Monaco.
- Detour: Peille — a classic perched stone village reached via the D53 above La Turbie.
Driving tip: Best in daylight and fair weather; use signed pull-offs for photos, never blind corners.
On Screen
The Grande Corniche’s fame soared after Alfred Hitchcock filmed a car sequence here for To Catch a Thief (1955). Film lovers will recognize its cliffside curves from Grace Kelly and Cary Grant’s famous drive. Knowing the scene adds an extra layer when those same bends open onto the sea.
The Moyenne Corniche (Middle Road)
Built in the early 1900s to ease coastal traffic, the Moyenne Corniche threads the cliffs with constant views over Villefranche Bay and Cap-Ferrat. It’s the most balanced option for many travelers: scenic, faster than the coast, and less exposed than the high road.
- Key stop: Èze — the hilltop village for stone lanes and the Jardin Exotique’s views.
- Photo stop: the viewpoint near the Col de Villefranche for a sweep of Nice, Cap-Ferrat, and Antibes.
No car? Regional bus 602 (formerly 112) runs Nice ↔ Monaco via the Moyenne Corniche, and city bus 82 reaches Èze-Village. Check current timetables.
The Basse Corniche (Coastal Road)
Closest to the water, the Basse Corniche (coastal N98) rolls through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu, Èze-sur-Mer, Cap d’Ail, Monaco and Cap-Martin. Expect seaside villas, promenades, and—at peak hours—traffic. What you lose in speed you gain in beach and harbor stops.
No car? Regional bus 600 runs Nice ↔ Monaco ↔ Menton along the coast and is one of the Riviera’s best scenic bargains.
A Simple Corniche Driving Loop (Half-Day to Full Day)
- Nice → Moyenne Corniche to Èze (village wander + garden views).
- Continue to La Turbie (Trophy of Augustus + panorama).
- Optional: detour to Peille for a true perched-village feel.
- Return via the Grande Corniche to the Col d’Èze, then descend.
- Finish on the Basse Corniche through Villefranche and Beaulieu for a harbor-side stop before Nice.
Timing: Start after rush hour; save beach/harbor pauses for the coastal leg.
Exploring the Corniches on Foot & Best Views
You don’t need a car to enjoy the Corniche scenery. Parts of the Grande Corniche are protected as the Parc de la Grande Corniche around Fort de la Revère—a natural park of limestone ridges, wild herbs, and big-sky views. Signed trails here lead along the high ridge above Èze with views that stretch from Nice to Italy.
The Col d’Èze is the best access point, where loops branch past old military lookouts and open scrubland. Nearby, the La Turbie belvederes give classic “balcony over the harbor” views across Monaco.
For shorter options, walks branch directly from Èze-Village—including the steep Nietzsche Path down to the sea—or from La Turbie, where you can pair the Roman Trophy of Augustus with a ridge-top stroll above the Principality.
Practical Notes
- Road conditions: Hairpins and sheer drops are part of the charm—drive unhurried, use pull-offs, and avoid foggy conditions on the high road.
- Parking: Use signed lots in Èze-Village and La Turbie; summer fills early.
- Public transport: Coast bus 600 (Nice–Monaco–Menton). Moyenne Corniche bus 602 (Nice–Monaco, via Èze-Village area). City bus 82 to Èze-Village. Verify numbers/timetables before you go.
- When to go: Clear mornings for long views; shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for lighter traffic.