The Three Corniches Explained: Which Road Should You Take on Your Moped?

Between Nice and Monaco, there isn't just one road — there are three, stacked up the mountainside that drops dramatically into the Mediterranean. These are the three Corniches, one of the most spectacular features of the French Riviera, and on a moped, the one you choose completely changes your experience.

Here's how to pick the right one.

🌊 The Basse Corniche — The Coastal Road (D6098)

Distance Nice–Monaco: ~20 km | Journey time: 30–40 min (light traffic)

The Basse Corniche runs as close to the sea as a road possibly can. You pass through Villefranche-sur-Mer, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and Cap d'Ail before crossing into Monaco — the road barely leaves the coastline the whole way. It's the most built-up of the three routes, but also the most alive: there are cafés, small beaches, fishing harbours, and the sea is almost always in view.

Accessible on both 50cc and 125cc — this is its biggest advantage. No motorway sections, speed limits of 50 km/h through the villages. It's the ideal choice for a first ride along the coast.

What we love: the port of Villefranche-sur-Mer appearing around a bend — one of the deepest natural bays in the Mediterranean. The Baie des Fourmis at Beaulieu. The first pastel-coloured facades of Monaco coming into view.

Worth knowing: it's the busiest of the three roads. In July and August, expect traffic between 11am and 5pm. Set off before 10am or wait until early evening.

🏔️ The Moyenne Corniche — The Middle Road (D6007)

Distance Nice–Monaco: ~24 km | Journey time: 35–50 min (light traffic)

Running at mid-altitude between the coast and the hilltops, the Moyenne Corniche is the old Route Nationale 7 — the legendary "holiday road" that connected Paris to the Mediterranean before motorways were built. Now the D6007, it remains one of France's most scenic routes.

Its standout feature: the road passes closest to Eze Village, perched at 429 metres above sea level. A short detour of a few minutes will get you there, and the views over the bay are extraordinary.

The Moyenne Corniche arrives in Monaco from the north, near the Exotic Garden — a quieter entry point than the busy coastal border crossing.

Accessible on both 50cc and 125cc, though some sections are dual-carriageway. Riders on a 50cc should stay alert on those stretches.

What we love: the elevated views over the sea from natural viewpoints along the road. The feeling of being above it all while the coast stretches out below you.

🦅 The Grande Corniche — The Summit Road (D2564)

Distance Nice–Monaco: ~30 km | Journey time: 45–60 min

The Grande Corniche is the oldest of the three — traced by Napoleon in the early 19th century along the route of an ancient Roman road. It climbs to over 500 metres and offers the widest views: on a clear day you can see all the way to Italy.

It passes through La Turbie, home to the extraordinary Trophée des Alpes — a Roman monument from the 1st century BC that stands above everything on a rocky ridge. From here, you can also reach the Fort de la Revère and the Grande Corniche nature park.

Best suited to 125cc riders: the long climbs and straight sections are hard going on a 50cc, and you risk holding up traffic. The road eventually descends back down into Monaco via La Turbie.

What we love: the solitude. Very little traffic compared to the other two roads. Pine trees, open sky, the occasional vulture overhead, and a genuine feeling of having the Riviera to yourself.

🔄 Our Recommendation: Do All Three in One Day

The best way to experience the Corniches is to combine them into a single loop:

Outbound: take the Basse Corniche (D6098) to Monaco — enjoy the coast, stop at Beaulieu for a coffee
In Monaco: explore for 3 to 4 hours, have lunch in La Condamine
Return: climb up to the Moyenne Corniche (D6007) and stop at Eze Village on the way back
Optional extra: if you're on a 125cc and have the energy, return via the Grande Corniche through La Turbie

Three completely different experiences of the same stretch of coastline.

📋 Quick Comparison Table

Road	Distance	Time	50cc?	Best for
Basse Corniche D6098	20 km	30–40 min	✅ Yes	Coastal scenery, village stops
Moyenne Corniche D6007	24 km	35–50 min	⚠️ Yes (with care)	Eze Village, panoramic views
Grande Corniche D2564	30 km	45–60 min	❌ Not advised	Summit views, La Turbie

🚀 In Summary

The three Corniches are among the finest roads in Europe, and riding them on a moped is an experience unlike any other. Start with the Basse Corniche if it's your first time. Combine all three if you have a full day.

At Rentascoot, we know these roads intimately. When you collect your moped, just ask us for a personalised route based on your machine and your plans — we're always happy to help 🌴