D27 - corniche road
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     photos by: Francis     
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This is one good road into the Alps from the coast around Nice, avoiding major valley-bottom roads. Its a big climb from either end but once you're up, you're up, and the flat road continues like this for about 20km, with excellent views south all the way.

It peaks at about 1150m, at the village of Ascros near the western end.

See also the D1 for a similar and even better route through this area.