Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road of the Alps
France, europe
1 km
2,806 m
moderate
Year-round
# Cime de la Bonette
Want to experience the highest paved road in the Alps? Head to the Cime de la Bonette, sitting pretty at 2,806 meters (9,206 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. This legendary pass straddles the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, tucked deep within the Mercantour National Park near Italy.
The road itself has serious history—what started as a humble mule track in 1832 didn't get its full paved treatment until 1960. Today, the entire route (called C1) is completely paved and forms a scenic loop that starts and ends at Col de la Bonette.
Fair warning: this climb is legit tough. You'll face some seriously steep pitches, with sections hitting a gnarly 15% gradient that'll test your legs (and your brakes). But here's the payoff—you'll reach a point marked by a monument where the views are absolutely unreal. Just a short 60-meter walk from the small parking lot at the top rewards you with panoramic vistas of the national park that'll make every pedal stroke worth it.
The Tour de France has made this pass legendary, and for good reason—it holds the record as the highest point the race has ever reached. Pretty epic stuff.
Just plan accordingly: this route is snowbound and totally inaccessible from late October through June, so stick to summer climbing season if you want to conquer France's highest paved road.
Where is it?
Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road of the Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6076, 2.3760
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,806 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.6076, 2.3760
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