The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alps
France, europe
4.3 km
1,663 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de Salèse
Tucked away in the Alpes-Maritimes region of southeastern France, Col de Salèse is a stunning high-altitude mountain pass sitting at 2,036m (6,679ft). You'll find it nestled within the stunning Mercantour National Park, practically on the Italian border—perfect if you're looking for some serious Alpine scenery.
The route connects Mollières to Saint-Martin-Vésubie and comes in two distinct flavors. First up is the M89 section, a fully paved drive that takes you to Parking de Salèse at 1,663m elevation. So far, so good. But here's where things get interesting: beyond the parking area, the road transforms into an unpaved track that's closed to regular vehicles. That final 4.3km (2.67 miles) to the summit? That's strictly for hikers and determined adventurers.
Fair warning—this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The unpaved section is genuinely challenging, with steep stretches that max out at an 11.7% gradient. Throw in the rough surface conditions, and you're looking at a serious mountain challenge that demands respect and careful navigation. Winter enthusiasts take note: the pass is typically impassable from November through March, so plan your visit for the warmer months if you're hoping to reach the top.
Where is it?
The breathtaking road to Col de Salese in the Maritime Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.4905, 3.1532
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 4.3 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,663 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 46.4905, 3.1532
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