The iconic road to Col de la Bonette in the French Alps
France, europe
24 km
2,806 m
moderate
Year-round
# Col de la Bonette: France's Ultimate Alpine Adventure
Ready for an adrenaline-pumping Alpine experience? Head to Col de la Bonette, perched at a jaw-dropping 2,715m (8,907ft) in southeast France's stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Straddling the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments within the gorgeous Mercantour National Park, this legendary pass connects the Ubaye Valley and Tinée Valley—and it's absolutely unmissable if you're chasing mountain thrills.
What makes this route so special? The entire D64 (part of the famous Route des Grandes Alpes) is completely paved, making it accessible year-round—well, technically. You'll find yourself driving on a beautifully maintained, wide road that's seriously steep and packed with incredible sensations. It's the kind of drive that makes your heart race in the best possible way.
The scenery? Phenomenal. Nestled beside Cime de la Bonette and running parallel to Col d'Allos and Col de la Cayolle, you're surrounded by some of Europe's most dramatic Alpine landscapes. Fair warning though: while a sign at the base claims this is "Europe's highest road," that's not quite accurate—but it's certainly among the highest in the country.
**Plan your visit wisely:** The road typically closes from late October through June or early July due to heavy snow, so aim for summer driving. History buffs will appreciate that what started as a humble mule track in the 1800s became a fully completed road in 1960, and it's even graced the Tour de France circuit.
Cyclists, take note: the 24km ascent from Jausiers gains 1,589m (average 6.6% gradient with sections hitting 11%), while the Saint Etienne de Tinée route stretches 25.8km with 1,652m elevation gain (6.4% average, peaking at 15%). Helpful kilometer markers dot both sides of the road, showing elevation and distance milestones.
Where is it?
The iconic road to Col de la Bonette in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.2950, 2.0876
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,806 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.2950, 2.0876
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is the road to Colle Ciarbonet located?
🇮🇹 Italy
Colle Ciarbonet, nestled high in Italy's Piedmont region (Cuneo province), is a real hidden gem! This old military road climbs to a whopping 2,290 meters (7,513 feet) and offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure through the stunning Unerzio Valley, right near the French border. Forget smooth asphalt—this route is all about rugged gravel and dirt! It's a proper unpaved climb from a village that will put your driving skills to the test. Think tight hairpin turns and a narrow track carved into the mountainside. Starting from the tiny village of Chialvetta, the road climbs. Over that stretch, you'll gain some serious altitude, with an average gradient of around 9.5% and some sections hitting nearly 13%! A 4x4 is definitely your best friend here – the road can be steep and rocky. Keep in mind, this route is typically closed from September to June due to snow. The best time to tackle it is during the summer months when the gravel is dry. But the views? Absolutely worth it! Prepare for breathtaking Alpine scenery, jagged limestone peaks, and those classic lush green Italian valleys. Reaching the summit feels like escaping to another world, a tranquil spot far from the crowds!
moderateA brutal climb to Pointe du Bouchet in Savoie
🇫🇷 France
# Pointe du Bouchet Perched at a breathtaking 3,229 meters (10,593 feet) above sea level, Pointe du Bouchet is one of Europe's highest mountain roads, sitting pretty in the Savoie department of southeastern France. You'll find this beauty nestled within the stunning Vanoise National Park in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the real deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is a chairlift access route carved straight into the mountainside—completely unpaved, naturally rugged, and totally authentic. Starting from Plan-Bouchet, you're looking at a challenging 5.6 km (3.47 miles) climb with a serious 818-meter elevation gain. That translates to an average gradient of 14.60%, so yeah, it's steep. Pack your mountain driving skills. Winter? Forget about it. This route is completely blocked by heavy snow for months on end, making it a serious seasonal affair. But during the warmer months, it offers an unforgettable Alpine adventure through some of the most dramatic scenery the Massif de la Vanoise has to offer. If you're chasing that true high-altitude mountain experience—literally and figuratively—this is your road.
moderateWhere is Passo dei Salati?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Passo dei Salati, sitting pretty way up high, is one of Europe's highest roads. You'll find it straddling the border between Piedmont and Aosta Valley in northwest Italy. At the top, besides bragging rights, you'll find a few buildings including a research institute, and the iconic "Statua dello Stambecco" sculpture – perfect for those summit selfies! Now, here's the catch: you can't actually *drive* all the way up. The final stretch is chairlift access only! You'll be hiking the final bit, so lace up those boots. Starting in Staffal, it's a climb, gaining serious altitude along the way. Be warned, this area is part of Gran Paradiso National Park, and the road is generally closed to traffic. It's usually snowed in from late autumn to late spring (weather depending), so plan your trip accordingly. This road, though unpaved and rough in sections, offers breathtaking views as you ascend. Plus, you're tackling one of the highest roads in Italy, and that's something to write home about!
moderateA mule path to Francesco Petrarca Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
# Rifugio Francesco Petrarca: A High-Alpine Adventure Nestled in the stunning Texelgruppe Nature Park at a breathtaking 2,875 meters (9,432 feet), the Rifugio Francesco Petrarca (also known as Stettiner Hütte) sits among South Tyrol's most dramatic peaks. This legendary refuge perches in Italy's Autonomous Province of Bolzano, just a stone's throw from the Austrian border in the picturesque Passeier Valley. Here's where it gets interesting: forget your car for this one. The 14.7-kilometer (9.13-mile) route from Talplatt is strictly bikes-only—no motorized vehicles allowed on this completely unpaved mountain path. You're looking at serious elevation gain too: 1,502 meters of climbing with an eye-watering average gradient of 10.21%. Yeah, it's steep. This is legitimately one of Italy's highest bike routes, and it demands respect. The views? Absolutely spectacular. But come winter, the road transforms into an impassable obstacle—this is a summer-only adventure through some of the Alps' most pristine terrain. If you're after an authentic, challenging high-mountain experience that'll test both your legs and your mettle, this is it.