Where is Cime de la Bonette?
France, europe
1 km
2,806 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, so you're craving an epic alpine adventure? Let me tell you about Cime de la Bonette in the French Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region! This road isn't just high, it's *highest* – topping out at a breathtaking 2,806 meters (9,206 feet).
Nestled in the southeastern corner of France, practically hugging the Italian border between the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, you'll find this gem snaking through the stunning Mercantour National Park. Imagine this: a road that started as a humble mule track back in 1832, evolving into the fully paved C1 we know today.
But is it worth the drive? Absolutely! This route has even hosted the Tour de France, boasting the record for the highest point the race has ever conquered. Be warned, though, this climb is no joke – get ready for a leg-burning 15% gradient stretch. Once you conquer the road, park at the small lot at the top and take a short stroll to a memorial stone and a mind-blowing panoramic view of the national park. Just keep in mind, this alpine playground is usually snowed in from late October to June, so plan your trip accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,806 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
moderateIs Road 9552 unpaved?
🌍 Finland
Okay, buckle up for an unforgettable Finnish adventure on Road 9552! Nestled in the wilds of northern Finland, this road is a real mixed bag of pavement and gravel, but they're slowly paving the whole thing. The southern section is smooth sailing on asphalt, but in the middle, you'll hit some pretty decent gravel. Up north, be prepared for a rougher ride on unpaved sections – a high-clearance vehicle is definitely your friend here. Stretching for about 75 kilometers (46 miles), running from Road 955 close to , this beauty is lightly trafficked, so you'll mostly have the wilderness to yourself. Think lush forests and seriously stunning views. Autumn is when this road truly shines – the colors are absolutely unreal! Just remember, this is a remote area, so come prepared. You'll feel the true solitude of this uninhabited landscape. If you have car trouble, help could be a while away.
hardWhere is Alto de Lubián?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, adventure awaits in Zamora, Spain! Let's talk about Alto de Lubián, a mountain peak sitting pretty at 1,681 meters. You'll find it in the Castile and León region, way up north. The road? Think winding and narrow, all paved but with a few hairpin turns to keep things interesting. Oh, and it gets steep – some sections clock in at over 13%! It’s known locally as Camino del Cañizo, and at the top, you're rewarded with a wind farm and some killer views. If you're up for a cycling challenge, this is your spot. Starting from the ZA-106, it's a 10.3 km climb gaining 671 meters in elevation. That's an average gradient of 6.51%, so be prepared to work those legs! Get ready for some beautiful scenery and a proper workout.
extremeIs the road to Giogo della Bala in the Alps unpaved?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for the Giogo della Bala! This insane mountain pass sits way up in the Italian Alps, in Lombardy, at a dizzying 2,129m (6,984ft). You'll be cruising on Strada Provinziale 345B, aka Delle Tre Valli. The road starts and ends with asphalt, but get ready for some gravel action in the middle. This epic stretch is about 17.4 km (10.81 miles) of pure adrenaline, connecting to the SP 669 road. Now, let's talk thrills. This road hugs cliffs without guardrails, so keep your eyes on the prize. We're talking hairpin turns, insane views, and spots so narrow only one car can squeeze through. Oh, and did I mention the steep drops? Seriously, don't look down! The speed limit is a chill 20 km/h (12 mph) for a reason. Watch out for rocks and rough patches, especially on those curves. Overtaking and stopping are a no-go unless you're in a designated area. But hey, the views from the mountaintops are totally worth it!
moderateIs the road to Kolsuz Pass paved?
🇹🇷 Turkey
Okay, road trip fans, buckle up for Kolsuz Geçidi in Turkey's Niğde Province! This baby climbs to a cool 1,514m (4,967ft), and it's located smack-dab in the Central Anatolia Region, so expect some classic Turkish landscapes. The good news? It's fully paved and in pretty decent shape, part of the D805 route, so you can leave the off-road tires at home. The whole experience stretches for about 15.3 km (9.50 miles) as you wind your way from Kolsuz to Bayağıl. Get ready for some killer views as you cruise this one!