Where is Col de la Bonette?
France, europe
24 km
2,806 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because Col de la Bonette in France is calling your name! This high-altitude pass, topping out at 2,715 meters (8,907 feet), straddles the border between the Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments, snuggled in Mercantour National Park near Italy. Think stunning views between the Ubaye and Tinée Valleys.
The D64, a.k.a. part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, will take you there on smooth, paved roads. Be warned, the climb is steep and twisty, with gradients hitting up to 15% in places! The ascent from Jausiers stretches 24 km with an average gradient of 6.6%, while the route from Saint Etienne de Tinée clocks in at 25.8 km with a 6.4% average.
Keep an eye out for cycling markers every kilometer, giving you the lowdown on elevation and distance to the top. The road, originally a mule track, was completed in 1960. Just remember, being so high up in the Alps means the Bonette is typically snowed in from late October until late June/early July, so plan your trip accordingly!
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,806 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
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