Where is Col de la Lariée?

Nestled on the wild border where France shakes hands with Italy, just northwest of Basera Pass, you'll stumble upon Col de la Lariée. This isn't your average Sunday drive – think historical military track clinging to the Alpine ridgeline, linking the Piedmont region to the stunning Alpes-Maritimes.

So, where exactly is this hidden gem? Picture southeastern France (Alpes-Maritimes department) meeting the Italian region of Piedmont. It’s a landscape dotted with relics of early 20th-century military fortifications. You're riding along the crest of the mountains, with jaw-dropping views of the Ligurian Alps' rugged limestone peaks and, if you're lucky, a distant peek at the Mediterranean. It's a crucial path for anyone itching to explore the region's old border defenses.

Heads up: the road to the summit is all unpaved glory. We're talking a classic high-altitude military route of loose gravel, crushed rock, and raw earth. While technically passable, a high-clearance 4x4 is your best bet. It's narrow, exposed, and loves a good steep drop – no guardrails here! Tread carefully and keep a steady hand on the wheel. Rain can turn the rocky surface treacherous, and that thin mountain soil? Muddy mayhem in sections.

From the famous , the track to Col de la Lariée clocks in at a mere 650 meters (0.4 miles). Don’t let the short distance fool you – it's an intense ride with serious elevation and a wildly rocky path. Keep in mind, this route usually only opens between late June and October. Heavy snow and ice keep these high-altitude ridges locked down for the rest of the year. If you’re tackling the full "Via del Sale" or exploring the ridge-top military roads between Italy and France, this short but challenging stretch is a must.