Col de la Bonette
Best Motorcycle Roads in France
Narrow, steep, and sharp, Col de la Bonette gets you to dizzying heights offering an incredible ride and amazing views.
Arguably the highest paved mountain road din Europe, this high alpine road takes you on an unforgettable journey to the highest peaks of the Alps.Â
Road D64, is situated in southern France, close to Nice and bordering Italy. The road takes you on a paved rollercoaster up to 2715 m in altitude. Leave your bike and start walking a small path to Cime de la Bonette, 2862m in altitude.
Part of the scenic Route des Grandes Alps, Col de la Bonette is very steep, and narrow in parts, but what an amazing ride it is.
An amazing view after each corner will take another wow from you, and another one, and another one until an encounter with a marmot, the symbol of the Alps will make you feel just like a kid again.
Abandoned bunkers and old forts catch your eye for a second and curiosity kicks in.
Many motorcycle riders and cyclists take on the sinuous road, until you reach a plaque, claiming Col de la Bonette as the highest mountain road in Europe. True or false? We’ll leave you with the debate, as there are various reasons to classify this claim a bit too confident.
Leave the motorcycle in the parking and start walking. A narrow path leads you up the mountain to Cime de la Bonnete, where a 360 degrees view, makes you forget about the dispute on what road is highest. You are left without words, admiring the endless view and the road that got you here.
Used in the past as a mule track, the pass was built in 1832 and completed in 1960. Although not perfect, the road is completely paved.
Due to the high altitude and depending highly on weather conditions, the road is open from late June to October.
Route Details:
Route: from Jausiers (Vallée de l’Ubaye) to the top of the mountain there are 23 km
Altitude: 2715 m in altitude
A small path takes you walking to the memorial stone up to 2862 meters
Average gradient: 6.5%
The road separates Alps de Haute Provence and Alps Maritimes. Watch out for the cyclists. What an effort from these guys, it is absolutely unbelievable.
From the top of the mountain you can follow the twists and turns all the way to Nise (about 2hrs ride) and enjoy the seaside.
please remember to pack some warm clothes as the higher you ride, the colder it gets.
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Author:
Author:
Claudia Palfi
World motorcycle traveler
professional tour guide