Alpine Passes

Mountain Roads of Europe

Col de la Bonette

Col de la Bonette

France · Alpes-Maritimes / Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

2,715m

Key Facts

Elevation
2,715m
Route length
50 km
Max gradient
10%
Hairpins
37
Driving difficulty
Demanding (4/5)
Surface
Fair
Open
June - October

Route & Map

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Route

SJausiers
50 km · max 10%
Col de la Bonette (2,715m)
Descent
ESaint-Étienne-de-Tinée
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One of the highest road passes in Europe near the Mercantour National Park. Connects the Ubaye valley to the Tinée valley through wild, treeless landscape.

Weather & Conditions

Driving Experience

Elevation Profile

1,144m1,554m1,965m2,375m2,785m0 km10 km20 km30 km40 km2,785m
1,621m gain
1,689m loss
1,212m → 2,785m → 1,144m

Difficulty

Demanding

4/5 — car driving difficulty

Based on steepness, elevation gain, hairpins, road length & surface quality

Hairpin Turns

37

A relentless sequence of switchbacks

When to Drive

June - October (Best: July - September)

  • Open June - October. Check locally for exact opening dates as conditions vary each year.
  • Drive early morning (before 8 AM) for clear views, ideal light, and less traffic.
  • At this altitude, weather can change rapidly. Bring warm layers even in summer.

Photos

Coordinates

Summit
44.3264°N, 6.8069°E
Start (Jausiers)
44.4167°N, 6.7333°E
End (Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée)
44.2575°N, 6.9253°E
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Image: Ulflulfl / CC BY-SA 3.0