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    Col de la Bonette

    France

    Col de la Bonette

    Point of InterestMountainsNatureFor Families

    The Col de la Bonette connects the Ubaye Valley near Jausiers with the Tinée Valley near Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    5. France
    7. Côte d'Azur
    9. Col de la Bonette
    The Col de la Bonette connects the Ubaye Valley near Jausiers with the Tinée Valley near Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. The pass summit lies at 2,715 meters, and a loop around the Cime de la Bonette even reaches 2,802 meters, the highest point of an asphalted road in France. The route leads through barren high-mountain landscape on the edge of the Mercantour National Park and offers expansive views over the Maritime Alps.

    Sights

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Cime de la Bonette (2.802 m)

    Cime de la Bonette (2.802 m)

    The winding road around the Cime de la Bonette leads to 2,802 meters, the highest point of an asphalted road in France. From the car park, a short, steep footpath leads to the summit with panoramic views over the Maritime Alps, with clear visibility extending to peaks on the Italian side.
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    Mercantour-Nationalpark

    The south side of the Col de la Bonette is located in the area of the Mercantour National Park, which was founded in 1979 and extends to the Italian border. With a little luck, you'll see marmots and ibexes; chamois and bearded vultures also live in the park. For hikes, the National Park rules apply in the core zone, and dogs are not allowed there.
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    Historische Militäranlagen (Camp des Fourches)

    Historische Militäranlagen (Camp des Fourches)

    On the pass's south side lies Camp des Fourches, abandoned barracks built in the late 19th century for Chasseurs alpins. Its stone ruins, amidst a barren high-alpine landscape, testify to the military significance of the Italian border. Other, later fortifications also exist nearby.
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    City walks in Col de la Bonette

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Summit Experience at Col de la Bonette: An Alpine Walk on France's Highest Pass Road

    On this walk of about 2 hours, explore the breathtaking high-mountain panorama of the Col de la Bonette, whose "Cime" loop marks the highest pass road in France. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views, the sparse but fascinating alpine flora and the feeling of being a little closer to the sky. Please note that this is an alpine excursion and not a traditional city stroll.

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    Stops (7)

    Restaurants & Cafes

    Auberge de Jausiers

    Am Fuße der nördlichen Passstraße in Jausiers gelegen, lädt diese charmante Auberge zu einer Stärkung nach der Fahrt ein. Dich erwartet traditionelle, herzhafte Küche der Ubaye-Region mit lokalen Zutaten und eine gemütliche, rustikale Atmosphäre. Perfekt, um neue Kräfte zu sammeln und die lokale Gastfreundschaft zu genießen.
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    Restaurant La Bonette (Jausiers)

    Ebenfalls in Jausiers gelegen, bietet dieses Restaurant eine weitere hervorragende Option für Reisende, die den Col de la Bonette bezwungen haben. Es serviert eine Mischung aus traditioneller und leicht moderner Küche, oft mit Fokus auf frische, saisonale Produkte. Die entspannte Atmosphäre macht es zu einem beliebten Treffpunkt für Einheimische und Besucher gleichermaßen.
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    Food & Beverages

    No provisions at the pass. Food is in the valley towns Jausiers, Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée and Barcelonnette, home to the Southern Alps' mountain cuisine.

    Ubaye Valley mountain cheese

    Tomme and local Alpine cheeses are sold on farms in summer. They are stronger than cheeses from the Pre-Alps.

    Tourtons

    Fried pastries with potato or spinach filling, a classic from the Hautes-Alpes. They are served warm as an appetizer.

    Lamb dishes

    The herds graze in summer right up to the mountain pass. In the valley villages, lamb with mountain herbs is on the menus.

    Provisions for the pass tour

    Between Jausiers and Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, there's a 50-kilometer stretch with no services. Pack water and snacks from the start, especially if cycling.

    History and Heritage at Col de la Bonette

    The history of the Col de la Bonette is closely tied to its location near the former Italian border. Late 19th century saw the construction of barracks and fortifications for mountain troops, such as the Camp des Fourches, with Alpine fortifications, known as the 'Alpine Maginot Line', added in the 1930s. The current pass road was expanded in the 1960s, opening up the high altitudes to traffic.Today, the pass is popular with cyclists and motorcyclists, having been traversed multiple times by the Tour de France. In summer, sheep herds also move to the high pastures around the summit, a sign of the traditional alpine farming in the Seealpen.

    Local Adventures

    You can only reach the Col de la Bonette by **your own vehicle**, motorbike, or bicycle; public transport does not operate over the pass. The road is only open during the summer months, usually from June to October, depending on snow conditions. Check the current status in advance; even in summer, the weather can change quickly.

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    Campgrounds in Col de la Bonette

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    Nearby

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    Moustiers

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    Moustiers-Sainte-Marie is situated on a rock face at the western end of the Gorges du Verdon and is one of the "Plus Beaux Villages de France". The village is known for the golden star that hangs on a chain high above the rooftops between two rocks, and for its faience tradition since the 17th century. You'll stroll through narrow streets, along a stream that rushes right through the village, and climb up to the Chapel Notre-Dame de Beauvoir.
    Gorges du Verdon

    Gorges du Verdon

    The Gorges du Verdon are considered one of Europe's largest canyons. The Verdon river has carved up to 700 meters deep into the limestone, its water shimmering from green to turquoise.Here you can go kayaking, rafting, or embark on challenging hikes. At its western end lies the Lac de Sainte-Croix, a lake dammed in 1974, perfect for swimming and boat trips.The panoramic road Corniche Sublime runs along the southern rim, while the Route des Crêtes follows the northern side near La Palud-sur-Verdon. Close to the gorge is Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, renowned for its Fayence pottery and the star suspended between two cliffs.The classic path through the gorge is the Sentier Blanc-Martel, a challenging day hike featuring tunnels and ladders. May, June, September, and October are the best times to visit; in mid-summer, paths may be closed due to wildfire risk.
    Côte d'Azur

    Côte d'Azur

    The Côte d'Azur, the French Riviera, is the Mediterranean coastal strip between Saint-Tropez and the Italian border near Menton. Here you'll find cities like Nice and Cannes, seaside resorts, mountain villages in the hinterland, and numerous art museums. In the middle of the coast lies the Principality of Monaco, an independent state surrounded by France.
    Nice

    Nice

    Nice is the largest city on the Côte d'Azur, situated on the Baie des Anges, about 30 kilometers from the Italian border. Stroll along the Promenade des Anglais by the sea; in the Old Town, Vieux Nice, you'll find baroque alleys and the flower market at Cours Saleya. From Colline du Château, you overlook the Old Town, port, and bay. The city has only been French since 1860 and has retained an Italian influence in its cuisine and culture; try Socca and visit the Musée Matisse or the Musée Marc Chagall. For mild weather and fewer crowds, April to June, as well as September and October, are ideal.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Unsplash. Each photo carries its credit.
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