Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road of the Alps
France, europe
1 km
2,806 m
moderate
Year-round
# Cime de la Bonette
Want to experience the highest paved road in the Alps? Head to the Cime de la Bonette, sitting pretty at 2,806 meters (9,206 feet) in the stunning Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southeastern France. This legendary pass straddles the border between Alpes-Maritimes and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, tucked deep within the Mercantour National Park near Italy.
The road itself has serious history—what started as a humble mule track in 1832 didn't get its full paved treatment until 1960. Today, the entire route (called C1) is completely paved and forms a scenic loop that starts and ends at Col de la Bonette.
Fair warning: this climb is legit tough. You'll face some seriously steep pitches, with sections hitting a gnarly 15% gradient that'll test your legs (and your brakes). But here's the payoff—you'll reach a point marked by a monument where the views are absolutely unreal. Just a short 60-meter walk from the small parking lot at the top rewards you with panoramic vistas of the national park that'll make every pedal stroke worth it.
The Tour de France has made this pass legendary, and for good reason—it holds the record as the highest point the race has ever reached. Pretty epic stuff.
Just plan accordingly: this route is snowbound and totally inaccessible from late October through June, so stick to summer climbing season if you want to conquer France's highest paved road.
Where is it?
Cime de la Bonette is the highest paved road of the Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.6076, 2.3760
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 1 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,806 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.6076, 2.3760
Related Roads in europe
hardA very steep road (15%) to Ffynnon Llugwy
🇬🇧 Wales
Okay, picture this: you're in Snowdonia, Wales, ready for an adventure. You're headed up to Ffynnon Llugwy, a hidden gem of a lake nestled high in the mountains at 554 meters. This isn't just any lake; it's deep, like 45 meters deep, and it sits right at the base of Carnedd Llewelyn. Now, the road to get there… It's paved, sure, but hold on tight. This is a super steep and narrow climb. Think switchbacks and stunning views, if you dare to take your eyes off the road! The power/water company owns it, and it’s not open to all vehicles. The climb kicks off from the A5 and stretches for about 2.54 kilometers. In that short distance, you'll gain 262 meters in elevation – that's an average gradient of over 10%, with some sections hitting a wild 15%! So, get ready for an intense, but totally rewarding, drive to one of the highest and most scenic spots in Wales.
hardHow long is the road from Mollas to Petran?
🇦🇱 Albania
Alright, fellow adventurers, listen up! If you're itching for a real Albanian experience, ditch the highways and check out the backroad connecting Mollas (in Korçë County) to Petran (in Gjirokastër County). Think of it as a rugged shortcut across the country, clocking in at around 77.5 kilometers. Word of warning: this ain't your average Sunday drive. We're talking unpaved sections, steep climbs to mountain passes, and rickety old bridges that'll test your nerves. If you get queasy on narrow mountain roads, maybe skip this one. But here's the kicker: much of the drive carves through the stunning Langarica Canyon, surrounded by the dense forests and towering peaks of Dangelli and Shqeri. Plus, it’s your gateway to the Fir of Hotova National Park Loop Road! So, if you're craving raw beauty and a healthy dose of adrenaline, this road is an absolute must. Just be prepared and maybe leave the sports car at home!
moderateWhere does Carretera de la Arrabassada start and end?
🇪🇸 Spain
Cruising the Carretera de l’Arrabassada near Barcelona, Spain is an absolute must if you're a thrill-seeking driver! This beauty, officially the BP-1417, stretches for about 11.4 km (7.08 miles) between Barcelona and Sant Cugat del Vallès, carving its way through the Collserola mountain range and peaking at the coll de l'Erola, a mountain pass sitting at 396m (1,299ft). Be warned, though – this road's got a reputation. It's seriously winding, thanks to the rugged terrain, and you'll find yourself navigating hairpin turns like the infamous Paella curve. It's a haven for motorcyclists looking to test their skills, but with its popularity comes heavy traffic, especially since it leads to the Tibidabo amusement park. Beyond the adrenaline, the scenery is incredible. Keep an eye out for cool spots like the Arrabassada casino ruins, the Font Groga, and the Rabassada viewpoint. Just be aware that, despite its beauty, the Carretera de l’Arrabassada has a history of accidents and illegal races. So, while you're soaking in the views and enjoying the ride, remember to stay alert and drive safe!
moderateA great road to Cormet de Roselend in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Cormet de Roselend Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France near the Italian border, Cormet de Roselend sits at a breezy 1,991m (6,532ft) elevation. The name itself—derived from the Latin "Culmen"—literally means summit, and boy, does it deliver on that promise. This iconic stretch is part of the legendary Route des Grandes Alpes and spans 39.5 km (24.54 miles) of fully paved bliss, connecting Beaufort in the Beaufortain valley to Bourg-Saint-Maurice in the Tarentaise Valley via routes D902 and D925. Fair warning: 22 hairpin turns await you, so bring your A-game driving skills. The climb is no joke. From Beaufort's side, you're looking at 20.32 km of ascending with 1,227 meters of elevation gain (averaging 6%, with punchy 8.9% sections). The Bourg-Saint-Maurice approach is slightly shorter at 19.35 km, but still packs 1,154 meters of climb with steeper 10% sections—topped out at a gnarly 12% through some sections. Don't be fooled by that modest 6% average; the road starts relatively gentle under tree cover before dropping you into a relentless sequence of 10 tight hairpins that'll keep your heart racing. Summer's the sweet spot for driving here, as winter closures are pretty standard at this altitude. The Tour de France has featured this pass multiple times, and it's easy to see why. The real showstopper? Lac de Roselend, the stunning reservoir you'll spot on the western side, plus those jaw-dropping Mont Blanc views when you pass by Vallée des Glaciers. Think endless alpine meadows, cowbell soundtracks, and scenery that just keeps getting better with every turn.