Col de Turini
France, europe
30 km
1,607 m
moderate
April to November
# Col de Turini: A Rally Legend Worth Experiencing
Tucked away in the French Maritime Alps at 1,607 meters, the Col de Turini is a mountain pass that connects Sospel and La Bollene-Vesubie, and it's got serious pedigree. This is where the Monte Carlo Rally has been pushing drivers since 1911, and for good reason—when those rally cars tear through here at night with their headlights blazing through the fog and forest, it's earned the dramatic title "The Night of the Long Knives."
What makes this pass so special is the driving itself. You're treated to a fantastic sequence of flowing sweeping curves, tight hairpins, and elevation changes that keep you engaged as you carve through dense beech and spruce forests. The southern approach from Sospel is the real showstopper—smooth, well-maintained asphalt with corners that just seem to flow naturally from one to the next. The northern descent toward La Bollene-Vesubie isn't far behind either, offering wider roads and longer curves as the landscape opens up.
The best part? Outside of rally season, this place is genuinely peaceful. It's open year-round (though winter can occasionally throw a wrench in plans with snow closures up top), which means you can have an authentic driving experience without the crowds. There's a small village at the summit with a couple of restaurants and hotels if you need a break, and it's perfectly positioned to combine with other Alpine classics like the Col de la Bonette for an epic touring adventure.
Where is it?
Col de Turini is located in Maritime Alps, France (europe). Coordinates: 43.9747, 7.3928
Driving Tips
# Getting There & When to Visit
The drive from Sospel coming up from the south is honestly your best bet—it's a solid road that stays open pretty much year-round. Weekdays are super peaceful if you want to avoid crowds, so that's a great time to head up if you can swing it.
If you're into racing, January is absolutely wild—the Monte Carlo Rally takes over the area and it's an incredible thing to witness. The energy is unreal if you're into that kind of thing. Just know it'll be packed during that time, so plan accordingly!
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Maritime Alps
- Length
- 30 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,607 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- April to November
- Coordinates
- 43.9747, 7.3928
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