Col de la Bonette holds a special record: at 2,802 meters (including the Cime de la Bonette loop), it’s the highest paved through-road in Europe. Located in the sun-drenched southern French Alps near the Italian border, this stunning climb offers high-altitude cycling with less traffic than famous neighbors, spectacular scenery, and serious bragging rights.
The Height Controversy
Technical Note: The pass itself (Col de Bonette) is at 2,715m. An optional 2.7km loop road climbs higher to the Cime de la Bonette summit at 2,802m. Most cyclists do the loop for the full experience and maximum altitude.
vs. Col de l’Iseran: Iseran (2,770m) is higher than Bonette pass (2,715m) but lower than the Cime loop (2,802m). Technically, if you do the Cime loop, you’ve ridden higher than any other paved road in Europe.
The Route
From Jausiers (South)
Stats:
- Distance: 23.2 km to col (25.9 km including Cime loop)
- Elevation gain: 1,589m (1,676m with loop)
- Average gradient: 6.8%
- Maximum gradient: 10%
- Character: Long, steady, beautiful
From Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (North)
Stats:
- Distance: 25.8 km to col (28.5 km with loop)
- Elevation gain: 1,690m (1,777m with loop)
- Average gradient: 6.5%
- Maximum gradient: 9%
- Character: More gradual, very scenic
Both sides are manageable gradients—the challenge is length and altitude, not extreme steepness.
Climbing from Jausiers (South)
Km 0-8: The Valley Gradient: 5-7% Pleasant opening through Ubaye valley. Moderate climbing allows thorough warm-up.
Km 8-15: Entering Alpine Zone Gradient: 6-8% Gradient increases slightly. Trees thin, alpine meadows appear. Long, swooping road visible ahead.
Km 15-20: High Alpine Gradient: 6-8% Now in exposed high-altitude terrain. Stunning views in all directions. The road is wide, smooth, and scenic.
Km 20-23.2: Final Push to Col Gradient: 6-7% The true col at 2,715m. Stone marker, parking, usually crowds. Views are spectacular.
Km 23.2-25.9: Cime de la Bonette Loop (Optional) Distance: 2.7 km loop Additional gain: 87m Gradient: 6-7% (one-way) A loop road circles the Cime de la Bonette summit at 2,802m. One-way traffic (clockwise). Most cyclists take this for the full experience and maximum altitude.
Climbing from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (North)
Km 0-10: Gradual Opening Gradient: 4-6% Very gentle start. Easy warm-up through valley.
Km 10-18: Sustained Climbing Gradient: 6-7% Steady, consistent gradient. Beautiful scenery as you gain altitude.
Km 18-25: High Alpine Section Gradient: 6-8% Exposed high-altitude terrain. The road snakes across open mountainside with spectacular 360° views.
Km 25-25.8: Arrival at Col Final push to 2,715m col.
Cime Loop: Same 2.7km optional loop as from south.
The Cime de la Bonette Loop
Most cyclists do this—it’s what makes Bonette special.
The Route:
- One-way loop road (clockwise)
- 2.7km, gains 87m
- Brings you to 2,802m—highest paved road in Europe
- Spectacular 360° views from summit
At the Summit:
- Stone pyramid marker
- Orientation tables identifying peaks
- Often windy and cold
- Stunning views of Southern Alps stretching to Italy and Mediterranean
Best Time to Ride
Season: Typically open June through October, weather permitting.
Optimal Months:
- June-July: Road just opened, snow still visible, dramatic scenery
- August: Most reliable weather, warmest
- September: Excellent conditions, fewer tourists, autumn light
Time of Day: Morning starts avoid afternoon thunderstorms. The southern Alps get more sun than northern Alps—it can be hot at midday.
Avoid: Early June if heavy snow year—road may not be fully clear.
Practical Strategy
Which Direction?:
- South (Jausiers): Slightly shorter, marginally steeper
- North (Saint-Étienne): Slightly longer, very gentle
- Both: Strong riders do both sides plus Cime loop
Pacing: The gentle gradients (6-7%) reward steady-state pacing. Find sustainable power and maintain it.
Altitude Management:
- Spend a day or two at 1,000-1,500m before attempting
- Above 2,500m, power output drops noticeably
- Hydrate more than you think necessary
- Watch for altitude sickness symptoms
Gearing: 50/34 x 11-32 is adequate. The gradients are manageable—length and altitude are the challenges, not steepness.
Fueling: 23-26km takes 90-140 minutes. Fuel before starting and during climb.
Hydration: Carry two bottles. Limited refill opportunities until summit.
Clothing:
- Base to summit temperature drop: 15-20°C
- Summit often 5-10°C even in summer
- Wind can be brutal, especially on exposed Cime summit
- Gloves and vest essential for descent
The Cime Loop Decision
Do the loop if:
- Weather is clear (views are spectacular)
- You want maximum altitude
- Energy allows
Skip it if:
- Weather is poor (clouds hide everything)
- You’re exhausted
- Time is limited
Most riders regret skipping it if weather is good.
Difficulty Rating
Advanced to Intermediate: The gentle gradients make this accessible, but the length and altitude require fitness and mountain experience.
Comparison:
- Easier than: Galibier, Stelvio, Gavia (less steep)
- Harder than: Most moderate climbs (due to length and altitude)
- Similar to: Iseran (altitude and distance comparable)
The altitude (2,800m+) is the main challenge—gradients are manageable.
What to Expect
Physical: The gentle gradients mean it’s never brutally hard, but sustained effort for 90+ minutes at altitude is tiring.
Altitude: Above 2,500m, breathing becomes noticeably labored. Power output drops. This is normal.
Scenery: Absolutely spectacular. The southern Alps have different character than northern Alps—more sun, different geology, stunning colors.
Traffic: Moderate. Less than Galibier or Iseran, but still a popular tourist route. Motorcyclists common.
Road Conditions: Excellent—smooth, wide, well-maintained.
Weather: More stable than northern Alps but thunderstorms still possible.
The Descent
Both descents are excellent:
Long: 23-26km of descending Smooth: Well-paved throughout Fast: Gentle gradients allow high speeds if desired Cold: Add layers at summit—descent is long and cold at speed
Safety Notes:
- Add clothing before descending
- Watch for vehicles (one-way Cime loop has traffic in both directions)
- Strong winds possible, especially near summit
Historical Context
Military Road: Built primarily for military purposes connecting valleys. Some fortifications visible.
Tour de France: Featured occasionally, though less famous than other high passes. When included, it’s often a decisive stage.
Altitude Record: The 2,802m Cime loop was specifically built to claim “highest road in Europe” status—a source of local pride.
Combining with Other Climbs
Same Day Options:
- Bonette + Col de la Cayolle: Two major passes
- Both sides + Cime loop: Epic single-pass day
Multi-Day Tours:
- Route des Grandes Alpes: Multi-day route linking major Alpine passes from Lake Geneva to Mediterranean
- Southern Alps Circuit: Bonette + Cayolle + Lombarde + Vars over 3-4 days
Accommodation
Jausiers (South Base):
- Small valley town
- Limited accommodation, book ahead
- Grocery stores, restaurants
Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée (North Base):
- Larger town
- More accommodation options
- Full services
Summit: No accommodation (though summer-only bivouac possibilities for alpinists).
Larger Towns:
- Barcelonnette: Larger town near Jausiers, more options
- Nice: Mediterranean coast, 2-3 hours away
Logistics
Getting There:
- Fly to Nice, drive north (2-3 hours)
- Or drive from other Alpine regions
Remote Location: The southern Alps are less developed than northern Alps. Services are more limited. Plan accordingly.
Why Ride It
Bonette offers something special: the highest paved cycling in Europe without extreme difficulty. The gentle gradients make 2,802m accessible to strong intermediate riders who would struggle on Galibier or Stelvio.
Perfect For:
- Altitude seekers wanting the highest
- Those preferring steady gradients over steep sections
- Riders exploring southern Alps
- Anyone collecting “highest road” achievements
The Experience: Standing at 2,802m on the Cime de la Bonette loop, with 360° views of the Southern Alps, knowing you’ve ridden higher than any other paved road in Europe, is genuinely special.
Is it harder than Galibier? Not in terms of gradient. Is it more spectacular? Subjective. But it’s higher, and that matters.
The combination of manageable gradients, spectacular scenery, high altitude, and relative obscurity (compared to Alpe d’Huez or Stelvio) makes Bonette a hidden gem of alpine cycling.
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