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France D64 Difficulty: 8/10

Col de la Bonette & Cime Loop (2,802m)

The highest paved through-road in the European Alps, reaching 2,802 meters (9,193 ft) via the teardrop loop encircling the Cime de la Bonette peak. Located in the Mercantour National Park, the route climbs through alpine meadows, past the eerie abandoned stone barracks of Camp des Fourches, and into a lunar talus scree landscape. Toll-free; no vignette required. Closed November to June. Extreme high-altitude crosswinds and steep drop-offs with minimal guardrails on the final summit loop.

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Distance
Distance
31 mi
50 km total run
Turns
Turns
190
6.1 turns per mile
Summit
Summit
9,193 ft
2,802m Cime de la Bonette
Surface
Surface
Paved (Twisty)
Difficulty: 8/10
3D Vector Trajectory
CARTO Dark Matter GL
Start: Jausiers, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France End: Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Alpes-Maritimes, France
Elevation Profile 3,740 – 9,193 ft
SUMMIT 9,193 FT
2,802m Cime de la Bonette
Apex Density Index 6.1 curves / mi
Scenic Sweeper Technical Switchback
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Nearby Staging
BMW Motorrad Nice (Moto Sud 39) ~56 mi
Nice, France • +33 4 92 27 39 39
Route des Grandes Alpes Southern Terminus | Mediterranean Expedition Hub | BMW Diagnostic Experts | Tire Staging
Brands: BMW Motorrad
Dafy Moto Grenoble (Saint-Martin-d'Hères) ~71 mi
Grenoble, France • +33 4 76 42 12 12
Vercors & Galibier Foothill Base | Quick-Fit Tire Center | Emergency Chain/Sprocket Kits | Oil Express
Brands: Ducati, BMW Motorrad, Yamaha, Honda, KTM
Lodge

Rider-Friendly Lodging

Covered Parking
Jordan Pond House ~3564 mi
Bar Harbor, ME

A storied Acadia National Park tradition dating back to the 1890s. Sitting on the gentle lawn overlooking the crystal-clear glacial waters of Jordan Pond, framed symmetrically by the twin glacial peaks of the North and South Bubbles mountains.

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Tank-Bag Quick Reference Sheet

Start Point Jausiers, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France 44.4178, 6.7328
Summit / High Point 2,802m Cime de la Bonette 9,193 FT Summit
End Destination Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Alpes-Maritimes, France 44.2564, 6.9247
T-CLOCS Pre-Ride: Tires & Wheels Controls & Cables Lights & Electric Oil & Fluids Chassis & Stand
DUNLOP
Official Tire Partner: Grip for Mountain Passes
Dunlop Roadsmart IV and Trailmax Mission provide maximum wet/dry confidence on mountain switchbacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many curves and miles is Col de la Bonette & Cime Loop (2,802m)?

Col de la Bonette & Cime Loop (2,802m) spans 31 miles and packs approximately 190 curves (6.1 curves per mile) with an elevation delta of 3,740 ft - 9,193 ft (2,802m Cime de la Bonette) and technical rating 8/10.

Where are the start and end coordinates?

The route starts at Jausiers, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France (Latitude 44.4178, Longitude 6.7328) and finishes at Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, Alpes-Maritimes, France (Latitude 44.2564, Longitude 6.9247).

How can I download the GPX file for GPS navigation?

Click the "Download Free GPX" button on this guide. The standard XML file is 100% free and ready to load into Garmin zūmo, BMW Motorrad Connected, Rever, Scenic, or Google Maps.

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