Col de la Bonette

The direct road linking Barcelonnette with Nice, 149km/92mi away, passes along the Route de la Bonette, built in 1832; the present road dates from 1963-64. Fortifications along the way are reminders of the strategical importance this route has always had, including the period of World War II. A winding road - with a fine view of the Ubaye valley along the way - leads up to the top of the pass at 2,802m/9,196ft. From here it is a half-hour climb there and back to the Cime de la Bonette (2,862m/9,393ft) from where there is a superb panoramic view, from Mont Pelvoux to Monte Viso in the north and from the foothills of the Alps in Digne to the Maritime Alps in the south.