Col de la Bonette
Col de la Bonette is all about altitude. With the pass at 2,715 metres and the Cime de la Bonette road reaching 2,802 metres, this is one of the great high road experiences of the French Alps.
- Length
- Verify before publication
- Elevation Gain
- Verify before publication
- Average Gradient
- Verify before publication
- Difficulty
- Hors Catégorie
Community recommendation
Would you recommend Col de la Bonette?
Rate the complete riding experience—not just the difficulty. Your vote helps other riders decide which climbs are worth building a trip around.
Rate this climb
Loading ratings…
Col de la Bonette should be handled carefully from a data perspective. The briefing provides verified altitude context, with the pass at 2,715 metres and the Cime de la Bonette reaching 2,802 metres, but it does not provide a fixed length, elevation gain or average gradient for one exact side. That means the final page needs a route specific verification round before publication.
What can already be written confidently is the character. Bonette is a high Alpine experience where altitude is the main story. It has also appeared four times in the Tour de France, which gives it a clear place in cycling history. This is a climb for riders who want scale, exposure and the feeling of going very high by bike.
How to Ride It
- Choose the side before finalising the page. The climb profile depends on the approach.
- Pace for altitude, not just gradient. High roads feel different late in the effort.
- Bring warm clothing, even in summer. The descent from this height can be cold.
Where to Stay
Barcelonnette and the surrounding high Alpine towns are logical bases, depending on the side you choose. The key is to stay close enough that Bonette can be treated as a proper mountain objective rather than a rushed detour.
Practical Tips
- Verify the exact route profile before publishing the facts panel.
- Check seasonal access. High Alpine roads are weather dependent.
- Do not underestimate the altitude. It is part of the difficulty, not just part of the view.
Climbs worth travelling for
Want more rides like Col de la Bonette?
Get our best climb guides, route combinations and practical mountain-trip advice in your inbox.
No daily noise. Unsubscribe whenever you like.