FFC cycling circuit no. 36: La Bonette par les 2 versants et le col de Vars

The start sign is at the end of the bridge over the Tinée river, at the crossroads with the route de Saint-Dalmas and boulevard Maurice Rovery. This is also where you'll find the starting sign for the cime de la Bonette, announcing the difficulties: 25.5 km with average gradients over several km at 9%. From here, head towards the Col on the RM 2205, arriving at Km 4, at a place called Pont-Haut, which crosses the Tinée. At the end of the bridge, turn right onto the RM 64, wherethe road becomes narrower, heralding the entrance to the Mercantour Park. Once past the hamlet of Le Pra and the village of Bousiéyas, the road twists and turns as far as Camp des Fourches. The Col de Raspaillon heralds the arrival at the summit of the Col de la Bonette- Restefond (Km 24.6), and the itinerary invites cyclists to go straight over the pass to Jausiers without having to negotiate the steep slope of the cime de la Bonette. Indeed, there are still many difficulties ahead. The long descent of the Jausiers slope brings us to the intersection with the RD 900 (Km 46.6). From this junction, turn right towards Col de Vars. At the "Glizolles" crossroads, turn left onto the RD 902, direction Col de Vars, whose ascent is said to be 14.1 km long. But in fact, the real climb begins at Saint-Paul-sur Ubaye, as the road rises on the left, following the RD 902. The climb is not too difficult, even if the last 5 km are at an average of 9%. The view from the summit is remarkable. To return, take the road in the opposite direction to the Col de la Bonette on the north side.

-Wear an approved helmet

-Check the condition of your tires

-Carry a puncture repair kit

-Prefer at least one flashing LED light to be mounted on the seatpost so that you can be seen by other motorists.

-Don't overestimate your physical capabilities

-Find out about mountain weather and pass opening times before you set off.

-Respect the environment and other road users

Nice is served by the A8 "La Provençale" freeway, coming from Aix-en-Provence to the west and the border to the east.

Take Exit 52: Saint-Isidore

Direction Digne

Then take Route de la Tinée (RM 2205)

Bus routes can be found at: https://www.lignesdazur.com

Circuit for experienced cyclists - FFC color: black - ! COL DE LA BONETTE CLOSES IN WINTER