France’s Col de Turini, a Scenic Mountain Drive

Col de Turini
Col de Turini

Driving enthusiasts, cyclists, and environment lovers all enjoy visiting France’s Col de Turini, a charming mountain pass in the French Alps. The pass, which lies in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeast France, draws visitors from all over the world with its breathtaking views of the region’s mountains and valleys.

Where is Col de Turini?

Between the cities of Sospel and La Bollène-Vésubie, in the Maritime Alps, is where you’ll find the Col de Turini. At 1607 meters (5272 feet) above sea level, the pass provides amazing views of the surrounding countryside. For those who venture along its twists and turns, the route offers a memorable drive through lush forests, quaint communities, and difficult mountain terrain.


The map below shows where this road is located:


Enlarge the map

Information about Col de Turini:

A 31-kilometer-long (19 miles) route with several hairpin curves and steep inclines, the road is demanding but enjoyable to drive. The Monte Carlo Rally, a major yearly motorsport competition, is famed for the road’s involvement. Drivers are greeted by breathtaking vistas of the nearby mountains, valleys, and forests as they make their way through the pass.

Visitors can engage in a number of outdoor pursuits in the area, including cycling, skiing, and hiking. The area is crisscrossed with numerous hiking routes that let people discover the natural beauty of the area. While skiers can enjoy the local ski resorts in the winter, cyclists can test their skills on the same roads utilized in the Tour de France.

History of Col de Turini:

The Col de Turini has a long history that began in the early 20th century when the Monte Carlo Rally used it as a stage for the first time. Since its complex twists and turns put the world’s top drivers to the test, the pass has come to represent the rally. The road has also been a part of the Tour de France, demonstrating its appeal to fans of both cycling and motorsport.

Road preview:

Watching this YouTube video that displays a portion of the road will give you a preview of the journey:

How to get to this road?

There are several ways to reach the road. Follow the directions for Col de Turini after departing from Nice on the M6202 road in the direction of Sospel. Alternatively, you can travel from Menton to Sospel on the D2566 road and then follow the directions for the pass. You can take a taxi or bus to the pass from the closest train station in Sospel, or you can hike or bike along the picturesque pathways.

Not so far from this road, you can also drive the Col de la Bonette.

You can obviously visualize how to get there on this approximative map of the drive:

Is Col de Turini open?

Although this road is often open all year round, snow and ice during the winter may result in brief restrictions. It is wise to research local traffic patterns before making travel arrangements. Drivers should utilize a suitable vehicle and proceed with caution because the route can be congested, twisting, and include steep inclines and hairpin curves.

In conclusion, people looking for a thrilling and picturesque drive in the French Alps should make a point of visiting the Col de Turini. The pass has something to offer everyone thanks to its fascinating history, breathtaking scenery, and range of outdoor activities. Don’t miss the chance to see this road for yourself and make priceless memories.

Picture credit: By Anthospace – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51384042


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