The Col de la Bonette pass is among the ten highest Deux Mille peaks and the fourth highest pass in Europe, only behind Col de l’Iseran, Passo Stelvio and Col Agnel. While it’s evident that the northern ascent starts in Jausiers, one can argue that if you get a glass ball rolling down from the top of the south side, it will end up in Nice.
It’s a great climb, which, surprisingly, has only appeared in the Tour de France four times. From Jausiers you get 1,600 vertical meters to gain in scenery that takes breaths away. Col de la Bonette is often mistakenly referred to as the Col de Restefond. Restefond is old military barracks you will find near the top.
If you want to go even higher, a short artificial loop has been added at the end of the pass; Cime de la Bonette. It brings you to the highest paved point in France.