©Drone De Regard
Col De Castillon Route Grandes Alpes Drone De RegardCol De Castillon Route Grandes Alpes Drone De Regard|
The Route des Grandes Alpes
Once upon a time,
there was a road…
Roads were built between the large French valleys in the 19th century to open up the mountain villages. They set the scene for a new building site of epic proportions in 1909: the creation of the Route des Grandes Alpes. The French Touring Club had the idea of building the road to showcase the mountain’s scenery and encourage tourism among cyclists then road users. The route was completed in 1937 and opened this outstanding area of natural and cultural heritage to the world.
The result was as spectacular as expected: the Route des Grandes Alpes starts in Thonon-les-Bains, by Lake Geneva, and ends in Menton and the Mediterranean shores. It runs through 6 departments, up 17 mountain passes and covers almost 700km of mountain roads.
MENTON, KILOMETRE ZERO
Menton is the start and finish line with an engraved plaque marking zero kilometres for the Route des Grandes Alpes. You can see it on Esplanade Francis-Palmero opposite the market.
plaque route des grandes alpesplaque route des grandes alpes
Between the sea and mountain
From Menton to Col de Turini
The section of the Route des Grandes Alpes running through Menton, Riviera & Merveilles takes you from one environment to the next: a mountain pass with a narrow, winding and steep road before you dive towards the sea and the coastal scenery of the French Riviera.
Set off from Menton and you’re first stop will be Col du Castillon (703m) before you reach Sospel, the first village on the mountain. Next it’s time for a long ride uphill and past Moulinet to Col de Turini (1604m). The last few bends are stunning… Be sure to make a detour via the Authion mountain range whose 2078m peak brings you incredible views of the Southern Alps.
Nature experiences
Must-visits
Like anything, it’s not the destination on the Route des Grandes Alpes; it’s the journey that counts! And what a journey… The road takes you through magical scenery and villages where life is good.
When it comes to nature, there are all sorts of things to do: hikes or bike rides in the Authion mountains, stroll beneath the chestnut trees in Moulinet, gaze out over the waterfalls and Gorges du Piaon formed by the Bévéra… And how about having a go at trout fishing in the category 1 river?
Car, motorbike or bike?
The fast lane or slow mo?
The Route des Grandes Alpes may set the scene for your next adventure by car, motorbike or bike. Choose your favourite form of transport and take to the heady heights. If the miles and slopes are worrying you then hire an e-bike to temper the challenge so you can focus on the scenery!
Fancy a romantic getaway? Picture yourselves in a vintage cabriolet: wind along the iconic road and live La Dolce Vita with your other half… Introduce your kids to slow tourism and have fun at the fantastic Camp d’Argent playground: a ski resort in winter and outdoor leisure centre in summer. As for thrill-seeking motorbikers and cyclists, there are countless winding mountain passes and roads to keep their adrenaline pumping.
The road from Menton to Col de Turini is open all year. Otherwise, remember that you can never count on conditions on the mountain and some mountain passes are only open between June and October. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and snowfall to travel safe.
The villages
are bursting with culture
The villages on the Route des Grandes Alpes are jam-packed with culture. Stop off in Castillon to visit its many artist studios, soak up the stunning baroque village of Sospel and explore Moulinet and its stunning Monument Historique-listed chapel on a rocky spur.
Grub’s up!
Experience Alpine cuisine
Last but not least, it’s time to feed the soul so get the best of the Alps and sample hearty and homely mountain dishes. Ideal for recharging your batteries after each stage! A variety of hotels and restaurants serve traditional dishes and have rooms with views of the natural surroundings. Don’t go home without trying the local Pissare de Mouline tart or Boussotous courgette-filled dumplings.
Berliet Col De Turini Alpes Maritimes FranceBerliet Col De Turini Alpes Maritimes France|
THE COLLECTORS’ ROUTE
Vintage car and motorbike enthusiasts love riding the Route des Grandes Alpes on their fabulous retro motors. Don’t be surprised to see collectors from all over Europe here to relive their motors’ glory days.
