Col de la Bonette - Saint Etienne de Tinée

Personally, this is my favorite climb for years now. I have no preference for the Southern or Northern climb: steady, nice ride in a very scenic environment. Especially in July-August it can be very hot, even on high altitude, making it also something special.

My personal climb rating:

I have climbed this col from both sides now. The north starts steadily but begins to kick in after about 4km. Then it is steep and fairly relentless, especially in the heat, up to the lake. Here there is a brief respite before the gradient steepens up to an abandoned fortress. the going is easy then until the final kilometre, which is very steep. The south side is much longer but fairly steady all the way. However, when I rode this side the wind made the going tough near the top. The final push after the col de Restefond feels excruciatingly difficult due to the steepness and the altitude. Overall both sides are equally hard for different reasons but both are well worth riding for the views and the sense of achievement. If I had to choose a prefered side, it would probably be the south side as it is quieter and more scenic.

My personal climb rating: