Col de la Moutière and Cime de la Bonette MTB Loop

The loop can typically be started from towns like Jausiers or Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. Jausiers is a common starting point for the Cime de la Bonette. You'll find public parking available in these villages, which serve as convenient access points for the route.

This route passes through the Mercantour National Park. While dogs are generally allowed on a leash in the peripheral zone of the park, they are often restricted or must be kept on a very short leash in the core zone to protect wildlife. It's best to check the specific regulations for the exact sections of the trail you plan to ride within the park's boundaries.

The high-alpine nature of this loop means it's best ridden during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early autumn. The passes are usually clear of snow from June to October. Always check weather conditions before heading out, as high-altitude weather can change rapidly.

No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to access the trails within the Mercantour National Park for activities like mountain biking. However, you must respect the park's regulations, especially concerning wildlife, waste, and fire.

The terrain is quite varied. You'll encounter well-paved, high-alpine roads, especially on the main Cime de la Bonette ascent. However, sections around the Moutière Pass include significant stretches of bumpy, rocky, and stony gravel road, particularly the 3-kilometer climb to Faux Col de Restefond. This mix makes a mountain bike essential for the full loop.

Prepare for breathtaking and diverse high-alpine scenery. You'll experience vast, undeveloped landscapes, panoramic views of the Mercantour Alps, and the dramatic, almost lunar environment near the Bonette Summit. The route to Moutière Pass is particularly known for its deserted beauty.

Absolutely! The Cime de la Bonette is famous as the highest paved road in France. You'll also pass old military barracks at Col de Restefond and other fortifications from the Maginot Line, adding a historical dimension to the ride. The extra loop around the Cime itself, built to claim the 'highest paved road' title, is a unique engineering quirk.

Yes, this loop is considered a significant challenge and is graded as 'difficult'. It's a 'hors category' climb, demanding considerable stamina due to long, consistent ascents and high altitudes. The final loop around the Cime de la Bonette features gradients frequently exceeding 10% and reaching up to 16%, making it ideal for experienced riders seeking a demanding adventure.

Yes, sections of this route overlap with other established trails. You'll find it intersects with parts of the Col de la Bonette (2802 m) depuis Jausiers, the Route des Grandes Alpes à vélo, variante Barcelonnette / Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, and the Tour de l'Ubaye.

The inclusion of the Col de la Moutière route is what truly elevates this loop. It offers a quieter, more intimate experience with nature compared to the main Bonette road. This unpaved, virtually deserted 'secret road' provides a serene escape and stunning, unspoiled views, making it a highlight for those seeking solitude.

Given the challenging nature and high altitude, you should bring appropriate mountain biking gear, plenty of water and snacks, layers of clothing for varying temperatures, sun protection, a repair kit, and a first-aid kit. A GPS device with the route loaded is also highly recommended, especially for the less-trafficked sections.