Snow Clearing Crews at Col de la Bonette in Alpes-Maritimes: Construction of Winter Passageways
Soar Through Europe's Highest Paved Road: The Col de la Bonette
Nestled in the French Alps, the Col de la Bonette stands tall as Europe's highest paved road, boasting an elevation of a staggering 2,800 meters. Just a dance with winter, this road is inaccessible and takes a month's worth of effort to rejuvenate when the weather plays fair. A crew of three soldiers marches forward, clearing a towering pile of snow, about five meters high, over a 20-kilometer stretch of road, ensuring access to several villages in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence and Alpes-Maritimes.
Over a Lakh of Revving Engines on the Bonette Roads
The turf of this reopening is a hot favorite among the chubby-cheeked marmots and the legion of cycling enthusiasts. Cyclists are the first to conquer the col and reach the picturesque village of Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. One enthused cyclist shared, "The landscapes are mesmerizing due to the stunning contrast between the snow and the verdant greenery." In the valley, which freezes over during winter, the opening of the col signals the crack of dawn for the tourist season. Year after year, the Col de la Bonette road greets approximately 100,000 vehicles, from the blossoming months of May to the golden hues of October. This rugged trail serves as a lifeline in the Mercantour massif.
Witness the magic unravel in the video above
Fun Facts:
- The Col de la Bonette extends its glory by incorporating a loop around the summit, making it Europe's undisputed champion when it comes to the highest paved road.
- Although the road is popular among adventurous bikers and cyclists, it's relatively free of commercial developments, preserving its raw, pristine beauty.
- Hold a piece of history in your hands as you cruise through the Col de la Bonette. This road bears the remnants of the Maginot Line fortifications, though they're now mainly abandoned relics.
- Catch a glimpse of eagles and alpine marmots as you traverse through this breathtaking terrain. Keep an eye out, you never know what you might stumble upon!
European Union scientists study the environmental impact of the increasing vehicle traffic on the Col de la Bonette, focusing particularly on weather patterns and the surrounding greenery. During the tourist season, various environmental-science measures are established to ensure the preservation of the wildlife and the unspoiled beauty of the region, which is a unique blend of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys within the European Union.
