Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette
From Briançon over the Col d’Izoard into the Queyras, through Vauban’s fortress towns and over the Bonette, one of Europe’s highest roads.
- Distance
- 134 km (83 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 51 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 5, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 134 km (83 mi) with 9 stops, from Briançon to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. About 1 h 51 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Start in Briançon, whose walled upper town and forts are part of the UNESCO listing of Vauban’s work. Take the D902 south over the Col d’Izoard at 2,360 m. On the far side the road crosses the Casse Déserte, a bare slope of scree and rock needles; stop in the lay-bys for photos. The pass is normally open from late May or June to October.
Drop into the Guil valley to Fort Queyras, a castle on a rock that blocks the valley. A side road climbs to Saint-Véran, one of the highest villages in Europe at about 2,000 m, with wooden barns and sundials. Cars and motorhomes must stay in the car parks at the entrance; the village itself is for walking.
Follow the Guil gorge down to Guillestre and cross the river to Mont-Dauphin, a fortified town built on a plateau by Vauban. Then climb the Col de Vars, 2,108 m, which is usually kept open all year, and descend into the Ubaye valley. Barcelonnette, a small town with grand villas built by emigrants who made money in Mexico, is the night stop.
The D64 over the Bonette starts at Jausiers. Near the top a loop road circles the Cime de la Bonette at 2,802 m; the last metres are on foot to a viewpoint table. The road is narrow with few barriers, is closed roughly from November to June, and is fine for vans but demanding for long motorhomes. Descend through Bousiéyas to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée, 90 km from Nice.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Briançon
France - 216 km
Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard
ViewsArvieux, FranceA bare slope of scree and ochre rock towers just below the 2,360 m Col d’Izoard, with a plaque to the cyclists Coppi and Bobet. Park in the small lay-bys; the D902 is closed in winter.
- 39 km
Fort Queyras
HistoryChâteau-Ville-Vieille, FranceA medieval castle on a rock spur blocking the Guil valley, strengthened by Vauban. Visits run mainly in summer; parking is at the foot of the rock beside the D947.
- 411 km
Saint-Véran
France - 525 km
Mont-Dauphin fortress
HistoryMont-Dauphin, FranceA fortified town planned by Vauban in 1693 on a plateau above the Durance and Guil, listed by UNESCO. You can walk the ramparts freely; the arsenal and powder store open on guided tours.
- 620 km
Col de Vars
ViewsVars, FranceA 2,108 m pass on the D902 between the Queyras and the Ubaye, with a small lake and pastures on top. It is usually open all year, but carry chains in winter.
- 722 km
Barcelonnette
France - 818 km
Cime de la Bonette
ViewsJausiers, FranceA loop road around the summit reaches 2,802 m, one of the highest paved roads in Europe. From the top car park a short, steep path climbs to a viewpoint table; open roughly June to October.
- 915 km
Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Briançon → Saint-Véran · 36 km · 0 h 29 minOn the way: Casse Déserte, Col d’Izoard, Fort Queyras.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Municipal les Moutets (8 km); Le Gouret (10 km).
- Day 2: Saint-Véran → Mont-Dauphin fortress · 25 km · 0 h 20 minOvernight nearby, for example: Les Iscles (2 km); Les Mille vents (4 km).
- Day 3: Mont-Dauphin fortress → Barcelonnette · 41 km · 0 h 34 minOn the way: Col de Vars.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Domaine Loisirs de l'Ubaye (9 km); Aire camping-car du Sauze 1700 (4 km).
- Day 4: Barcelonnette → Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée · 33 km · 0 h 27 minOn the way: Cime de la Bonette.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping de mon village (12 km); Campeggio Rio Strepeis (12 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. Cold, short days in January. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Col de la Bonette (2,715 m). Usually open June–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Use the Col de Larche or the Tinée valley roads.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette?
4-day road trip of about 134 km (83 mi) with 9 stops, from Briançon to Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée. About 1 h 51 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette?
We suggest 4 days: about 1 h 51 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette start and end?
It starts in Briançon and ends in Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée.
Which countries does Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette?
OpenStreetMap lists 129 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping des 5 Vallées, Camping Iscle de Prelles and Camping de l'Izoard.
When is the best time for Izoard, Queyras and the Cime de la Bonette?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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