Head to head
Which is the highest paved road in France, and which is the better drive?
Our pick is the Col de la Bonette.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Verdicts weigh road quality, scenery, traffic and how likely you are to actually enjoy the drive on the day. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 7 April 2026
The numbers
| Measure | Col de la Bonette | Col de l'Iseran |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers Atlas rating | 9.7 | 9.6 |
| Driving score | 9.6 / 10 | 9.5 / 10 |
| Scenery score | 9.8 / 10 | 9.7 / 10 |
| Length | 24 km | 16 km |
| Where | Alpes-Maritimes, France | Savoie, France |
| Season | Closed roughly November to May, Europe's highest paved through road | Closed roughly October to June, highest paved pass in the Alps |
Verdict
The Bonette loop takes the altitude record on a technicality and it feels like it, with a lunar summit and almost no traffic. The road surface is patchy in places but the sense of remoteness is unmatched.
The Iseran is the better connected pass, part of the Route des Grandes Alpes, and easier to fold into a longer tour.
The roads
Alpes-Maritimes, France
A looping summit road above 2800 metres that circles the peak itself for maximum theatre.
14.9 mi · Rating 9.7 / 10 · 45 min
Savoie, France
The roof of the Route des Grandes Alpes, a stark granite amphitheatre above 2700 metres.
9.9 mi · Rating 9.6 / 10 · 30 min
More arguments