The route over Col de la Moutière offers a fascinating connection between the north ramp of Col de la Bonette and the village of Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage on the southern approach of this well-known pass. While part of the route is gravel, the section north of the summit is particularly unpaved. In contrast, the southern ramp has now been fully paved, making it easier to traverse.
The summit of Col de la Moutière lies southwest of Cime de la Bonette and is clearly visible from there. About 300 meters north of the pass summit, a gravel track, which is partially quite rough (difficulty level SG 4), branches off westward. This path leads through the picturesque Vallon de la Moutière, descending towards Bayasse, where it meets the northern ramp of Col de la Cayolle (D902).
Conditions, closures and tips — from members who drove here recently.
We didn't take the route from Saint-Étienne-de-Tinée to the Col de la Moutière; we went up the main pass instead. We drove from the north, via the Faux Col de Restefond, to the Col de la Moutière. I think that in the rain, you can expect some erosion and minor flooding on the gravel road. For us, everything was fine and easy to drive on. So for us, it wasn’t a “black” route.
In my opinion, the trail is by no means difficult. Most of the "trail" is paved. Many cars without 4x4 drive on it as well.
That matches my impression. Still, it's nice.
German
France
