Col de Tende

The Col de Tende is the last major Alpine pass before the shores of the Mediterranean - and what a pass it is! Despite its rather tranquil altitude of 1,870 meters, the Col de Tende enjoys cult status.

This may be partly due to the fact that the pass also marks the entrance to the Ligurian border ridge road and also provides access to the Baisse de Peyrefique. Another reason may be the majestic Fort Central, a monumental relic of times gone by. Ultimately, however, it is probably above all the breathtaking sight of 48 closely stacked hairpin bends, of which unfortunately only the upper third is still gravel, that gives the Col de Tende its almost mystical reputation. The fact that the hairpin bends of the Tende Pass climb a good 600 meters in altitude in just under eight kilometers is also impressive.