Col de Turini - The Ultimate Roads of Europe (1) - On a Africa Twin

The Col de Turini is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,607 m (5,272 ft) above the sea level, in the Alps in the department of Alpes-Maritimes in France. The pass lies near Sospel, between the communes of Moulinet and La Bollène-Vésubie in the Arrondissement of Nice. It has been the arena where the best drivers in rally history have demonstrated their skills for the assembled fans. It's one of the most scenic drives in the world.

The road to Col de Turini includes a long series of hairpin turns that winds up the side of the mountains. The pass is traversed by the D 2565 road. Col de Turini is a famous stage of the Monte Carlo Rally of WRC.



The col has featured several times in the Tour de France. There are 3 possible routes to reach the summit. From M2565, the ascent is 15.3 km long. Over this distance, the gain is 1107 heightmeters, and the average percentage is 7.2 %. From L'Escarene, the ascent is 30.2 km long with a gain of 1532 heightmeters and an average percentage of 5.1 %. And from Sospel, the ascent is 24 km long. Over this distance, the gain is 1244 heightmeters, and the average percentage is 5.2 %



This road is usually open all year, but during winter months, it can be closed when the access is not cleared of snow. This helter skelter road is one of the most dangerous and challenging stages of the Monte Carlo Rally . With 34 tight hairpins to challenge you and jaw-dropping scenery, the Col de Turini is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and coolest motorcycling roads in Europe. Road closures can be frequent, so check conditions before traveling in winter!.



The drive is definitely worth it. The Col de Turini has been the arena where the best drivers in rally history have demonstrated their skills for the assembled fans. Difficult and dangerous, this stage has caught out many drivers. Larousse, Thérier, Waldegård, Delecour, McRae, Grönholm or Solberg are just some of the many drivers that have had trouble over the Turini stage.



The main risk on this curvy and narrow mountainous road which rarely permits speeds over 30km/h is coming around a blind corner and discover a vehicle proceeding toward you. It has been named as one of the worlds’ greatest roads and is something of an engineering masterpiece. The 24km pass cuts through the mountains between Sospel and La Bollene with 34 impressive hairpin bends to navigate as you climb up to 1.607m. The bottom section is quite open and flowing, but narrow, and with several blind corners. Hugging the mountainside, and going through it, up through the trees, the road becomes more challenging, with hairpin bends a plenty, rock on one side and drops on the other, the top section is extremely twisty, with rocks sometimes in the road, not a road to lose concentration on.