Route de Turini — France — Mountain
Europe

Route de Turini

France

Point-to-point
Menton L'Escarène

In short: Route de Turini is a 120 km mountain road trip in France, typically driven over 1 day, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Menton, Menton, Sospel.

Distance
120 km
Duration
1 day
Best Season
May–Oct
NotableModerateMountainEV-friendly

The most celebrated stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, a sinuous mountain road climbing from the Ligurian coast through chestnut forest to the Col de Turini at 1607m. Every hairpin is banked, every view cinematic.

Practical notes
Start after breakfast in Menton or Sospel; Nice is only a prior-night base. Check current Alpes-Maritimes road and weather status immediately before departure because snow, events and works can close or slow the pass despite broad year-round access. Drive within sight distance, expect cyclists and local traffic, never imitate rally speeds, and verify the pass auberge’s opening before relying on lunch.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Menton / Sospel via Moulinet and Col de Turini to L’Escarène

Vieux Pont de Sospel · Notre-Dame-de-la-Menour · Auberge du Col de Turini

Stops along the route

Menton — Departure — Route de Turini — France
Departure
Menton
The practical coastal start for the classic Sospel–Moulinet approach; Nice is only an optional prior-night base.
Menton — City — Route de Turini — France
City
Menton
The last French town before Monaco, famous for its lemon festival. The old town climbs in pastel tiers above the harbour.
Hotels
Sospel — City — Route de Turini — France
City
Sospel
A medieval town on the Bévéra river with a 13th-century toll bridge. The road rises sharply north into the Alpes-Maritimes.
Hotels
L'Escarène — Arrival — Route de Turini — France
Arrival
L'Escarène
The valley town where the mountain road finally uncoils. Old olive groves, Baroque churches, and a straight run to Nice.
Hotels

Things to Do

Col de Turini — Nature — Route de Turini — France
Nature
Col de Turini
The 1,607m summit of the Monte Carlo Rally's most feared stage. In summer only paragliders and cowbells, views to Italy.
Vieux Pont de Sospel — Historic bridge — Route de Turini — France
Historic bridge
Vieux Pont de Sospel
Use a short start-town walk before the mountain road.
Notre-Dame-de-la-Menour — Roadside chapel — Route de Turini — France
Roadside chapel
Notre-Dame-de-la-Menour
Park only where signed and walk the dramatic approach.
Col de Turini viewpoint and road history — Mountain pass — Route de Turini — France
Mountain pass
Col de Turini viewpoint and road history
Pause at a legal bay; Authion is optional only with weather and daylight margin.

Where to Eat

Auberge du Col de Turini — Mountain French — Route de Turini — France
Mountain French
Auberge du Col de Turini
Use as the one reserved lunch only after verifying current opening.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Route de Turini drive?

The Route de Turini covers 120 km from start to finish.

How long does the Route de Turini take to drive?

Most travellers spend 1 day on the Route de Turini, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Route de Turini?

The recommended season for the Route de Turini is May–Oct.

Where does the Route de Turini start and end?

The Route de Turini runs from Menton to L'Escarène.

What are the main stops on the Route de Turini?

The Route de Turini passes through Menton, Menton, Sospel.

How difficult is the Route de Turini to drive?

The Route de Turini is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Route de Turini in a regular car?

Yes — the Route de Turini is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Is the Route de Turini EV friendly?

Yes — the Route de Turini has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Route de Turini safe to drive?

Start after breakfast in Menton or Sospel; Nice is only a prior-night base. Check current Alpes-Maritimes road and weather status immediately before departure because snow, events and works can close or slow the pass despite broad year-round access. Drive within sight distance, expect cyclists and local traffic, never imitate rally speeds, and verify the pass auberge’s opening before relying on lunch.

What scenic tier is the Route de Turini?

The Route de Turini is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.