RoadAtlas
Route de Turini — France — Mountain
Europe

Route de Turini

France

In short: Route de Turini is a 120 km mountain road trip in France, typically driven over 1 day, best in May–Oct. Highlights: Nice, 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
The Col de Turini is typically closed by snow from December through March and can be icy even in late autumn. The road is narrow with little room to pass oncoming vehicles on the tighter hairpins, so patience and low speed are essential.
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Stops along the route

Nice — Departure — Route de Turini — France
Departure
Nice
The Côte d'Azur base. Drive the Promenade des Anglais once, then turn inland and the coast vanishes within minutes.
Hotels
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 Site — Route de Turini — France
Historic Site
Vieux Pont de Sospel
A 13th-century stone bridge in Sospel, once a toll bridge on the salt trade route, offering picturesque views of the town.
Co-Cathedral of Saint Michael — Historic Site — Route de Turini — France
Historic Site
Co-Cathedral of Saint Michael
A baroque cathedral in Sospel featuring a striking facade and ornate interior, reflecting the town's rich history.
Place Saint-Michel — Historic Site — Route de Turini — France
Historic Site
Place Saint-Michel
A historic square in Sospel, known for its medieval architecture and vibrant local market.

Where to Eat

Le Saint Michel — French — Route de Turini — France
French
Le Saint Michel
A charming restaurant in Sospel offering traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, using locally sourced ingredients.
Auberge du Pont Vieux — Provencal — Route de Turini — France
Provencal
Auberge du Pont Vieux
Located near the historic bridge in Sospel, this eatery serves authentic Provencal dishes in a rustic setting.
La Table de Mon Grand-Père — Mediterranean — Route de Turini — France
Mediterranean
La Table de Mon Grand-Père
A cozy spot in Menton known for its Mediterranean flavors and warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Explore related routes

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 Nice to L'Escarène.

What are the main stops on the Route de Turini?

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

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?

The Col de Turini is typically closed by snow from December through March and can be icy even in late autumn. The road is narrow with little room to pass oncoming vehicles on the tighter hairpins, so patience and low speed are essential.

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.