Mlgostyla

Will be in south of France in September. Would like to experience some aspect of Alps; but may have only 1 - 2 days. Was wondering if anyone has driven the route from Barcelonnette to Sospel; and if that would be worthwhile. I was thinking of leaving the Cannes area; driving north on the Route Napoleon to something like Casetellane, and then going on D308 to Barcelonnette; maybe over-nighting there; and then taking the D64 from Barcelonnette to Sospel the next day. Has anyone done anything like this. Is it a worthwhile trip? Is Barcelonnette a decent place to over-night?
Thank you.

chiarachiara

I can not really respond to your question. But a village not to be missed if you are looking for scenery is Sainte Agnes - not far from Sospel. We drove there from Menton and it is one of the most beautiful villages I have ever seen - high up in the mountains. There is one lovely restaurant hanging over the cliffs - the view really takes away your breath.

Diz01

I've not driven this route but have been to Sospel. It is a lovely little town which feels like you are in Italy not France. It is in a basin surrounded by mountains and hills alongside a river. Absolutely lovely and much quiter than the coast.
Diz01

travel4flowers

I've driven this route. We started in Nice and went up along the Tinee over Cime de la Bonnette. I think this is D64. We spent two nights in Barcelonnette at Azteca Hotel. The next day we spent it exploring up along the Col de la Cayolle back to Barcelonnette. We drove from Barcelonnette to Castellane over Col d'Allos. We were there late in June and it was beautiful and also off season so very quiet.

The drive is long and very windy. It took us about 6 hours to drive from Nice to Barcelonnette - no stops. We also had a tremendous hail/rain storm at the Bonette pass. Keep in mind it is over 9,000 ft and one of the highest roads in Europe. I don't mind driving on windy mountain roads since I grew up in California but do expect a narrow windy road. It was gorgeous and I loved it. I want to return again.

Barcelonnette is interesting because it has a connection with Mexico. Many of the men in the village went to the silver mines in Mexico in the mid-1800's. The Mexican influence can be seen in the architecture and interiors.

But I have another recommendation if you want to experience some of the Alps. There are several areas of Mercantour National Park that are closer to Sospel. I've hiked in these areas and found the scenery to be very nice. Neither area is what you would think of as the Alps (Switzerland peaks) but still very nice. You might consider staying in St. Martin-Vesubie instead. I stayed there for 3 threes and hiked in the area. It is a charming village. You can drive up closer into the mountains at Madonna de Fenestre and Le Boreon.

I haven't been to Sospel. St Agnes is very nice as are Peillon and Peille. These three are perched villages but not in the mountains.

I'd recommend googling a few of the names of the towns and passes and check out the images. This will give you an idea of the scenery in the different locations and will help you make a decision.

Happy travel.

travel4flowers

Just a clarification. If you are interested in St Martin Vesubie, I would recommend that you drive from Nice to St Martin Vesubie instead of driving up over the passes to Barcelonnette.