Col de Turini
🇫🇷 France
The Col de Turini is a mountain pass in the French Maritime Alps, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department at an elevation of 1,607 meters. It connects the towns of Sospel and La Bollene-Vesubie and is world-famous as a stage of the Monte Carlo Rally, where it is driven at night through forests and fog, earning it the nickname "The Night of the Long Knives" for the blinding headlights cutting through the darkness. The rally has used this pass since the event's inception in 1911.
The road features a superb series of sweeping curves, tight hairpin bends, and dramatic elevation changes as it winds through dense forests of beech and spruce. The approach from Sospel to the south is considered the most engaging driving stretch, with smooth asphalt and well-sighted corners that flow beautifully one after another. The descent toward La Bollene-Vesubie on the north side is equally rewarding, with wider roads and longer curves through a more open landscape.
The Col de Turini is accessible year-round, though snow can occasionally close the upper sections in winter. Unlike many Alpine passes, it remains relatively quiet outside of rally events, making it an excellent road for enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience. The village of Turini at the summit offers a few small restaurants and hotels. The pass is often combined with other routes in the Maritime Alps, including the Col de la Bonette and the Route des Grandes Alpes, to create extended touring itineraries.