Holiday in France - 19 Col de la Bonette

It was well into the afternoon by the time we started to ascend the Col de la Bonette, at 2715m  (8907ft). An extra piece of higher road has been added as a loop around the hill at the top and a signpost says "Col de la Bonette - Restefond, 2802m above sea level, highest road in Europe" which, according to Wikipedia is incorrect, the Col de l'Iseran, the Stelvio Pass and the Col d'Agnel are higher passes as the loop road is not technically part of the pass, but it is the highest asphalted road in France.
The weather was fabulous, sunny but with a some white fluffy clouds to add interest to the sky. We were halted on our way by some sheep and goats crossing the road, being led by their guardian dogs with no evidence of human intervention. As we approached the top the cloud cover increased and having got to the loop we parked up and took the short footpath to the very top of the mountain. Cloud was coming and going and as I had the tripod on me I took the opportunity to make a panorama, which I think was of 13 shots.
Descending the col going south following the course of La Tinée you pass a number of abandoned military buildings and a barracks - the Camp des Fourches, which were built around 1900 and became part of the Maginot line. It was practically dark when we got there, but that did not stop has having a good look around despite the notices telling us not to park. There was no rosy sunset, but that would not have suited the place anyway.
We continued down the road and stopped at Saint Étienne-de-Tinée, in a municipal campsite for the night.
Again please excuse the number of pictures.



























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