Col de Ste-Anne: Driving the D28 through the Mercantour National Park
Col de Ste-Anne is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,551 meters (5,088 ft) above sea level, located in the Alpes-Maritimes department of southeastern France. Situated within the Mercantour National Park, the pass is crossed by the paved D28 road, also known as the Route des Launes.
| Road facts: Col de Ste-Anne | |
|---|---|
| Location | Alpes-Maritimes, France |
| Elevation | 1,551 m (5,088 ft) |
| Length | 6.4 km (4 miles) |
| Road Number | D28 (Route des Launes) |
| Surface | Paved |
Where is Col de Ste-Anne?
The pass sits in the southern portion of the French Alps, within the Mercantour National Park. It lies along the D28 road, connecting the mountain village of Beuil with the Valberg ski resort area.
Is the road to Col de Ste-Anne paved?
Yes, the D28 over Col de Ste-Anne is fully paved. The road surface is well-maintained, but the route is narrow in several sections as it climbs through pine forests. Because the road runs at over 1,500 meters altitude, shaded corners retain black ice from late autumn through spring. French regulations require winter tires or snow chains in this department from November 1 to March 31.
How long is the road over Col de Ste-Anne?
The pass spans 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) running east to west between Beuil and Valberg. The road climbs continuously with sharp turns along the slope. Due to its direct access to the Valberg ski slopes, traffic increases significantly during winter weekends, requiring drivers to watch for snowplows and oncoming cars on the narrow bends.