Col de la Bonette France

Travelled:115km
Visited:Serre Ponçon Dam, St.Vincent, Méolans, Barcelonnette, Col de la Bonette
Stay:free parking at lake near the Col GPS N44°20.5512' E6°47.0088'

We had a beautiful day. We began by driving along Lake Serre Ponçon and stopped at the dam wall for breakfast. We had wonderful views of the lake and the surrounding valley and mountains. 

As we were driving to Barcelonnette we spotted a tower on top of a hill so we decided to drive up and have a look. We ended up in the little village of St.Vincent les Forts. On the way in there was a designated Camping Car parking and so we stopped there and walked up to the Vauban fort (which we could not visit) and a tower which we did walk to and enjoyed the view. 

Further along the road at Meolans, we walked along the Ubaye River and up to the clock tower.

 Next was Barcelonnette, the last shopping stop before Italy. We managed to find a 'lavoir automatique' to do our washing and an Italian street directory. 

So having completed our mission and after having checked the weather report, we thought it best to go to the Col Bonette 2860m on the highest road in Europe. What a beautiful drive and the col looked spectacular. The views from the lookout were fantastic. 

On the way back down, Mark couldn't resist exploring one of the WW1 bunkers. 

We also saw a marmotte on the side of the road. We then found a spot next to a lovely little lake. We could see and hear the marmottes whistling. Just before dinner a shepard and his dog came up with his 1700 sheep and goats! What an amazing sight and sound (bells and sheep bleating).  Before darkness fell we were altogether 3 motorhomes and 1 tent!