A gravel road to the top of Pas du Tanarel in the Ligurian Alps

Tanarello Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2,042m (6,699ft) above sea level, located on the French-Italian border.

Pas du Tanarel

Where is Tanarello Pass?

The pass, known as Passo di Tanarello and Pas du Tanarel, links the Alpes-Maritimes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France with the province of Cuneo in the Piedmont region of Italy.

Is Tanarello Pass unpaved?

The road through the summit is totally unpaved. It’s called Via del Sale, a Ligurian track built during the Middle Ages to transport salt from Ventimiglia to Limone Piemonte and then to Turin.

How long is Tanarello Pass?

The road is pretty defiant, stretching 30 km (18.64 miles) from Limone Piemonte to Monesi di Triora. Though partly maintained, it remains a rough gravel road that shouldn’t be underestimated. Avoid attempting the drive unless your vehicle is off-road capable, with sufficient ground clearance, and you are confident in handling difficult terrain. Tanarello Pass is frequently affected by landslides, making it occasionally impassable. Some sections have remnants of asphalt, but very deep holes make the route more challenging.
Pic: Matteo Quaglia

 

 

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