Holiday tourists are flocking to the Haute Route du Sel, a dizzying mountain track suspended along the alpine ridge between France and Italy, according to a report by French television network TF1.
Large numbers of curious visitors have tackled the elevated route during the holiday season, traveling on foot, by bicycle, and in motor vehicles. Navigating the narrow mountain passage by car has proven to be the most difficult mode of travel for motorists confronting the exposed terrain.
Serpentining along a mountain crest at an altitude of 2,000 metres, the unpaved track offers dramatic drops and sweeping views. Broadcasters noted that the route is exceptionally sinuous and dizzying because it was originally constructed long before the advent of modern motor vehicles and was never intended for automobile traffic.
Panoramas and Military Fortifications
The Haute Route du Sel is considered unique in the world due to its extraordinary route, spectacular alpine panoramas, and numerous historic military forts positioned along the border ridge. These defensive installations remain standing along the path, adding a historic element to the high-altitude adventure.
The coverage was produced by the video editorial team at TF1info and broadcast as an adventure feature on TF1's regular weekday 1:00 pm news program on August 28, 2026.
Ancient Trade Route Across the Alps
The High Salt Road, known in French as the Haute Route du Sel and in Italian as the Via del Sale, forms part of a historic network of alpine trade routes. For centuries, merchants used these high-altitude mountain passes to transport salt harvested from Mediterranean coastal pans inland to markets across the region, where the mineral was essential for food preservation and livestock.
Stretching across the Maritime Alps, the path crosses rugged terrain that forms the natural border between southeastern France and northwestern Italy. Over the centuries, military commanders constructed stone forts and defensive outposts along the crest line to secure control of the strategic alpine passes separating the two territories.
Today, the former military and trade track has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking mountain scenery and off-road driving experiences. Features highlighting regional heritage, scenic travel routes, and outdoor leisure activities are a traditional staple of TF1's daytime news broadcasts, which frequently profile popular summer holiday destinations across France and its border regions.
