Route des Grandes Alpes
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Route des Grandes Alpes

France's ultimate Alpine driving adventure through mountain passes and valleys

The Route des Grandes Alpes isn't just a drive—it's France's most spectacular mountain journey. This 720-kilometer ribbon of asphalt winds through 16 major passes, connecting Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast. You'll climb from lakeside vineyards to 2,802-meter summits, passing through postcard villages that seem frozen in time. The route takes you through the heart of the French Alps, where every turn reveals another jaw-dropping vista. But here's the thing: this isn't a casual weekend trip. The full route demands respect, proper planning, and ideally 4-7 days to truly appreciate what you're seeing. Some passes close completely in winter, making this a strictly seasonal adventure. And yes, your rental car will work harder than it ever has before.

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The Route des Grandes Alpes officially starts in Thonon-les-Bains on Lake Geneva and ends 720 kilometers later in Menton on the Côte d'Azur. But most drivers begin in Chamonix for the dramatic mountain entry. The route divides naturally into five stages. Stage one takes you from Chamonix to Bourg-Saint-Maurice via the Col des Montets and Cormet de Roselend—expect 3-4 hours of driving plus stops. Stage two continues to Val d'Isère and Bonneval-sur-Arc, crossing the famous Col de l'Iseran at 2,764 meters. This is the highest paved pass in Europe, and the views from the top stretch across half the Alps. Stage three drops into the Maurienne Valley before climbing again to the Col du Galibier—yes, the same one from the Tour de France. Stage four tackles the Col d'Izoard and Col de Vars, entering Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. The final stage winds through the Col de la Bonette (the highest road in Europe at 2,802 meters) before the long descent to Nice and Menton. Each stage offers different accommodations, from luxury chalets in Chamonix to family-run auberges in remote valleys.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Fuel costs €1.60-1.80 per liter in mountain stations—fill up in valley towns where it's 10-15 cents cheaper
  • 2.Pack lunches from valley supermarkets rather than eating at every mountain restaurant—meals can cost €25-40 per person at altitude
  • 3.Book accommodations directly with hotels rather than booking sites to avoid commission fees—many offer 5-10% discounts for direct bookings
  • 4.Consider camping in designated areas—sites like Camping les Marmottes in Pralognan-la-Vanoise cost €15-20 per night
  • 5.Buy the Carte Jeune if you're under 27—it offers discounts at many mountain restaurants and activities
  • 6.Avoid toll roads when possible—the scenic route through smaller roads is free and often more beautiful
  • 7.Shop for groceries in larger towns like Albertville or Briançon where supermarkets offer better prices than village shops

Travel Tips

  • •Start your driving day early—mountain passes get crowded after 10am, especially in summer
  • •Download offline maps before you go—cell service disappears in many valleys and passes
  • •Check weather and road conditions the night before at bison-fute.gouv.fr—passes can close suddenly
  • •Pack warm clothes even in summer—temperatures drop 6°C for every 1,000m of elevation
  • •Bring cash—many small mountain restaurants and fuel stations don't accept cards
  • •Use engine braking on descents to save your brakes—shift to lower gears rather than riding the brake pedal
  • •Book mountain restaurants in advance—popular spots like La Bergerie in Bonneval-sur-Arc fill up quickly
  • •Allow extra time for photo stops—the scenery is too good to rush past
  • •Fill up your tank in valley towns—fuel stations become rare above 1,500 meters
  • •Consider staying in valley towns and doing day trips to high passes rather than moving hotels daily

Frequently Asked Questions

The full 720km route takes 4-7 days depending on how many stops you make. Pure driving time is about 15-18 hours, but you'll want to stop frequently for photos, meals, and overnight stays. Most people spend 5-6 days to properly enjoy the scenery and avoid rushing.

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