Col du Bonhomme, Mountain pass in Les Contamines-Montjoie, France
Col du Bonhomme is a high mountain pass in the commune of Les Contamines-Montjoie, in the French Alps of Haute-Savoie. It sits between the Contamines-Montjoie nature reserve on one side and the Beaufortain range on the other, making it a natural gateway between two distinct mountain worlds.
Long before hiking became popular, the pass served as a route for shepherds and traders moving between valleys on either side. This traditional use shaped the path that modern hikers still follow today.
The trail is only accessible from mid-June to late October, as snow can block the route outside this window. Solid footwear and weather protection are essential, since conditions at altitude can change without much warning.
Two mountain huts, Nant Borrant and La Balme, sit along the route and offer meals and overnight stays to walkers. Without these stopping points, a multi-day crossing of the pass would be out of reach for most visitors.
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