Route des Grandes Alpes, Scenic route from Lake Geneva to Mediterranean Sea, France.
Description
The Route des Grandes Alpes is a road connection between Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean coast that runs over seven hundred kilometers and crosses seventeen mountain passes. The route links Thonon-les-Bains on the shore of Lake Geneva to Nice on the southern coast, passing through six departments of the French Alps.
History
The Touring Club de France began building this alpine connection in 1909 to link northern and southern valleys along a continuous route. Work continued until 1937, when the final pass road was completed and the entire route became drivable.
Culture
The route passes through numerous alpine villages where travelers can discover traditional mountain architecture, regional gastronomy, and local customs of the French Alps.
Practical
The highest passes usually open in June and remain accessible until October, depending on snow conditions and weather patterns. Current information about road status and driving conditions should be checked before setting out, as some sections may close on short notice.
Did you know?
The Col de l'Iseran at 2770 meters is the highest paved alpine pass in Europe, offering travelers a view across surrounding glaciers and summits from its crest. At this point, visitors cross between the watersheds of the Rhône to the north and the Durance to the south.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Haute-Savoie).
France offers motorcyclists a diverse landscape, from Alpine peaks to Mediterranean coasts, including wine regions. The country is suitable for all riding styles, with demanding mountain roads, winding coastal routes, and rural paths. Key routes include the Col de la Bonette, reaching 2802 meters...
Écrins National Park
90.2 km
Meije
76.1 km
Pic de Neige Cordier
75.3 km
Grand Galibier
64.3 km
Lautaret Garden
68.4 km
Glacier d'Arsine
73.8 km
Téléphériques des glaciers de la Meije
73.6 km
Ouvrage Les Rochilles
59.7 km
Pic Gaspard
75.3 km
Réserve naturelle nationale des pics du Combeynot
69.1 km
Le Pavé
75.6 km
Aiguillette du Lauzet
64.9 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de La Grave
73.3 km
Laurichard Glacier
69.9 km
Pic de Chamoissière
74.1 km
Church of St Peter and St Paul of the Hières
71.9 km
Église Saint-Claude du Casset
67.9 km
Église Saint-Matthieu
73.7 km
Rochers de la Grande Paré
60.7 km
Col du Bec
73.8 km
Bench
70.7 km
Monument Henri-Desgrange
66.1 km
Église Saint-Martin de Villar-d'Arêne
71.7 km
Roche Olvéra
63.2 km
Pont sur le Maurian, La Grave
72.6 km
Ensemble religieux de La Grave
73.4 km
Chapelle des Pénitents de La Grave
73.3 km
L'Alpe du Lauzet
65.1 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes