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Route des Grandes Alpes — France — Mountain
Europe

Route des Grandes Alpes

France

In short: Route des Grandes Alpes is a 684 km mountain road trip in France, typically driven over 5–7 days, best in June – October. Highlights: Thonon-les-Bains, Chamonix, Col de l'Iseran.

Distance
684 km
Duration
5–7 days
Best Season
June – October
LegendaryModerateMountainEV-friendly

A true Alpine spectacular, La Route des Grandes Alpes traverses the French Alps from the shores of Lake Geneva to the French Riviera, ascending and descending 16 mountain passes including some of the highest sealed roads in Europe. The route took almost 30 years to construct and passes through three national parks, Vanoise, Queyras, and Mercantour, with views of Mont Blanc from the opening passes.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
Many of the 16 high passes, including the Col de l'Iseran at 2,770 m, are closed from October to June due to snow. Check pass conditions before departure and carry chains in shoulder season. Some sections are narrow with sheer drops and require confident mountain driving.
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Stops along the route

Thonon-les-Bains — Departure — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Departure
Thonon-les-Bains
A spa town on Lake Geneva's south shore, the northernmost point of the route. A funicular drops from the clifftop old town to the port.
Hotels
Briançon — City — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
City
Briançon
Europe's highest city at 1,326 m, with UNESCO-listed Vauban ramparts designed for Louis XIV guarding the junction of five Alpine valleys.
Hotels
Barcelonnette — City — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
City
Barcelonnette
A remote Ubaye Valley town with a surprising Mexican soul: 19th-century emigrants returned from Mexico wealthy and built elaborate villas unique in the Alps.
Hotels
Menton — Arrival — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Arrival
Menton
The Mediterranean finale, a pastel Baroque town on the Italian border where the Alps meet the sea. Jean Cocteau painted the Salle des Mariages here in 1957.
Hotels

Things to Do

Chamonix — Landmark — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Landmark
Chamonix
At the foot of Mont Blanc, Europe's highest peak at 4,808 m. The Aiguille du Midi cable car reaches 3,842 m; the Mer de Glace glacier retreats 90 m a year.
Col de l'Iseran — Nature — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Nature
Col de l'Iseran
At 2,770 m, the highest paved pass in the Alps and the centrepiece of the Grande Route. The views over the Vanoise massif from the summit chapel are extraordinary.
Col du Galibier — Landmark — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Landmark
Col du Galibier
The iconic Tour de France climb at 2,645 m. Twenty switchbacks descend into the Maurienne Valley; a memorial to Tour founder Henri Desgrange stands at the top.
Aiguille du Midi — Scenic Viewpoint — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Scenic Viewpoint
Aiguille du Midi
A cable car ride in Chamonix leading to panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif.
Vanoise National Park — National Park — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
National Park
Vanoise National Park
A protected area near Col de l'Iseran offering hiking trails amidst alpine flora and fauna.
Fort des Têtes — Historic Site — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Historic Site
Fort des Têtes
A 18th-century fort in Briançon, part of the UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications.
Jardin Exotique de Menton — Botanical Garden — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Botanical Garden
Jardin Exotique de Menton
A lush garden in Menton showcasing a diverse collection of exotic plants and stunning sea views.

Where to Eat

La Table de l'Ours — French Gourmet — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
French Gourmet
La Table de l'Ours
An upscale restaurant in Val-d'Isère offering refined French cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Le Gavroche — Savoyard — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Savoyard
Le Gavroche
A cozy eatery in Chamonix specializing in traditional Savoyard dishes like fondue and raclette.
Le P'tit Polyte — Gastronomic — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Gastronomic
Le P'tit Polyte
A Michelin-starred restaurant in Les Deux Alpes known for its innovative dishes and elegant ambiance.
Le Petit Nice — Mediterranean Seafood — Route des Grandes Alpes — France
Mediterranean Seafood
Le Petit Nice
A renowned seafood restaurant in Menton offering fresh catches with a Mediterranean flair.

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Route des Grandes Alpes drive?

The Route des Grandes Alpes covers 684 km from start to finish.

How long does the Route des Grandes Alpes take to drive?

Most travellers spend 5–7 days on the Route des Grandes Alpes, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Route des Grandes Alpes?

The recommended season for the Route des Grandes Alpes is June – October.

Where does the Route des Grandes Alpes start and end?

The Route des Grandes Alpes runs from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton.

What are the main stops on the Route des Grandes Alpes?

The Route des Grandes Alpes passes through Thonon-les-Bains, Chamonix, Col de l'Iseran.

Can I drive the Route des Grandes Alpes in a regular car?

Yes — the Route des Grandes Alpes is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Route des Grandes Alpes?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Route des Grandes Alpes, based on its 684 km length.

Is the Route des Grandes Alpes EV friendly?

Yes — the Route des Grandes Alpes has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Route des Grandes Alpes safe to drive?

Many of the 16 high passes, including the Col de l'Iseran at 2,770 m, are closed from October to June due to snow. Check pass conditions before departure and carry chains in shoulder season. Some sections are narrow with sheer drops and require confident mountain driving.

What scenic tier is the Route des Grandes Alpes?

The Route des Grandes Alpes is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.