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Route des Grandes Alpes
🇫🇷 FranceAlpsMountain Pass

Route des Grandes Alpes

Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean over 16 high passes. 4–5 day classic for serious riders.

At a glance

The Route des Grandes Alpes is a 684 km mountain pass in Alps, France. It runs from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton in about 18 hours of driving. Highlights include Col de l'Iseran (2,770 m), Col du Galibier and Col de la Bonette. Best driven June – September; rated advanced difficulty.

Road length
684 km
Duration
18 hrs
Vehicle
Motorcycle
Difficulty
Advanced
Best season
June – September

Road length is the scenic route itself — your actual door-to-door driving distance depends on where you start and which stops you take.

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When to go

Best time to drive

Recommended window

June – September

What to expect

Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light.

Seasonal closures

High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

General guidance only — always confirm local road and weather conditions before departure.

Plan your days

How many days for Route des Grandes Alpes?

Driving pace per day
Suggested plan

Plan around 4 days for this route.

At ~5 hours of driving a day, you'll want 3 overnight stops along the way. The route has 5 recommended stops to help you break it up.

Estimate based on total driving time — actual pace depends on stops, traffic, and breaks.

Map preview

The route at a glance

Itinerary

Stops along the way

  1. ●
    Start
    Thonon-les-Bains
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  2. 01
    Thonon-les-Bains

    Lake Geneva start.

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  3. 02
    Col de l'Iseran (2,770 m)

    Highest paved pass in Alps.

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  4. 03
    Col du Galibier

    Tour de France icon.

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  5. 04
    Col de la Bonette

    2,802 m loop.

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  6. 05
    Menton

    Sea-level finish.

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  7. ◆
    Finish
    Menton
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Field notes

Travel tips

  • ★Allow 5 days minimum.
  • ★Some passes closed in June.
  • ★Book mountain hotels early.
Soundtrack

Music for the road

AI-curated mood for this route — open in your favorite player.

Coastal cruise
Coastal Drive Sunset
Indie surf · dream-pop · synthwave
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Community comments

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Common questions

Frequently asked

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

The Route des Grandes Alpes takes about 18 hours of driving non-stop to cover its 684 km. Actual trip length depends on how often you stop at viewpoints and towns along the way.

How long is the Route des Grandes Alpes?

The Route des Grandes Alpes is 684 km long, running from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton.

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

Best driven June – September. Expect more visitors in July–August peak season; shoulder months (May–June, September) are usually quieter and often offer better light. High mountain passes on this route can close in winter due to snow. Always check local road status and seasonal closures before setting off.

Is the Route des Grandes Alpes hard to drive?

The Route des Grandes Alpes is rated advanced difficulty. It is classified as a mountain pass.

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

The route runs from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton, with key stops including Col de l'Iseran (2,770 m), Col du Galibier, Col de la Bonette.

Where is the Route des Grandes Alpes?

The Route des Grandes Alpes is located in Alps, France. It runs between Thonon-les-Bains and Menton.