Route des Grandes Alpes

Seventeen passes carry the Route des Grandes Alpes 720 km from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, climbing to 2,770 m at the Col de l’Iseran and 2,802 m at the Col de la Bonette. Five days suits the crossing, every metre of it on free mountain roads with no autoroute in sight, best driven between July and September.

Quick Facts

Top 5 Highlights

1. Col de l’Iseran

The highest paved pass in the Alps at 2,770 m — thin air, big views

2. Col du Galibier

2,642 m Tour de France legend with a panorama of the Ecrins and Mont Blanc

3. Col de la Bonette

A loop road that climbs to 2,802 m — the highest paved road in Europe

4. Gorges du Cians

A narrow red-rock canyon with a road carved through it, near Nice

5. Lac d’Annecy

Crystal-clear Alpine lake framed by mountains — the first major stop heading south

Road Conditions & Terrain

Terrain: Continuous Alpine mountain passes crossing the French Alps from north to south

Road type: Two-lane mountain roads (D and N roads) with steep gradients, hairpins, and occasional single-lane tunnels

Best Time to Drive

Best months: July–September

The Col de l’Iseran and Galibier open mid-June at the earliest; late September sees autumn colours

Key Driving Rules

France requires a warning triangle and a reflective vest (carrying a breathalyser is not compulsory). Speed limit 50 km/h in towns, 80 km/h on D-roads. Crit’Air vignette needed for Nice LEZ near the southern end. Mountain roads have 6–12% gradients — use low gear on descents to save brakes.

Speed Limits

Required Equipment

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Estimated Costs

Practical Tips

• Check all 17 pass statuses at inforoute.cg05.fr before departure — one closure requires a long detour
• Carry warm layers for the high passes — temperatures can drop below 5C even in July at 2,700 m
• This is prime Tour de France territory — expect cyclists on every climb, especially the Galibier
• Fill up in every town — fuel stations are scarce between mountain valleys
• The route can be reversed (south to north) for a dramatic finish at Lac d’Annecy

Related Guides

• Driving in France — Complete Guide
• France Tyre Laws
• EV Driving in France
• Motorhome Guide: France