Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean over 17 Alpine passes. That is what Route des Grandes Alpes promises, and it delivers. At about 450 miles (724 km), it is a drive best taken slowly, over 5–7 days, with time to pull over whenever the view demands it on the way from Thonon-les-Bains to Menton.
Open this route in XCRSNSetting out from Thonon-les-Bains
Start early, with a full tank and a loose plan. Thonon-les-Bains is where the road begins, and the first miles set the rhythm for everything that follows.
The first big moment is Col de l'Iseran. Give it the time it deserves; it is why many people make this trip at all.
Along the way
The road strings together Col de l'Iseran and Briançon. Each one makes a natural break, and Briançon sits close to the middle if you want to split the drive with a night's sleep.
Do not miss Col du Galibier.
Arriving in Menton
Save energy for the final stretch: Col de la Bonette is still ahead.
By the end you will have seen Col de l'Iseran, Col du Galibier and Col de la Bonette, and you will understand why Route des Grandes Alpes belongs on any list of great drives.
When to go and how to pace it
The best time to drive it is late June–September. Plan on 5–7 days so the drive never feels rushed.
Check route weather and fuel stops on the Plan tab before you go.
XCRSN prices fuel for every leg in the local currency, finds stops along the way and books overnights near each town.
