A nice drive to Pas de Morgins
France, europe
30.4 km
1,378 m
moderate
Year-round
# Pas de Morgins: Alpine Adventure Between Two Countries
Ready for some serious Alpine scenery? Pas de Morgins is a stunning high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,378m (4,520ft) right on the Switzerland-France border. This is the kind of road trip that makes you understand why people fall in love with the Alps.
The pass connects Switzerland's Valais canton with France's Haute-Savoie region, and the entire 30.4 km (18.88 miles) journey from Abondance to Monthey is completely paved. You're looking at a road that stays open year-round, which is clutch for planning a visit.
Here's what makes it interesting: the two approaches are totally different vibes. Coming up from the French side (Abondance), it's a more mellow 8 km with modest gradients—except for that final 800m where things spike to 8%. The Swiss approach from Monthey is where things get real: the first 11 km hit you with consistent 7-8% grades and a gnarly 10% maximum gradient. But here's the plot twist—the last 6 km actually ease up nicely (2-5% average), and you'll even drop slightly in elevation as you crest the summit sitting on a sprawling mountain plateau.
The views? Chef's kiss. The Swiss side delivers classic Alpine scenery, while the French side takes you through charming mountain towns that look like they belong on a postcard. With those steep sections and hairpin potential, it's definitely a road that demands respect, but the payoff is absolutely worth the effort.
Where is it?
A nice drive to Pas de Morgins is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.3513, 2.5234
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 30.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,378 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 45.3513, 2.5234
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