How to drive through Col des Montets in the French Alps?
France, europe
39 km
1,461 m
extreme
Year-round
# Col des Montets
Ready for an Alpine adventure? Col des Montets sits at 1,461m (4,793ft) in Haute-Savoie, France, nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. This 39 km (24.2 miles) mountain pass connects Chamonix—sitting pretty at the base of Mont Blanc—to Martigny in Switzerland, and it's been famous enough to feature in the Tour de France multiple times.
The good news? This is a driver's dream. The entire route runs on pristine asphalt (the D1506), with gradients that max out at a manageable 8.3%—nothing too gnarly here. The road surface is in excellent condition, and the slopes stay nice and easy throughout. You'll navigate through stunning Alpine scenery, and at the summit, you can explore the Aiguilles Rouges chalet reserve and hit up some natural trails to spot authentic Alpine flora and fauna.
Winter is when things get interesting. While the pass typically stays open year-round, heavy snow can roll in, and avalanche danger means closures happen. If conditions get sketchy, chains or winter tires are absolutely essential. When the pass does shut down, there's a clever backup: the Tunnel des Montets, a dual-purpose railway tunnel that also handles cars and trucks on the French side, so you're never completely stranded.
Bottom line? It's a spectacular, accessible Alpine crossing that delivers stunning views without the white-knuckle stress.
Where is it?
How to drive through Col des Montets in the French Alps? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.3725, 2.0041
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 39 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,461 m
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 46.3725, 2.0041
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