How to drive to Mount Saleve, the "Balcony of Geneva"?
France, europe
29.4 km
1,379 m
moderate
Year-round
# Mount Saleve: France's Alpine "Balcony of Geneva"
Ready for a wild ride through the French Prealps? Mount Saleve is calling, and trust us, the views are absolutely worth the drive.
Located in Haute-Savoie, just a stone's throw from the Swiss border in southeastern France, this 1,379m (4,524ft) mountain pass is the real deal. The entire 29.4 km (18.26 miles) road—technically the D41A—is paved, but don't let that fool you. It's a proper challenge with narrow sections, endless curves, and a few gnarly hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. Some sections hit a brutal 10% gradient, so you'll definitely feel the climb.
The route runs north-south from Vétraz-Monthoux (right on the Swiss border) down to Cruseilles, and every switchback brings something new to marvel at. That's why locals call this place the "Balcony of Geneva"—and once you reach the top, you'll understand exactly why.
At the summit, the panorama is legitimately spectacular. You're looking out at Geneva and the entire lake basin, the Jura mountains, Mont Blanc, Dents du Midi, Aiguille Verte—basically, if it's an iconic peak in this corner of the Alps, you can see it from up here. The scenery alone makes all those tight curves totally worth it.
Where is it?
How to drive to Mount Saleve, the "Balcony of Geneva"? is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 46.0844, 3.1124
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 29.4 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,379 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.0844, 3.1124
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