Where is Little Saint-Bernard Pass?
France, europe
26.5 km
2,188 m
hard
Year-round
The Little St Bernard Pass straddles the Italian-French border at a lofty 2,188m (7,178ft), connecting the Aosta Valley in Italy with the Savoie region of France. Seriously, the views alone are worth the trip!
This epic mountain drive runs between Bourg-Saint-Maurice in France and Morgex in Italy. From the French side, it’s about 26.5 km (16.46 miles) long with a climb of 1348 meters (4,423 feet), averaging a 5.1% gradient, but hitting steeper sections of up to 8.1%. The Italian side from Pré-Saint-Didier is a touch shorter at 23.5 km (14.6 mi), climbing 1184 meters (3,885 feet) at a similar 5.1% average. Budget around two hours for the drive, give or take – and keep an eye out, you might recognize bits from the Tour de France!
The best time to hit the Little St Bernard Pass is between June and September. Think blooming wildflowers and crystal-clear skies stretching as far as you can see. Winter? Forget about it! This area gets buried in snow, usually closing by October and not reopening until June. But hey, late May or early June can be pretty magical too, with massive snow walls lining the road.
Historically, this route's a big deal. Some even say Hannibal and his elephants crossed here! Nowadays, it's a well-maintained road with insane views down into the Aosta Valley from the French side. Expect some hairpin turns and a tunnel or two along the way.
Besides the scenery, you'll spot some seriously remote homes clinging to the mountains – some of the most isolated living in Western Europe. The Italian side is where you’ll find the tightest hairpin turns, so pick your poison: a thrilling descent or a leisurely climb.
Animal lovers should check out L'Hospice du Gd-St-Bernard (a bit further up the Grand St. Bernard Pass). It's a museum, monastery, restaurant, and hostel all in one, plus it’s the birthplace of those iconic St. Bernard dogs! And around halfway, you'll find La Thuile, a ski resort town with great food, skiing, and comfy hotels.
If you're up for an unforgettable mountain road trip, the Little St. Bernard Pass delivers with killer views, exciting curves, and a healthy dose of Alpine charm.
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 26.5 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,188 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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