Col des Aravis
The 1,486-metre Col des Aravis, where meadows, a small chapel and the snowy summit of Mont Blanc come together in one view. It is a classic drive-up spot for seeing Mont Blanc near Annecy.
The Col des Aravis lies about 8 km southeast of La Clusaz at an altitude of 1,486 metres. It links Haute-Savoie and Savoie and is a pass often crossed by the Tour de France. The pass has the 17th-century Chapelle Sainte-Anne, a few mountain restaurants and cheese stalls. The open grassy slopes to the east offer wide views, and on clear days you can look straight at the snowy summit of Mont Blanc, making it a classic photo spot. Several hiking trails start nearby, and you can walk higher for viewpoints. Entry is free and the pass is open all day. It is about 50 minutes by car from Annecy and can be combined with La Clusaz in one day. In winter the road is sometimes closed for snow.
Opening hours
All day (winter closures depend on snow)
Nearby sights
- La Clusaz
- Le Grand-Bornand
- La Tournette
- Col de la Forclaz
- Le Parmelan
- Cascade d'Angon
- Bout du Lac Nature Reserve
- Talloires